Resident Alien, a captivating blend of sci-fi and small-town drama, has gained a dedicated fan base thanks to its quirky characters and unique setting.
While the show is set in the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, the real magic happens in British Columbia, Canada. From the towering mountains to the lush forests, this province offers an unparalleled backdrop for the out-of-this-world storylines.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the filming locations of Resident Alien, and explore how British Columbia becomes a character in itself, from Vancouver to Squamish, and beyond.
The Heart of Patience: British Columbia’s Essential Role
Though Resident Alien is set in the picturesque Patience, Colorado, the actual filming takes place across the diverse landscapes of British Columbia.
This province has earned a reputation for being a top choice for filmmakers, and for good reason. It offers a variety of settings, from rugged mountains to tranquil lakes, all with excellent film infrastructure and cost-effective production benefits.
Why British Columbia?
British Columbia isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a key character in Resident Alien. The province’s diverse geography offers a seamless fit for the show’s needs, allowing it to transform into the town of Patience with ease.
Whether it’s a quaint village street, a snow-capped mountain, or an alien planet, British Columbia can adapt to it all.
- Versatile Landscapes: From forests to beaches to mountains, British Columbia offers a wide range of settings that fit perfectly with the small-town atmosphere and sci-fi elements in Resident Alien.
- Film Infrastructure: Vancouver, the hub of Canadian filmmaking, is just a stone’s throw away from these locations, making it a convenient and affordable place for film productions to thrive.
- Economic Incentives: British Columbia also offers tax incentives for film productions, making it an attractive destination for shows like Resident Alien.
- Access to Talent: Vancouver has a thriving pool of talented actors, directors, and crew members, ensuring top-tier production quality.
Season-by-Season Breakdown: Exploring Filming Locations Across Time and Space
The filming locations in Resident Alien evolve throughout the show, giving fans a chance to see new parts of British Columbia as the plot develops.
Season 1: Delta’s Transformation into Patience
For the first season, the small town of Delta, located in the Metro Vancouver area, served as the main filming location. This area was transformed into the bustling fictional town of Patience.
- Ladner Village: A charming area that became Patience’s main street, with its historic buildings and quaint shops.
- Boundary Bay Airport: This real-world airport played a key role in several pivotal scenes, providing a grounded setting for the show’s alien encounters.
- Burns Bog: A critical setting for the show’s mysterious alien-related scenes, the bog’s eerie atmosphere made it the perfect place for otherworldly encounters.
Season 2: Ladysmith’s Small-Town Charm
As the show gained popularity, the production moved to Ladysmith, a charming town on Vancouver Island. This location became the heart of Patience, maintaining its quaint charm while offering fresh perspectives.
- First Avenue: This picturesque street became the heart of Patience, with its well-preserved buildings becoming the perfect setting for the town’s small-town atmosphere.
- Transfer Beach Park: A stunning waterfront area in Ladysmith that was used for some of the more serene and visually striking scenes in Season 2.
- Old City Bakery: This bakery became Patience’s go-to eatery, showcasing how Ladysmith’s local businesses were rebranded for the show.
Season 3: Expanding Horizons Across BC
As the show expanded, so did its filming locations. Squamish, Britannia Beach, and Richmond were introduced to give the show a broader range of landscapes.
- Squamish: Known for its rugged mountain backdrops, Squamish provided the perfect backdrop for several dramatic outdoor scenes.
- Britannia Beach: Harry’s iconic cabin is located here, offering an isolated yet breathtaking setting for the character’s off-world experiences.
- Richmond: Urban locations in Richmond helped expand the town of Patience, offering more varied backdrops for the storyline.
Vancouver: The Unsung Hero of Resident Alien
While the scenic beauty of British Columbia steals the show, Vancouver serves as the backbone of the production.
This city offers state-of-the-art soundstages that allow the show’s team to create detailed and realistic interior sets.
Soundstages: The Magic Behind the Scenes
Filming on soundstages in Vancouver allows the team to control the lighting, weather, and environment, ensuring that scenes match the director’s vision.
These controlled environments are particularly important for the more sci-fi elements of the show, where digital effects and intricate set designs are essential.
- Weather-independent filming: Vancouver’s soundstages offer flexibility, allowing the production team to film no matter what the weather is like outside.
- Set versatility: The controlled environments allow for detailed set designs that can match the show’s small-town feel and sci-fi aesthetics.
- Cost-effective filming: Vancouver offers affordable solutions for long-term filming, which is crucial for ongoing series like Resident Alien.
Vancouver’s Versatility: A Filmmaker’s Dream
Vancouver’s proximity to multiple natural filming locations, coupled with its robust film industry infrastructure, makes it the ideal place for productions like Resident Alien.
From skilled talent to easy access to key locations, Vancouver offers unparalleled advantages for filmmakers.
- Diverse talent pool: The city’s skilled professionals in every aspect of filmmaking ensure top-tier quality on set.
- Efficient logistics: Vancouver‘s central location allows quick transitions between urban, rural, and wilderness settings.
- Film-friendly policies: The city offers streamlined permit processes, making it easy for filmmakers to get started.
Iconic Locations Unveiled: The Real Stars of Resident Alien
Several filming locations have become iconic for their contribution to the small-town atmosphere and sci-fi elements of Resident Alien.
Harry’s Cabin: The Story Behind Britannia Beach
One of the most memorable locations in the show is Harry’s cabin, which sits high above Britannia Beach. This cabin not only serves as Harry’s home but also symbolizes his isolation and alien status.
- Location: Britannia Beach, a small community located just north of Vancouver.
- Significance: The cabin’s isolated location perfectly encapsulates Harry’s alien journey, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Sea-to-Sky Corridor: From Glaciers to Alien Landscapes
The Sea-to-Sky Corridor offers a vast range of British Columbia’s diverse landscapes, making it perfect for alien planet scenes in Resident Alien.
From glaciers to forests, the corridor provides the perfect backdrop for the show’s dramatic moments.
- Stawamus Chief: Featured in scenes where characters are seen hiking through rugged landscapes.
- Alice Lake: Used as one of the Patience water bodies, adding to the town’s tranquil vibe.
- Garibaldi Provincial Park: A key location for alien planet backdrops, showcasing British Columbia’s unique natural beauty.
Ladysmith’s Main Street: The Heartbeat of Patience
In Season 2, Ladysmith’s First Avenue became the essence of Patience, Colorado. The charming street’s historic buildings and vibrant businesses transformed into the show’s central hub.
- Set dressing: Local businesses rebranded for the show, with new signage and decor to match the small-town vibe of Patience.
- Traffic management: Filming required local authorities to control traffic, ensuring smooth production while maintaining the authenticity of the town.
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Location Scouting
The location scouts behind Resident Alien played a pivotal role in selecting the right spots to bring the show’s vision to life.
Their work was essential in transforming Ladysmith, Delta, and other towns into Patience, Colorado.
Case Study: Turning Ladysmith into Patience
Ladysmith was an especially challenging location to transform into Patience, Colorado, but the location team made it work seamlessly.
- Community engagement: Local businesses and residents were involved in the process, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life.
- Set dressing: Real-life storefronts were modified to match the fictional Patience, creating a sense of authenticity.
- Traffic management: Local authorities were crucial in controlling pedestrian and vehicle movement, ensuring smooth filming in public spaces.
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Filming Practices
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the entertainment industry, Resident Alien has taken steps to minimize its environmental footprint.
Partnering with Local Communities
The production team has worked closely with local businesses and crew members, helping boost the economy of the areas they film in.
- Local hiring: By hiring local extras and crew members, the show helps create jobs within the community.
- Sustainable practices: The production uses LED lighting and follows recycling programs to reduce waste.
From Screen to Reality: The Tourism Impact of Resident Alien
As the show’s popularity has grown, so has the interest in visiting Resident Alien’s filming locations. Fans flock to Ladysmith, Squamish, and other areas featured on the show.
- Tourism boost: Ladysmith has seen a 15% increase in visitors since the show’s debut.
- Economic impact: Local businesses have capitalized on the influx of visitors by offering Resident Alien-themed merchandise and guided tours.
The Future of Resident Alien Locations
As Resident Alien continues to captivate audiences, fans are left wondering where the show will go next.
The future may see more of British Columbia’s landscapes, including the Okanagan Valley, the Gulf Islands, and Northern BC.
- Okanagan Valley: Known for its desert-like terrain, this region could provide a unique backdrop for the show’s alien themes.
- Gulf Islands: Coastal settings could enhance the show’s rural, small-town vibe.
- Northern BC: Remote wilderness locations could expand the show’s narrative, creating new challenges for Harry and the residents of Patience.
Crafting Patience: Blending Real Locations and Movie Magic
One of the show’s biggest achievements is its seamless integration of real locations and visual effects. This allows Resident Alien to present a believable yet otherworldly version of Patience.
Blending Reality with CGI
While many of the show’s scenes are filmed in real locations, CGI plays a key role in enhancing the show’s sci-fi elements.
Alien spacecraft, for example, are digitally inserted into shots of British Columbia’s stunning landscapes.
Creating a Cohesive Small-Town Feel
Despite filming across various locations, the show’s production team has worked tirelessly to ensure that Patience, Colorado feels like one cohesive, well-established town.
They do this by using consistent color palettes, recurring elements, and careful set dressing.
Conclusion: The Symbiotic Relationship Between Resident Alien and British Columbia
The success of Resident Alien is intrinsically tied to the stunning filming locations of British Columbia.
The province’s diverse landscapes not only set the tone for the show but also help boost local economies through film tourism.
Whether it’s the rugged mountains of Squamish or the charming streets of Ladysmith, British Columbia will always be home to the world of Patience, Colorado.
As the series progresses, we can expect more stunning locales from this beautiful province, continuing to captivate audiences while fostering sustainable film practices and creating lasting economic impacts.
FAQs
Where was Resident Alien filmed?
Resident Alien was filmed primarily in British Columbia, Canada, with locations like Ladysmith, Vancouver, and Britannia Beach playing key roles, alongside custom sets.
Where is Resident Alien filmed?
The series is filmed in British Columbia, Canada, utilizing both outdoor locations and custom-built sets to bring its scenes to life.
Is Patience Colorado a real place?
No, Patience, Colorado is a fictional town created specifically for the plot of Resident Alien and does not exist in real life.
Where are the filming locations of Resident Alien?
The filming of Resident Alien took place in various British Columbia locations, including Vancouver, Ladysmith, and Britannia Beach, which brought the fictional town of Patience, Colorado to life.
Where is Harry’s cabin located in Resident Alien?
Harry’s lakeside cabin in Resident Alien was filmed at Britannia Beach, with the interior scenes created on a soundstage in Vancouver.