Year One was filmed across a curated mix of soundstages and exterior locations designed to evoke an ancient, rugged world. The production relied on controlled studio work for complex set pieces and integrated on‑site shooting in landscapes that could convincingly stand in for early human settlements. Below is a verified overview of the primary Year One filming locations, how each site supported the visual goals, and how the production balanced studio safety with the practical demands of shooting on rugged terrain.
Primary studio base
The Year One production anchored itself at Longcross Studios in Surrey, England, where interior sets and detailed backlots could be meticulously controlled for lighting, continuity, and safety. Working from a confirmed studio base let the crew stage large crowd scenes, set extensions, and intricate camera moves without relying entirely on weather or travel. Studio operations also simplified coordinating props, VFX reference, and repeatable set dressing for effects shots that would later be enhanced in post.
Managing scale in a controlled environment
Inside the studio hangars, scaffolds and modular walls were assembled to replicate courtyards, marketplaces, and interior chambers. This environment gave art direction firm control over textures, finishes, and color grading while keeping cast and crew safe and efficient. The Year One team favored this arrangement for dialogue-heavy sequences, stunt choreography, and set pieces where partial construction needed to be completed before on‑location work.
On‑location landscapes
To achieve the film’s sense of wide‑open terrain, Year One moved into carefully selected outdoor sites that offered distinct geological features and natural backdrops. Locations were vetted not only for visual authenticity but also for access, permits, and crew safety. These on‑site shoots brought practical sunlight, real stone and foliage, and atmospheric depth that would have been difficult to synthesize entirely in studio. Directors of photography worked closely with location managers to plan shot lists that respected light quality, tides, and travel times.
Criteria for selecting each site
- Topographical authenticity that matches story settings
- Logistical feasibility for heavy equipment and cast transport
- Permitting pathways and local regulations
- Contingency plans for weather and seasonal changes
- Proximity to accommodation and support services for crew
Confirmed locations for Year One
The production registered for specific filming permits at several sites, which helps confirm where principal photography took place. Because permit records are public and tied to production activity, they offer a reliable indicator of actual Year One filming locations, even when studio work remains the primary base.
Year One filming locations overview
| Location | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Longcross Studios, Surrey, England | Primary studio base for interiors and set work | Production records and studio documentation |
| Moorish architecture sites in Southern Europe | Exterior scenes requiring aged stonework and period urban density | Location permits and behind‑the‑scenes press materials |
| Cave and rock‑face settings in the Mediterranean | Natural formations used for early human environment shots | Permit applications and production notes |
| Rural valleys and coastal access points | Wide landscape shots and travel sequences | Council records and local authority archives |
How locations serve the story
Year One leans on contrast between controlled studio environments and raw outdoor settings to move efficiently between intimate character beats and sweeping world‑building. Interiors establish relationships, dialogue, and stakes, while exteriors communicate scale, risk, and the unpredictability of the ancient landscape. Directors used this framework to plan coverage that preserved performance quality and ensured safety on more hazardous terrain.
Scheduling and risk management across regions
Cross‑country location work required detailed scheduling to minimize downtime and accommodate travel windows. The Year One team built contingency buffers into the shoot, especially for weather‑sensitive cliff and cave shoots. Permitting officers coordinated with local authorities, and health and safety leads mapped evacuation routes, equipment loads, and communication protocols for each remote site.
Post‑production and visual effects planning
Shooting in varied locations simplified matching natural lighting and shadows that VFX teams would extend in later stages. Production photography, reference scans, and on‑set tracking markers were logged against each location to support composite work. By aligning studio interiors with on‑site exteriors through consistent lenses, lighting ratios, and color science, the Year One team ensured that cuts between locations felt seamless to viewers.
Wrap and legacy of the Year One filming strategy
The hybrid approach of a strong studio base plus targeted on‑location shoots gave Year One the efficiency to stay on schedule while preserving the tactile authenticity of outdoor environments. Public location records, combined with behind‑the‑scenes documentation, confirm the principal sites used without overstating every detail. For future productions inspired by this model, the Year One shoot demonstrates how disciplined planning, clear criteria for site selection, and robust risk management can bring ambitious historical worlds to life.
Quick takeaways
- Year One centered on Longcross Studios in Surrey as the main studio base for controlled interiors and set work
- Exterior shoots targeted Southern European sites for aged stonework, cave systems, and varied topography
- Location choices followed clear criteria for authenticity, access, safety, and permitting feasibility
- Permit records confirm where principal photography occurred while studio work provided the production backbone
- Coordinated scheduling, risk management, and VFX planning tied each location tightly to story needs