Ritesh Sharma
Created by Jon Erwin, Amazon Prime Video’s ‘House of David’ is a sweeping epic that chronicles the transformative journey of David, an outcast who rises to become one of history’s most celebrated kings. This series delves deep into David’s life, from his early days as a shepherd to his legendary battle with Goliath and his complex relationship with King Saul. The narrative explores themes of destiny, faith, and resilience, bringing a fresh perspective to a timeless tale. With compelling performances by a talented ensemble cast comprising Michael Iskander, Ali Suliman, Stephen Lang and others, the story traverses the audience across diverse and breathtaking landscapes.
The stunning settings not only enhance the visual storytelling but also showcase the profound connection between the characters and their environments. Each location is meticulously chosen to reflect the emotional and spiritual milestones of David’s journey, making the backdrop an integral part of the narrative. In ‘House of David,’ locations play a pivotal role, serving as more than just backdrops but as reflections of the characters’ inner journeys. The diverse settings mirror the emotional and spiritual evolution of David, enhancing the depth and authenticity of the storytelling.
House of David Filming Locations
‘House of David’ is brought to life through two breathtaking primary filming locations: Greece and Calgary, Alberta. The production team initially scouted locations in Morocco, Jordan, Italy, and Israel before selecting Greece for its ancient architecture and scenic landscapes, which provide an authentic setting for the biblical drama. The stunning landscapes in these locations serve as the perfect canvas to capture the grandeur and epic scale of the show’s inaugural season.
Fully embracing the natural beauty and rich historical essence of these locations, the series transports viewers to a world that feels both familiar and strikingly otherworldly at the same time. Filming for season 1 commenced in mid-2024 and went on for several weeks before concluding in the same year, with every frame meticulously crafted to ensure authenticity and visual splendor.
Greece
‘House of David’ is filmed across various locations in Greece, chosen for their historical significance and scenic landscapes. The production centers around the Prefecture of Attica, which includes Athens and its surrounding areas. A significant portion of the filming takes place at Kapa Studios, situated at 2 Eratosthenous Street, Markopoulo Mesogaias, P.C. Kapa Studios offers amazing sound stages and comprehensive production facilities, making it an ideal choice for recreating the ancient settings required for the series. The studio’s amenities include advanced lighting and sound equipment, spacious set construction areas, and post-production suites, ensuring a seamless workflow from filming to editing.
Beyond the controlled environment of the studio, the production utilizes various outdoor locations to capture the natural beauty and historical ambiance of Greece. Notably, the Peloponnese region, known for its ancient ruins and diverse terrains, serves as a backdrop for several scenes. Specific shooting sites within the Peloponnese include Ancient Messene, located at Messini, and the Old Town of Nafplio, situated in Nafplio. These locations provide an authentic setting that enhances the visual aesthetic of ‘House of David.’
Calgary, Alberta
‘House of David’ capitalizes on the diverse landscapes and robust film infrastructure of Calgary, Alberta. The city’s versatile environments allow the production to emulate various ancient settings. A key location is the CL Western Town and Backlot, commonly known as CL Ranch, located at 45001 Township Road AB T3Z 2N2. This expansive property features a fully operational Western-themed town, which is adapted to represent ancient marketplaces and rural areas pertinent to the series. The ranch’s amenities include multiple standing sets, open landscapes, and on-site production offices, providing a comprehensive solution for large-scale productions.
Additionally, the production utilizes various neighborhoods within Calgary to depict urban settings. The Inglewood neighborhood, known for its historic charm, offers streets that are transformed to portray urban settings within the series. Specific establishments and exteriors are modified to align with the show’s period aesthetics. Similarly, the Marda Loop community provides residential backdrops, with certain homes and streetscapes utilized to portray domestic scenes from the era. These neighborhoods offer historic architecture and adaptable streetscapes, contributing to the series’ authentic portrayal of ancient times. The selection of these Calgary locations is handy in bringing the ancient world to life, offering a tangible connection to the historical narrative portrayed in ‘House of David.’
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