“Snowpiercer” is a 2013 post-apocalyptic action film directed by Bong Joon-ho, based on the French graphic novel “Le Transperceneige” by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand, and Jean-Marc Rochette. Written by Bong and Kelly Masterson, the film is a South Korean-Czech co-production and marks Bong’s debut in English-language cinema, with about 85% of the dialogue in English.
Following the success of “Parasite,” which won Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards, Bong Joon-ho gained international recognition, bringing attention to his other films. “Snowpiercer,” starring Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, and Song Kang-ho, explores class disparities through a physical setting: a train housing the last survivors of a new ice age, where lower-class passengers revolt against their oppression.
The film’s intricate train setup and production challenges reflect the meticulous planning required to meet its needs. In 2020, a television series adaptation of “Snowpiercer” premiered on TNT, continuing the story in a dystopian thriller format over four seasons.
Where was “Snowpiercer” Filmed?
Bong Joon-ho wanted the film to look realistic and used the studio’s facilities to achieve this. He made sure that the train set had the correct layout to show the direction of movement clearly. The tail section of the train was always on the left, and the front engine section was on the right. This helped the audience understand the train’s movement and the characters’ journey.
After filming in the Czech Republic, the post-production and editing of ‘Snowpiercer’ were done in South Korea. This final step was crucial to complete the film and prepare it for release.
Prague, Czech Republic
Bong Joon-ho’s first English-language film, ‘Snowpiercer,’ is based on a French graphic novel called “Le Transperceneige”. Bong Joon-ho read the graphic novel and was so impressed that he decided to adapt it into a film. Initially, he thought of filming in Canada because of the available infrastructure. However, for the studio work, the team visited Europe and chose Barrandov Studios in the Czech Republic.
Barrandov Studios
Barrandov Studios became the main filming location for ‘Snowpiercer.’ This studio was chosen because it had the space and facilities needed for the film’s massive sets. The production team built a large train set and used advanced equipment, like gimbals, to help with filming. The filming began on April 3, 2012, and lasted for 72 days. The principal photography was completed on July 14, 2012.
‘Snowpiercer’ was filmed mainly at Barrandov Studios in Prague, Czech Republic, with significant work done to create a realistic train environment. The careful planning and use of facilities helped bring Bong Joon-ho’s vision to life, making the film a standout in its genre.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Snowpiercer
Q: Where was Snowpiercer filmed?
A: Snowpiercer was primarily filmed at Barrandov Studios in Prague, Czech Republic. Some additional scenes were shot around the city of Prague to enhance the film’s setting.
Q: When did the filming of Snowpiercer take place?
A: Filming for Snowpiercer began on April 3, 2012, and continued for 72 days. The principal photography wrapped up on July 14, 2012.
Q: When was Snowpiercer released?
A: Snowpiercer was released on August 1, 2013, in South Korea. The film had its U.S. release on June 27, 2014.
Q: Why was Barrandov Studios chosen for filming?
A: Barrandov Studios was chosen because it provided the large studio space and facilities needed to accommodate the film’s extensive sets, including the full-sized train and other elaborate setups.
Q: Did Snowpiercer have any filming in Korea?
A: Although Bong Joon-ho, the director, initially wanted to film in Korea, the production team eventually chose the Czech Republic for its larger studio spaces. Post-production and editing, however, were completed in South Korea.
