When the American science fiction horror series “From” premiered on EPIX in February 2022, it captivated audiences with its chilling premise and atmospheric setting.
But where exactly was this eerie world brought to life? Let’s delve into the filming locations that gave “From” its distinct and haunting character.
Nova Scotia: The Heart of “From”
The production team behind “From” chose Nova Scotia as the primary backdrop for their mysterious town, and it’s not hard to see why.
This Canadian province offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, historic architecture, and a burgeoning film industry that made it the perfect canvas for the show’s creators.
Why Nova Scotia?
Nova Scotia’s diverse scenery played a crucial role in creating the show’s unsettling atmosphere. From dense forests to quaint rural towns, the province provided a wealth of locations that could be transformed into the series’ isolated and menacing setting.
“Nova Scotia’s natural beauty and versatility made it the ideal location for ‘From’. We could create our own world while still grounding it in a sense of reality.” – John Griffin, Creator of “From”
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The province’s film industry has been growing steadily over the past decade, offering:
- Experienced local crews
- State-of-the-art production facilities
- Attractive tax incentives for filmmakers
These factors combined to make Nova Scotia an appealing choice for the “From” production team.
Nova Scotia’s Film Industry by the Numbers
| Year | Number of Productions | Economic Impact (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 58 | $78 million |
| 2020 | 62 | $91 million |
| 2021 | 70 | $180 million |
As we can see, Nova Scotia’s film industry has been experiencing significant growth, with “From” contributing to this upward trend.
Halifax: More Than Just a Base of Operations
While much of the series takes place in the fictional town, Halifax served as an important hub for the production.
This vibrant capital city of Nova Scotia provided more than just logistical support; it influenced the show’s aesthetic in subtle yet meaningful ways.
Specific Locations Used in Halifax
- Downtown Halifax: Several exterior shots feature the city’s historic architecture, cleverly disguised to fit the show’s setting.
- Halifax Waterfront: The harbor area was used for some of the more atmospheric scenes, with fog rolling in from the Atlantic.
- Point Pleasant Park: This urban forest provided a backdrop for some of the show’s more isolated outdoor scenes.
Halifax’s Architectural Influence
The city’s mix of colonial and modern architecture inspired the set designers when creating the show’s fictional town. Elements of Halifax’s Georgian and Victorian buildings can be seen in the facades of the town’s structures, lending an air of authenticity to the set.
Local Talent and Crew Involvement
Halifax’s thriving arts community provided a wealth of talent both in front of and behind the camera. Local actors were cast in supporting roles, while experienced crew members from the area lent their expertise to various aspects of production.
Crafting a Nightmare: The Village Set
One of the most crucial aspects of bringing “From” to life was the creation of the village set. This process involved meticulous planning, design, and construction to create a believable and terrifying world for the characters to inhabit.
Location Scouting Process
The production team spent weeks scouring Nova Scotia for the perfect location to build their village set. They needed a place that was:
- Isolated enough to feel cut off from the world
- Accessible for cast and crew
- Able to accommodate a large-scale construction project
After an extensive search, they settled on a location near Beaver Bank, a community in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Designing and Building the Set
The village set was built from the ground up, a massive undertaking that took several months to complete. Key features included:
- A main street with various storefronts
- Residential areas with different styles of houses
- A central gathering place for the townspeople
- Hidden camera positions to capture the action from multiple angles
The design team drew inspiration from small towns across North America, creating a place that felt both familiar and slightly off-kilter.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
Building a set of this scale in Nova Scotia came with its own set of challenges:
- Weather: The team had to contend with Nova Scotia’s unpredictable weather, which often delayed construction.
- Logistics: Transporting materials to the relatively remote location proved difficult at times.
- Environmental Concerns: Great care was taken to minimize the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Despite these obstacles, the end result was a fully-realized town that became a character in its own right.
Enhancing the Claustrophobic Feel
The village set was deliberately designed to feel confining and oppressive. Narrow streets, tall buildings that blocked out the sky, and a pervasive sense of decay all contributed to the show’s claustrophobic atmosphere.
Oakfield Provincial Park: Nature’s Sinister Backdrop
While the village set was the heart of the show, Oakfield Provincial Park provided the series with some of its most haunting natural scenery. This picturesque park, located about 30 minutes from Halifax, became an integral part of the “From” universe.
Key Scenes Filmed in the Park
Oakfield Provincial Park was used for several pivotal scenes in the series, including:
- Characters venturing into the surrounding forest
- Mysterious encounters in the wilderness
- Establishing shots that emphasized the town’s isolation
The park’s diverse landscape, featuring dense woods, open meadows, and a serene lake, allowed the filmmakers to create a sense of vast, untamed wilderness just beyond the town’s borders.
Manipulating the Natural Environment
To achieve the right look for the show, the production team had to carefully manipulate the park’s natural environment:
- Selective clearing of underbrush to allow for better camera angles
- Addition of prop elements to enhance the eerie atmosphere
- Careful lighting to create long shadows and dark, foreboding spaces
All of these changes were done with strict adherence to environmental regulations and in close cooperation with park officials.
Balancing Preservation with Production Needs
Filming in a protected natural area like Oakfield Provincial Park required a delicate balance between the needs of the production and the preservation of the environment. The “From” team implemented several measures to minimize their impact:
- Use of eco-friendly materials in set dressing
- Strict waste management and recycling programs
- Restoration of any disturbed areas after filming was complete
This commitment to environmental stewardship set a positive example for future productions in the area.
Historical Echoes: Nova Scotia’s Dark Past
Nova Scotia’s rich and sometimes dark history provided a wealth of inspiration for the creators of “From”. The province’s past is filled with tales of isolation, hardship, and unexplained phenomena that resonated with the show’s themes.
Real-life Events That Inspired the Show
While “From” is a work of fiction, several historical events from Nova Scotia’s past influenced its creation:
- The Curse of Oak Island: This real-life mystery involving a supposedly treasure-laden island off Nova Scotia’s coast inspired some of the show’s more supernatural elements.
- Sable Island Shipwrecks: The treacherous waters around Sable Island, which have claimed over 350 ships, lent a sense of danger and isolation to the series.
- Halifax Explosion: While not directly referenced, the devastating 1917 explosion in Halifax Harbor influenced the show’s themes of community resilience in the face of catastrophe.
Influence on Set Design and Atmosphere
The production design team drew heavily from Nova Scotia’s architectural history when creating the look of the town.
Elements of maritime architecture, such as widow’s walks and salt box houses, were incorporated into the set design to root the fictional town in a sense of regional authenticity.
Expert Insights
To ensure historical accuracy and draw meaningful connections between Nova Scotia’s past and the world of “From”, the production team consulted with local historians and experts.
“The show’s creators were deeply interested in how Nova Scotia’s history could inform their storytelling. They wanted to create a world that felt grounded in real history, even as it ventured into the realm of the supernatural.” – Dr. Emily Thompson, Historian at Dalhousie University
The Technical Side: Bringing “From” to Life
Creating the unsettling world of “From” required not just great locations and set design, but also sophisticated technical expertise. The show’s cinematography, lighting, and special effects all played crucial roles in bringing the eeriness of Nova Scotia to the screen.
Cinematography Techniques
The cinematographers on “From” used several techniques to capture Nova Scotia’s essence:
- Wide-angle lenses: To emphasize the vastness of the landscape and the characters’ isolation.
- Handheld cameras: For more intense, intimate scenes, creating a sense of unease.
- Drone footage: To establish the town’s location and the surrounding wilderness.
Lighting and Special Effects
Lighting played a crucial role in creating the show’s atmosphere:
- Natural light: Whenever possible, the team used Nova Scotia’s natural light, particularly during the “golden hour” at dawn and dusk.
- Practical effects: Many of the show’s more supernatural elements were achieved through practical effects rather than CGI, lending a more realistic feel.
- Fog machines: Used extensively to create the eerie mist that often envelops the town.
Post-Production Magic
In post-production, the team further enhanced the eeriness of the Nova Scotia locations:
- Color grading to create a consistent, slightly desaturated look
- Sound design that incorporated subtle, unsettling ambient noises
- Visual effects to enhance certain supernatural elements
Impact on Local Economy and Tourism
The production of “From” had a significant positive impact on Nova Scotia’s economy, particularly in the Halifax, Beaver Bank, and Sackville areas where much of the filming took place.
Job Creation and Economic Boost
The production created hundreds of jobs for local crew members, actors, and support staff. According to the Nova Scotia Film Commission, the average film or television production in the province generates:
- 600 direct and indirect jobs
- $8 million in wages and salaries
- $3 million in goods and services purchased locally
Rise in “Set-Jetting” Tourism
Since the series premiered, Nova Scotia has seen an increase in what’s known as “set-jetting” – tourism inspired by film and TV locations. Popular “From” related attractions include:
- Guided tours of filming locations
- Themed experiences at local businesses
- Photography workshops in areas featured in the show
Local Business Benefits
Many local businesses in Halifax, Beaver Bank, and Sackville saw increased patronage due to the production:
- Hotels and short-term rentals for cast and crew
- Restaurants and catering services
- Transportation and equipment rental companies
Cast and Crew Experiences
The cast and crew of “From” spent months immersed in the Nova Scotia landscape, an experience that profoundly impacted their work on the show.
Interviews About Filming in Nova Scotia
Many cast members spoke positively about their time in Nova Scotia:
“There’s something about the landscape here that just seeps into your bones. It definitely influenced how I approached my character.” – Harold Perrineau, lead actor
Spooky On-Set Occurrences
Given the nature of the show, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some cast and crew members reported strange experiences during filming:
- Unexplained noises on set after hours
- Feelings of being watched while filming in remote locations
- Odd equipment malfunctions during particularly intense scenes
While these could be chalked up to overactive imaginations, they certainly added to the overall atmosphere of the production.
Location Influence on Performances
The isolated nature of many of the filming locations helped the actors tap into their characters’ sense of fear and disorientation. Method acting techniques were employed by some cast members, who chose to stay in character even when cameras weren’t rolling.
Comparing “From” to Other Shows Filmed in Nova Scotia
While “From” has certainly made its mark, it’s not the first production to take advantage of Nova Scotia’s diverse landscapes and film-friendly environment.
Other Notable Productions in Nova Scotia
- “The Lighthouse” (2019): A psychological thriller starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, filmed on Cape Forchu.
- “Haven” (2010-2015): A supernatural drama series based on Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid”, filmed in various locations around Nova Scotia.
- “Trailer Park Boys” (2001-2007, 2014-2018): A beloved Canadian mockumentary series set and filmed in the Halifax area.
What Makes “From” Unique
While these other productions showcased different aspects of Nova Scotia, “From” stands out for its:
- Creation of an entire fictional town within the province
- Blending of real locations with elaborate set pieces
- Use of the landscape as an integral part of the story, almost as a character itself
Conclusion: Nova Scotia – The Unseen Character
As we’ve explored the various filming locations of “From”, it’s clear that Nova Scotia is more than just a backdrop – it’s an integral part of the show’s DNA.
From the purpose-built village set near Beaver Bank to the natural beauty of Oakfield Provincial Park, the province’s diverse landscapes have helped create a world that’s both familiar and deeply unsettling.
The success of “From” has not only boosted Nova Scotia’s growing film industry but has also showcased the province’s potential as a destination for other horror series and science fiction productions.
As the show continues to captivate audiences, it’s likely we’ll see more productions taking advantage of Nova Scotia’s unique blend of natural beauty and eerie atmosphere.
As we look forward to future seasons of “From”, one thing is certain: the haunting landscapes of Nova Scotia will continue to play a crucial role in bringing this chilling story to life.
FAQ Section
Q: Where exactly was the town in “From” filmed?
A: The town was primarily a purpose-built set located near Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia. However, some scenes were also filmed in Halifax and Oakfield Provincial Park.
Q: Can I visit the filming locations?
A: While the main set is not open to the public, many of the locations in Halifax and Oakfield Provincial Park are accessible. Several tour companies now offer “From”-themed tours of the area.
Q: How long did filming take?
A: The first season of “From” took approximately six months to film, from May to November 2021.
Q: Are there plans to film future seasons in Nova Scotia?
A: As of now, the production team has expressed interest in continuing to film in Nova Scotia, though official announcements for future seasons have not been made.
Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect filming?
A: Like many productions during this time, “From” implemented strict health and safety protocols. This included regular testing, mask mandates when not on camera, and limited crew sizes for indoor scenes.
By exploring the filming locations of “From”, we gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of filmmaking and the role that location plays in storytelling. Nova Scotia’s landscapes have become an integral part of this American science fiction horror series, helping to create a world that continues to captivate and terrify audiences in equal measure.
David Lee is a seasoned writer specializing in filming locations. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for cinema, David explores the stories behind iconic sites and shares unique insights that bring your favorite films and series to life.
