Fallout Filming Locations: From Desert Wastelands to Hidden Vaults
The highly anticipated Amazon Prime series Fallout has taken the streaming world by storm since its release in April 2024. With over 65 million viewers in just two weeks, it’s clear that fans of the post-apocalyptic franchise were eager to see how the beloved video game world would translate to the small screen. One of the most impressive aspects of the show is its ability to bring the vast, desolate wasteland to life. Let’s explore the fascinating fallout filming locations that helped create this immersive experience.
The First of Filming Locations Fallout: Namibia
When it comes to fallout tv show filming locations, few places capture the essence of a post-nuclear world quite like Namibia. The production team, led by director Jonathan Nolan and production designer Howard Cummings, found the perfect backdrop for their vision in the abandoned mining town of Kolmanskop. This Fallout filming location in the Namib Desert, served as the exterior for Shady Sands, a key location in the Fallout universe.
Cummings described Kolmanskop as a place that “says apocalypse when you just look at it.” The team utilized the town’s sand-filled buildings and desolate landscape to create a hauntingly beautiful representation of post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Scenes featuring the enigmatic snake oil salesman were filmed within actual Kolmanskop structures, adding a layer of authenticity to the show’s aesthetic.
The surrounding Namib Desert also provided stunning backdrops for wide shots of the wasteland. One particularly memorable scene features Lucy MacLean (played by Ella Purnell) walking past a massive shipwreck in the middle of the desert. This isn’t a CGI creation, but the real-life Eduard Bohlen, a German ship stranded on Namibia’s aptly named Skeleton Coast.
Utah: Brotherhood of Steel’s Stronghold
Moving from the African desert to the American West, the fallout filming location for the Brotherhood of Steel’s base was none other than Wendover Air Force Base in Utah. This former World War II training facility proved to be the perfect setting for the technologically advanced paramilitary organization.
The choice of Wendover Air Force Base is particularly fitting given its historical connection to nuclear weapons. In February 1945, prototype atomic weapons were created and tested at this very site. This link to real-world nuclear history adds an extra layer of depth to the fallout tv show filming locations.
New York: Easter Eggs and Urban Decay
While much of Fallout takes place in vast, open wastelands, the show also needed to depict the remnants of pre-war urban environments. New York state provided several key filming locations fallout fans will recognize from the games.
In Nyack, a small village in Rockland County, the production team transformed a local gas station into the iconic Red Rocket truck stop. This location serves as a delightful Easter egg for fans of Fallout 4, where the Red Rocket station plays a memorable role.
Staten Island contributed another familiar sight from the games: the Super Duper Mart. An abandoned ShopRite on Hylan Boulevard was given a post-apocalyptic makeover to become this recognizable location. The Brooklyn Army Terminal also got in on the action, serving as the intimidating Enclave base seen in the series.
New Jersey and Beyond
The Pine Barrens automotive graveyard in New Jersey provided the perfect setting for the entryway to the town of Filly, showcasing the production team’s knack for finding real-world locations that seamlessly fit into the Fallout universe.
Additional fallout filming locations included Las Vegas, Nevada, which lent its desert surroundings to some wasteland scenes, and Los Angeles, California, where various scenes were shot. Interestingly, the show has received tax credits from California, suggesting that even more filming will take place in the City of Angels for future seasons.
Also check out: Fallout Season 2: Plot, Release Date, and Everything We Know
Bringing the Wasteland to Life
What sets the Fallout series apart is its commitment to using real locations whenever possible, enhancing them with practical effects and minimal CGI to create a believable post-apocalyptic world. Production designer Howard Cummings described his approach as asking, “How do I Fallout this?” when arriving at each location.
This attention to detail extends to the show’s aesthetic, which maintains the retro 1950s look that’s become synonymous with the Fallout franchise. While the surface world is appropriately sparse and barren, scenes set inside the Vaults showcase the preserved pre-war style that contrasts sharply with the wasteland above.
The Future of Fallout
As fans eagerly anticipate future seasons, it’s clear that the show’s success is due in large part to its incredible mission impossible fallout filming locations. By utilizing real-world settings and enhancing them with subtle effects, the production team has created a world that feels both familiar and alien, much like the game series it’s based on.
With more filming planned in Los Angeles for upcoming seasons, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of real-world locations to bring the Fallout universe to life. Whether it’s transforming abandoned buildings into mutant-infested ruins or finding the perfect spot for a hidden Vault entrance, the team behind Fallout has proven their ability to turn our world into a captivating post-apocalyptic playground.
In conclusion, the mission impossible fallout filming locations play a crucial role in the show’s success, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a tangible, believable world. From the deserts of Namibia to the urban decay of New York, each location adds depth and authenticity to the Fallout universe. As the series continues to expand, we can’t wait to see what new and exciting locations will be transformed into the next unforgettable wasteland adventure.
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