Ritesh Sharma
Anthony and Joe Russo bring their signature flair to ‘The Electric State,’ a gripping sci-fi adventure set in an alternate, retro-futuristic America. Adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s eponymous graphic novel, the film follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), a sharp-witted teenager on a desperate quest. She believes her younger brother, long presumed dead, is alive and controlling a mysterious robot named Cosmo. With Keats (Chris Pratt), a smuggler with secrets of his own, she embarks on a dangerous journey across a world where technology and decay collide. Along the way, they face ruthless pursuers, uncover buried truths, and question the very nature of their reality.
The film’s setting breathes life into its story and the vast, eerie landscapes stretch endlessly, reinforcing the loneliness of Michelle’s search. Once-thriving places now feel abandoned, swallowed by time and forgotten technology. Rusting robots loom like relics of a failed dream. Every frame pulses with a strange beauty, making the journey feel as vital as the destination. In a world crumbling under the weight of its past, every road, ruin, and skyline tells a story of what was—and what still lingers.
The Electric State Filming Locations
Filming ‘The Electric State’ was as much an odyssey as the story itself. The production team spanned multiple locations across the globe, each chosen to enhance the film’s distinct visual and atmospheric tone. Principal photography took place in Atlanta and Cobb County in Georgia, along with Palmdale, California, bringing the film’s retro-futuristic world to life. Beyond the aforementioned regions, Brazil and India were tapped as secondary filming locations, adding further depth to its sprawling, immersive landscape.
The shoot was physically demanding, mirroring the relentless journey of its characters. Filming officially commenced in October 2022 under the working title ‘Stormwind.’ However, the production faced an unexpected and tragic halt on November 4, 2022, when a crew member lost their life in an off-set car accident. This devastating incident momentarily paused operations, but the team pressed on, completing principal photography by February 9, 2023. Even after wrapping, the work was far from over. By February 2024, reshoots had taken place from March 20 to April 5, ensuring every frame met the film’s ambitious vision. From grueling travel schedules to unexpected setbacks, ‘The Electric State’ was shaped as much by its filming process as by the story it tells.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta has long been a film and television production powerhouse, earning the title “Hollywood of the South” due to its extensive industry support and diverse filming locations. For ‘The Electric State,’ the city’s blend of historic charm and modern infrastructure played a crucial role in crafting the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic. The city’s skyline, a mix of sleek skyscrapers and old-world architecture, allowed the filmmakers to create a visually immersive world that felt familiar and futuristic.
The Gate City’s robust film infrastructure provided access to high-end soundstages, top-tier special effects teams, and an experienced local workforce, ensuring a smooth production process. The city’s adaptability made it an ideal choice for constructing elaborate sets, enhancing the film’s ability to seamlessly blend practical effects with digital elements. With its vibrant cultural landscape, Atlanta offered plenty of real-world locations that naturally aligned with the film’s tone. The city’s transportation network and resources enabled the crew to move efficiently between urban environments, industrial districts, and open spaces, adding depth and variety to the film’s visual narrative.
Beyond the logistical benefits, Atlanta’s film-friendly tax incentives further cemented its appeal, allowing the production to allocate more resources toward visual storytelling. The collaboration between city officials, film commissions, and production teams ensured that filming proceeded without major disruptions. Given Atlanta’s track record of hosting large-scale projects, the city provided a creative environment that helped bring ‘The Electric State’ to life authentically and scale, demonstrating why it remains a top choice for filmmakers worldwide.
Cobb County, Georgia
Located just outside of Atlanta, Cobb County contrasted the city’s urban energy, offering tranquil and expansive settings that enriched ‘The Electric State’s’ visual storytelling. The production utilized the county’s scenic landscapes to complement the film’s themes of isolation and discovery, balancing its high-tech elements with nature’s untouched beauty. The region’s lush greenery, serene lakes, and rolling hills provided a cinematic backdrop seamlessly integrated with the film’s atmospheric tone. The production team specifically utilized Lake Acworth, a 260-acre artificial lake southwest of the city of Acworth. This serene lake provided expansive natural settings that contrasted with the urban scenes shot in Atlanta, highlighting the film’s exploration of isolation and discovery.
Cobb County’s commitment to the arts and film production played a significant role in ensuring that the filmmakers had access to essential resources, including local talent and logistical support. The area’s reputation for welcoming film crews made it attractive, allowing the production team to work efficiently while capturing the county’s natural beauty. The region’s versatility allowed for a range of visual styles, from intimate character moments to sweeping landscape shots that emphasized the vastness of the film’s world.
The production benefited from the county’s well-maintained infrastructure, which made transporting crew and equipment between locations easy. Cobb County’s ability to accommodate a large-scale project like ‘The Electric State’ demonstrated its growing significance in the film industry, with a supportive local community ensuring that the shoot proceeded smoothly. The balance between structured, production-friendly locations and untouched natural scenery allowed filmmakers to craft a visually engaging and immersive experience.
Palmdale, California
Palmdale’s vast desert terrain and open landscapes played a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of ‘The Electric State.’ The city’s stark, arid environment provided a natural backdrop that perfectly complemented the film’s journey, solitude, and discovery themes. With its endless horizons and rugged terrain, Palmdale created a sense of desolation that enhanced the film’s immersive world-building, allowing the filmmakers to capture sweeping shots emphasizing the characters’ sense of isolation.
Logistically, Palmdale’s proximity to Los Angeles, California, made it a practical choice for production, enabling efficient transportation of crew, equipment, and resources without the constraints of a major metropolitan area. The region’s history of accommodating large-scale productions ensured the filming process was smooth, with local authorities and businesses offering support to facilitate the shoot. The diverse desert landscapes allowed for various cinematic compositions, from vast, empty expanses to more detailed rock formations, adding visual variety to the film’s setting.
Palmdale’s dramatic natural scenery was particularly effective in heightening the film’s emotional impact, providing a hauntingly beautiful yet harsh environment that mirrored the protagonist’s journey. The ability to manipulate the desert’s appearance with practical effects and cinematography helped create an otherworldly atmosphere while maintaining a grounded, realistic feel. The cooperation of the local community ensured minimal disruptions, allowing the creative team to explore the region’s potential fully. The city’s inclusion in ‘The Electric State’ reinforces its value as a versatile filming location, capable of delivering striking visuals that enhance a film’s narrative. By utilizing Palmdale’s landscapes, the filmmakers were able to craft a setting that felt both expansive and intimate, adding a powerful dimension to the film’s storytelling.
India
India’s rich cultural and geographical diversity was integral to expanding the visual scope of ‘The Electric State.’ The country’s landscapes offered a distinct contrast to the other filming locations, adding layers of depth to the film’s world-building. From sprawling urban centers to breathtaking natural scenery, India’s inclusion in the production allowed for a dynamic blend of environments that enriched the film’s aesthetic. With a long-standing history of hosting international film productions, India provided access to skilled local crews, advanced filming technology, and a deep artistic heritage contributing to the film’s authenticity.
The country’s ability to accommodate large-scale projects ensured that the production team had all the necessary resources to bring their vision to life. The fusion of traditional and modern architecture created a visually compelling setting, offering an immersive backdrop for the film’s narrative. India’s cinematic legacy and vibrant atmosphere added a unique energy to the film, allowing for moments of visual grandeur and cultural depth. The country’s involvement in ‘The Electric State’ showcases its growing prominence as a destination for global filmmaking, with its diverse landscapes seamlessly integrating into the film’s world.
Brazil
Brazil’s inclusion as a filming location for ‘The Electric State’ added diversity to the film’s visual storytelling. The country’s vast and varied landscapes, ranging from dense rainforests to sprawling cities, provided an expansive canvas for the film’s world-building. By incorporating Brazil’s striking natural and urban environments, the filmmakers were able to craft a visually dynamic experience that enhanced the story’s themes of exploration and resilience. The country’s well-established film industry experienced local crews, and production infrastructure ensured the filmmaking process was smooth and efficient. Brazil’s ability to support major international productions made it an ideal choice for scenes requiring a mix of natural beauty and vibrant cityscapes.
The filmmakers took advantage of the country’s distinct architecture and landscapes to create rich and immersive settings, further enhancing the film’s visual appeal. Brazil’s cinematic presence has grown over the years, and its participation in ‘The Electric State’ solidifies its reputation as a valuable destination for filmmakers seeking breathtaking scenery and a dynamic cultural backdrop. Incorporating Brazil’s diverse environments into the film, the production team added a layer of global authenticity, giving audiences a fresh perspective on the film’s narrative.
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