Shubhabrata Dutta
Created by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz, Apple TV+’s ‘Murderbot’ is a sci-fi comedy drama series centering on an AI-powered robot that goes rogue. Based on ‘All Systems Red,’ the first book in Martha Wells’ ‘The Murderbot Diaries’ novel series, the show is set in a future where humans are carrying out research that enables them to colonize other planets. They use cyborgs, AKA Security Units or SecUnits, for security, one of which manages to hack its own programming, thereby gaining access to free will.
Calling itself Murderbot, since it can now kill humans if it wants to, the cyborg watches soap operas and is entertained by the absurdity of humans. It further tries to ensure that humans don’t discover its truth, which can compromise its existence. This leads to a string of humorous events underscored by trust, connection, loyalty, and politics. The visuals play a significant role in ‘Murderbot’ as they help establish a futuristic society within which the narrative is set.
Murderbot Filming Locations
‘Murderbot’ is filmed in Toronto, Vancouver, and Elora. Principal photography reportedly began in March 2024 and continued for over three months before wrapping up in the second half of June the same year. Toronto and Vancouver are known as Hollywood North due to their reputation as two of the leading production locations worldwide. The two cities served as the bases for the shoot while the community of Elora became the backdrop for additional scenes. The cast and crew had a great time filming the show, which incorporates custom-built sets and outdoor locations.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, the capital of Ontario, has been used to film many indoor and outdoor scenes. The crew utilized the city’s diverse modern architecture and top-tier sound stages to recreate the high-tech spaces and otherworldly environment, including the alien planets. Green screens were used to extend the backdrops, which were altered in post-production. Several scenes were reportedly filmed in North York, including the York University Subway Station, at 120 Ian MacDonald Boulevard. The station’s boomerang shape, the glass panels, and the sleek interiors helped the production team enhance the show’s style while keeping things as real as possible.
The city’s tax incentives also helped the crew fully utilize its infrastructure and huge production facilities that offer ample space that can be used and modified as required. This is an advantage for shows like ‘Murderbot,’ which are inclined towards practical sets. Other projects shot in Toronto include ‘Bet,’ ‘Overcompensating,’ and ‘Another Simple Favor.’ Well-known tourist spots and landmarks in the city include the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, Kensington Market, the Distillery District, the Toronto Zoo, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, located in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland region, was the second base for filming. Similar to Toronto, this city also offers a wide range of state-of-the-art buildings and urban spaces that have been used to highlight the alien yet familiar world. The tangible production design incorporates minimalism and gives the show a strong and visually striking aesthetic. Other Apple TV+ shows shot there include ‘Government Cheese,’ ‘See,’ ‘Home Before Dark,’ and ‘The Last of Us.’ Popular places you can visit in Vancouver include Stanley Park, Science World, Vancouver Art Gallery, Gastown, and Kitsilano Beach.
Elora, Ontario
The production crew reportedly resorted to Elora, a community in the Centre Wellington township in Wellington County, to film some outdoor scenes. They accessed the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, located at 319 Wellington Road 18, which is known for its natural landscape and the popular 2-acre water-filled limestone quarry surrounded by cliffs upto 40 feet high. The area offers recreational activities like boating, birding, skiing, picnicking, tubing, camping, hiking, and more. The Elora Gorge can be spotted nearby, through which flows the majestic Grand River. The quarry has served as one of the primary filming locations for the ‘It’ movies.
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