The Syfy series Resident Alien has captured the hearts of sci-fi fans and lovers of small-town humor alike. Set in the fictional town of Patience, Colorado, the show blends comedy, drama, and alien intrigue, all against the backdrop of an idyllic small-town environment.
However, as Resident Alien‘s loyal viewers know, Patience isn’t a real town. Instead, the stunning filming locations of Resident Alien are scattered across British Columbia, Canada. With its incredible natural landscapes and top-tier production facilities, BC serves as the perfect setting for this one-of-a-kind series.
In this post, we’ll take you on an in-depth journey through the stunning filming locations of Resident Alien, offering an insider’s look at the real-world locations that bring this captivating world to life.
The Heart of Patience: British Columbia’s Cinematic Charm
While Patience, Colorado may exist only on-screen, the filming locations for Resident Alien are very real, and many of them come from the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia.
Why British Columbia?
British Columbia has long been a top destination for filmmakers, thanks to its rich geography, robust infrastructure, and film-friendly policies. Here’s why BC is an ideal location for a show like Resident Alien:
- Diverse Geography: From snow-capped peaks and dense forests to rolling hills and coastal views, BC offers a vast range of settings. Whether it’s the rugged backdrops for alien planets or the quaint streets of Patience, BC’s geography can seamlessly transform for each episode.
- Tax Incentives: BC offers tax incentives that make it an attractive filming location for both big-budget productions and smaller shows like Resident Alien.
- Film Industry Infrastructure: Vancouver, a major city in BC, boasts some of the best post-production facilities, soundstages, and visual effects companies, helping bring the sci-fi elements of Resident Alien to life.
- Sustainability: BC places a strong emphasis on sustainable production practices, making the filming of Resident Alien more eco-friendly through initiatives like LED lighting and recycling.
These elements come together to create an environment that allows the creators to bring their visions of Patience and alien worlds to life.
Season-by-Season Breakdown: A Tour Through Time and Space
Each season of Resident Alien introduces new locations, with each setting further enhancing the show’s sci-fi and small-town charm. Let’s explore the most notable filming locations across the seasons.
Season 1: Delta and Britannia Beach – The Transformation of Patience
In the first season, Resident Alien kicks off its journey by establishing Patience with some of the most iconic British Columbia locations.
- Delta, British Columbia:
Ladner Village, with its picturesque streets, provides the perfect small-town atmosphere, while Boundary Bay Airport offers the ideal setting for the dramatic crash of Harry’s spaceship. These locations set the tone for the small-town humor and alien encounters that define the series. - Britannia Beach, British Columbia:
The Harry’s Cabin scene, filmed at Britannia Beach, is one of the most memorable in the show. Surrounded by the towering Stawamus Chief mountain, this secluded location mirrors Harry’s isolation, both from the humans around him and his alien mission.
Season 1 Key Locations:
- Ladner Village, Delta
- Boundary Bay Airport, Delta
- Harry’s Cabin, Britannia Beach
- Stawamus Chief Mountain, Squamish
Season 2: Ladysmith’s Main Street Takes Center Stage
In Season 2, the show shifts focus to Ladysmith, British Columbia, which becomes the heart of Patience’s Main Street.
- Ladysmith, Vancouver Island:
First Avenue in Ladysmith transforms into Patience’s Main Street, bringing a charming small-town feel that perfectly matches the show’s tone. The local businesses, quaint cafes, and shops lend authenticity to the town’s aesthetic. - Transfer Beach Park, Ladysmith:
Situated along the waterfront, Transfer Beach Park plays host to several key moments in Season 2, providing a scenic backdrop for multiple character interactions.
Season 2 Key Locations:
- First Avenue, Ladysmith (Patience’s Main Street)
- Transfer Beach Park, Ladysmith
- Old City Bakery, Ladysmith
Season 3: Expanding Horizons Across British Columbia
As the show continues into Season 3, new locations emerge, introducing more diverse and rugged landscapes that help expand the universe of Resident Alien.
- Garibaldi Provincial Park:
The awe-inspiring Garibaldi Provincial Park becomes a key setting, showcasing the snowy, alien planets that serve as Harry’s homeworld. The striking beauty of the park enhances the show’s alien backdrops, adding a touch of otherworldliness to the narrative. - Pemberton, British Columbia:
Known for its dramatic scenery, Pemberton provides an excellent setting for the show’s more isolated, mystical moments, contributing to the eerie, almost unreal atmosphere of the alien world.
Season 3 Key Locations:
- Garibaldi Provincial Park, including Alice Lake
- Pemberton, British Columbia
- Sea-to-Sky Corridor, British Columbia
Vancouver: The Unsung Hero Behind the Scenes
While Resident Alien uses beautiful outdoor locations, much of the show’s interior action happens in Vancouver, which serves as the heart of the production.
Vancouver’s Contribution:
- Soundstages:
Vancouver’s soundstages are essential for filming interior scenes. The custom-built sets allow for controlled, immersive environments where the sci-fi elements, like alien spacecraft and otherworldly settings, come to life. - Visual Effects (VFX):
Vancouver is home to some of the world’s leading VFX companies, where CGI elements are used to create stunning alien worlds and encounters, from CGI creatures to entire alien landscapes.
Iconic Locations Unveiled: The Real Stars of the Show
Several filming locations from Resident Alien have become iconic, largely due to their deep connection with the series’ memorable moments. Let’s take a look at some of these standout places:
- Harry’s Cabin at Britannia Beach:
This remote cabin filmed at Britannia Beach is a symbolic location for Harry’s isolation. The surrounding natural beauty of the area mirrors Harry’s struggle to connect with humanity while remaining on his alien mission. - Ladysmith’s Main Street:
The vibrant First Avenue in Ladysmith becomes Patience’s Main Street, where many key moments unfold. Whether it’s the quirky townsfolk or the dramatic confrontations, the small-town atmosphere plays a significant role in the show’s success.
Table: Key Filming Locations from Resident Alien
| Location | Real-Life Location | Role in Show |
|---|---|---|
| Patience Main Street | First Avenue, Ladysmith | The central hub of Patience |
| Harry’s Cabin | Britannia Beach | Harry’s secluded retreat |
| Alien Planet Backdrops | Garibaldi Provincial Park | Snowy, rugged alien landscapes |
| Transfer Beach Park | Transfer Beach, Ladysmith | Key character interactions |
| Snowy Alien Planets | Pemberton | Locations for alien encounters |
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Location Scouting
Location scouting is an essential element in the filmmaking process, and for Resident Alien, it plays a crucial role in crafting the show’s world. Each location is carefully chosen to align with the show’s themes of small-town charm, alien intrigue, and humor.
What Goes Into Location Scouting?
- Visual Metaphors: The scouts select locations that visually represent core themes. For instance, the rugged mountain landscapes of Garibaldi Provincial Park serve as a visual metaphor for Harry’s alien status—both a place of refuge and alienation.
- Practical Considerations: Filming logistics are vital. Locations must be accessible for crew and cast, and easy to transform into sets. The set dressing is just as important in ensuring that each site feels fully integrated into the world of Patience.
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Filming
As sustainability becomes a focal point in film production, British Columbia leads the way in promoting eco-friendly practices. Resident Alien takes part in this initiative, ensuring that its impact on the environment remains minimal.
Sustainable Practices Include:
- LED Lighting: Using energy-efficient LED lighting on set reduces the overall carbon footprint of productions.
- Recycling: Productions like Resident Alien make efforts to recycle materials whenever possible, ensuring that waste is minimized.
- Local Hiring: Hiring local crew members not only supports the community but also reduces travel-related carbon emissions.
In addition to these efforts, the popularity of Resident Alien has helped boost tourism, with many fans visiting filming locations such as Harry’s Cabin and Ladysmith’s Main Street.
Table: All Seasons Filming Locations at a Glance
| Season | Key Locations | Featured Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Delta, BC, Britannia Beach, BC | Harry’s Cabin, Ladner Village, Boundary Bay Airport |
| Season 2 | Ladysmith, BC | First Avenue, Transfer Beach Park, Old City Bakery |
| Season 3 | Garibaldi Provincial Park, Pemberton, BC | Alice Lake, Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Pemberton |
| Across All Seasons | Vancouver, BC | Soundstages, Post-production Facilities, Visual Effects Studios |
Conclusion: The Symbiotic Relationship Between Resident Alien and British Columbia
The stunning filming locations of Resident Alien help immerse viewers in the world of Patience, blending small-town charm with sci-fi intrigue. British Columbia’s vast landscapes, eco-friendly filming practices, and robust production infrastructure make it the perfect place to bring this one-of-a-kind show to life.
As the show evolves, the connection between Resident Alien and its filming locations remains essential. Whether it’s the rugged mountain backdrops or the peaceful coastal waters, the stunning scenery of British Columbia enhances the experience, ensuring the continued success of Resident Alien for years to come.
