Stranger Things is a critically acclaimed Netflix series that has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. The show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, but it was actually filmed in several different cities across Georgia. In this essay, we will explore each of these cities in detail and provide additional information about each location.
Atlanta, Georgia
The majority of Stranger Things was filmed in and around Atlanta, Georgia. The city was chosen for its diverse range of filming locations, including suburban neighborhoods, forests, and industrial areas.
One of the most iconic locations in the show is Hawkins Middle School, which was actually filmed at Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge, Georgia. The school was chosen for its authentic 80s architecture and its similarities to the school in the show. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the school’s interior, including adding period-appropriate lockers, posters, and classroom decorations. The team also transformed the school’s gymnasium into the show’s iconic “Upside Down” dimension, using a variety of practical and visual effects to create the otherworldly atmosphere.
Another important location in the show is the Hawkins National Laboratory, which was filmed at Emory University’s Briarcliff Campus. The campus was chosen for its eerie and mysterious atmosphere, which was perfect for the show’s supernatural elements. The production team added a variety of props and set pieces to create the lab’s distinct look, including retro computers, scientific equipment, and mysterious government documents. The team also transformed the campus’s old boiler room into the show’s underground laboratory, using a variety of practical and visual effects to create the lab’s creepy and claustrophobic atmosphere.
The show’s production team also filmed in several neighborhoods around Atlanta, including East Point and Stone Mountain. These locations were chosen for their suburban feel and their similarities to the show’s fictional town of Hawkins. The team added a variety of period-appropriate details to these locations, including vintage cars, street signs, and storefronts. They also transformed a local shopping mall into the show’s iconic Starcourt Mall, using a variety of practical and visual effects to create the mall’s vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
Jackson, Georgia
Some scenes from Stranger Things were also filmed in Jackson, Georgia, which is located about an hour south of Atlanta. The city was chosen for its small-town feel, which was perfect for the show’s setting.
One of the most memorable locations in the show is the Byers’ family home, which was actually filmed at a house in Jackson. The house was chosen for its authentic 80s architecture and its similarities to the house in the show. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the home’s interior, including adding period-appropriate furniture, appliances, and decorations. The team also transformed the home’s backyard into the show’s iconic “Byers’ Shed,” using a variety of practical and visual effects to create the shed’s creepy and mysterious atmosphere.
Other scenes from the show were also filmed in downtown Jackson, which was transformed into the show’s fictional downtown Hawkins. The production team added a variety of period-appropriate details to the area, including vintage cars, street signs, and storefronts. They also added a variety of set pieces to create the town’s distinct look, including a movie theater, a diner, and a bookstore. The team also transformed a local community center into the show’s iconic “Hawkins Community Pool,” using a variety of practical and visual effects to create the pool’s vibrant and colorful atmosphere.
Douglasville, Georgia
Several scenes from Stranger Things were also filmed in Douglasville, Georgia, which is located about 20 miles west of Atlanta. The city was chosen for its rural feel, which was perfect for the show’s wooded areas and outdoor scenes.
One of the most memorable locations in the show is the quarry, which was actually filmed at the Bellwood Quarry in Douglasville. The quarry was chosen for its rugged and natural beauty, which was perfect for the show’s supernatural elements. The production team added a variety of set pieces to create the quarry’s distinct look, including a makeshift laboratory, a gate, and a fence. The team also transformed a nearby industrial area into the show’s iconic “Hawkins Power and Light,” using a variety of practical and visual effects to create the power plant’s imposing and foreboding atmosphere.
Other scenes from the show were also filmed in the nearby Sweetwater Creek State Park, which is known for its scenic hiking trails and natural beauty. The park was transformed into the show’s fictional Mirkwood Forest, which was the site of several important scenes. The production team added a variety of set pieces to create the forest’s distinct look, including a makeshift laboratory, a gate, and a fence. The team also transformed a nearby dam into the show’s iconic “Hawkins Middle School,” using a variety of practical and visual effects to create the school’s imposing and foreboding atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stranger Things was filmed in several different cities across Georgia, each of which was chosen for its unique look and feel. The show’s production team went to great lengths to recreate the look and feel of the 80s, adding a variety of period-appropriate details to each location. The team also used a variety of practical and visual effects to create the show’s iconic locations and otherworldly atmospheres.
Overall, the locations where Stranger Things was filmed played an important role in the show’s success, helping to create a world that felt both familiar and mysterious. The show’s impact on popular culture is sure to be felt for years to come, and its filming locations will always be a part of its legacy.
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