Mind-bending Apple TV+ sci-fi thriller Constellation is wowing viewers with its high-concept approach to the genre, but much of the show was filmed in relatively recognizable locations, mainly throughout Europe. Despite all its space mysteries, the series is littered with Earthly landmarks — and the production hasn’t been immune to controversy either.
Filming Locations
Berlin
The production has a very European feel, and the locations used in the series reflect this. Financing for Constellation would primarily come from the German government’s Motion Picture Fund, and it was a record-breaking grant of ten million Euros that helped kick-start the production. Some other finance also came via Business Finland, so location work in these areas was assured. Filming would start in Berlin and many areas in and around the city.
Inari, Finland
Lots of frozen landscapes were required for the filming, and Inari was chosen, being able to provide the right locations to get the tone of the scenes right for the show. An article on Lapland’s online site would reveal,
“This Apple TV+ series filmed scenes in Inari, Finland in 2023, making extensive use of production services, accommodation and catering, location scouting and more.”
However, the production would cause some controversy that we will explain later in the article.
Morocco
A post on the Instagram page of Julian Looman, one of the stars of the series, also reveals that some filming took place in Morocco. Some of the more desolate regions located in the town of Errachidia would provide the perfect backdrop for some eerie and atmospheric settings.
View this post on Instagram
The post reads:
Okay so this is happening.
I am more than excited to be part of a new @appletv series called CONSTELLATION ?
Working on that show didn’t only bring me to the most amazing places like Morocco or Finland, but it also got me together with the most amazing talent an actor can wish for.
Noomi Rapace, Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy, Barbara Sukowa.. just to name a few.. you’re phenomenal.
And having the great Michelle MacLaren directing us was just a gift and a pure joy!
.
It’s called CONSTELLATION, it’s on Apple+ from Feb 21st & I do hope you’ll enjoy it ?
New York
A few establishing shots used in the filming were in New York, and they are easy to spot as the locations used are so familiar. If you blink you will miss the shots filmed in and around Times Square.
London, UK
With Constellation being co-produced by Turbine Studios, there are a few scenes that you can see filmed in the UK, particularly in Trafalgar Square, London. Turbine would receive some investment from the BBC in 2022.
Who produced Constellation?
Constellation was created by Peter Harness and was a co-production with Turbine Studios and Haut et Court TV. The website of the production company states: “Haut et Court is an independent production company and distributor founded in 1992 with the aim of revealing and encouraging new talents – French and foreign. For over 25 years now our staff has steadily grown while never failing to assert its enlightened eclecticism and appetite for audacity.”
What happened in Finland?
An article on Apple Insider reveals that after filming, there were some problems with the production company failing to pay their bills. The article states that: “Constellation hasn’t paid its bills in Finland, a report claims, with over a million euros ($1.08 million) in debts left unpaid months after filming ended.”
The companies involved in the show are in dispute over who was responsible for paying what, and as a result, it has left some companies not being paid. The article, written by Malcolm Owen, says “Turbine Studios and Finnish production service company Film Service Finland are said to be in dispute with each other over the responsibility of the invoices. Turbine Studios claims it was aware of the open invoices in March and April, and started investigating the unpaid invoices at that time, and that the original budget was paid to Film Service Finland.”
Let’s hope that the situation has just been an oversight and things have managed to be squared off for all involved.
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