Saagar Kote
AMC’s adventure drama series ‘Nautilus,’ created by James Dormer, explores the origin story of Captain Nemo and his iconic submarine. The series follows Nemo, an Indian prince dispossessed of his birthright and family, now a prisoner of the East India Company. Driven by a desire for revenge against those who took everything from him, Nemo embarks on a journey with his eclectic crew aboard the magnificent Nautilus, confronting adversaries and exploring enchanting underwater realms. In the series based on Jules Verne’s ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas,’ the ocean sequences, the setting, and the grandeur of the visuals add narrative depth, while also playing a crucial role in enhancing the show’s immersive tone and historical authenticity.
Nautilus Filming Locations
‘Nautilus’ was primarily filmed in Australia, specifically in Queensland, with nearly 70% of the production taking place in Village Roadshow Studios and the remainder across locations in Queensland such as the City of Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Ipswich. As per reports, production began in February 2022 and finished in January 2023. Filming was originally expected to begin in 2021, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was postponed to the next year. Filming was executed with the support of the Australian Government’s Location Incentive and the Queensland Government, through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy. Additional support was provided by the City of Gold Coast via its Film Attraction Fund.
City of Gold Coast, Queensland
One of the main scenes featuring the ship Nautilus’ journey on the open sea was shot in the water tank on the backlot of the Village Roadshow Studios located at 4210 Oxenford. Xavier Marchand, one of the show’s producers, stated that Village Roadshow offered an ideal studio environment. He highlighted their access to numerous stages, water tanks, and blue screens, along with very quick access to amazing locations, emphasizing that they had everything at their disposal. The production encompassed a total of 197 main unit shoot days, 71 second unit shoot days, and 6 VFX shoot days. The series engaged over 2,000 Australian crew, performers, and extras. More than 1,300 Australian vendors provided services to the production, including over 1,000 from Queensland. The elaborate interiors of the submarine Nautilus and several other sets were constructed within the studio.
In an interview with Show Snob, Shazad Latif opined that he had quite a lot of time before the series, and utilized it to get involved in a preparation process of nearly seven months. He also said he was excited to perform in the epic scenes of the show. In another interview with Country and Townhouse, when asked if his role was physically demanding, Latif stated, “Extremely. This was a 210-day shoot, which is on the upper end of the longest shoots there. Weekends off, but every day otherwise. Lots of action scenes, different stunts, sword fights, it was so physically demanding. It does get you in a good routine, though, you have to try to stay fit and healthy.”
In the same interview, when asked about how much of the shoot was done on set and on location, he goes on to say that, “A lot in Brisbane on the Gold Coast. The whole of episode four was on location. And then a lot on these amazing sets – there’s a lot less CGI than you would think. Mostly it’s built sets. I particularly loved filming in Tambourine Mountain on the Gold Coast, which was particularly cool. There’s a tropical rainforest there, and we also shot on the beaches.”
Important scenes featuring naval sequences were lensed at Maas Marina, located at 82 Cabbage Tree Point Road in Steiglitz. Several films and TV series have utilized Maas Marina as a filming location, notably the ABC crime series ‘Troppo.’ Key exterior scenes were taped at Tallebudgera, a suburb in the City of Gold Coast, located approximately 16.7 kilometers south of Surfers Paradise. Just outside the City of Gold Coast is Tamborine Mountain, a scenic plateau in the Gold Coast Hinterland, which served as the filming location for key scenes where characters journeyed through mountainous terrain. This location stands approximately 560 meters above sea level.
Brisbane, Queensland
Key interior and exterior scenes in the show were filmed in May 2022 at the Old Museum Building, located at 480 Gregory Terrace in Bowen Hills. The historic landmark, built in 1891, is characterized by its red bricks, grand arches, and a prominent tower. It is a beloved Brisbane institution, drawing visitors for cultural events and historical exploration. In September 2022, the Queensland Parliament House, located at 2A George Street, also served as another filming location. This building, completed in 1868, stood in for grand 19th-century structures and is notable for its stately columns and stone architecture, where state leaders convene to make laws and decisions.
Filming for some scenes took place at Fort Lytton National Park, located at 60 South Street in Lytton. It is a place in Brisbane where visitors can learn about the country’s military history and enjoy nature. The park is home to Fort Lytton, a historic coastal defense fort built in the 1880s to protect Brisbane from naval attacks.
Ipswich, Queensland
For particular key scenes in the show, Ipswich served as a stand-in for historical London streets. The city is well-known for its architectural, natural, and cultural legacy, boasting over 6,000 heritage-listed sites and more than 500 parks, all of which contribute to its dedication to preserving and managing its historic structures. It has served as a filming location for several movies, including ‘The Railway Man,’ ‘Inspector Gadget 2,’ ‘Don’t Tell,’ ‘Savages Crossing,’ and ‘Rise.’ The city’s appeal as a filming destination is further enhanced by its heritage-rich locations, which have attracted various productions.
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