The iconic television series “The X-Files,” which first aired in 1993, captivated audiences with its blend of science fiction, horror, and mystery. The show followed FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigated unexplained phenomena and government conspiracies. The atmospheric and varied filming locations played a crucial role in establishing the series’ eerie and suspenseful tone. This article explores some of the most notable filming locations used in “The X-Files.”
Vancouver, British Columbia
For the first five seasons, “The X-Files” was primarily filmed in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. The region’s dense forests, rugged coastlines, and urban settings provided a versatile backdrop for the series’ diverse storylines. Locations such as the University of British Columbia served as stand-ins for various institutions, while the dense forests of Lynn Valley were often used for scenes involving outdoor investigations or alien landscapes.
Los Angeles, California
In an effort to accommodate the personal wishes of its lead actors, “The X-Files” production moved to Los Angeles, California, starting from the sixth season. This shift introduced a noticeable change in the show’s visual aesthetic, with sunnier locales and a different architectural vibe. Iconic LA landmarks, including the Griffith Observatory and the Queen Mary in Long Beach, featured in various episodes, providing new and intriguing settings for Mulder and Scully’s investigations.
Why They Moved Filming to LA?
David Duchovny’s request to move the filming of “The X-Files” from Vancouver to Los Angeles was primarily motivated by personal reasons. Duchovny, who played FBI Agent Fox Mulder, wanted to be closer to his wife, actress Téa Leoni, and their family. At the time, Duchovny and Leoni were living in Los Angeles, and the distance imposed by the show’s production in Vancouver was challenging for him.
The move to Los Angeles for the show’s sixth season in 1998 not only addressed Duchovny’s personal desire to be closer to his family but also marked a new chapter for “The X-Files.” While the shift brought about a noticeable change in the show’s atmosphere—due to the different landscapes and lighting of Southern California—it also opened up new opportunities for the series in terms of locations and storylines.
This relocation was a significant logistical and financial decision for the production, demonstrating the importance of Duchovny to the show and the lengths to which the producers were willing to go to accommodate one of its leading stars.
Desert Locations
The stark and mysterious beauty of desert landscapes was utilized in several “The X-Files” episodes, most notably in episodes involving UFO sightings and alien storylines. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California and the Nevada desert near Area 51 were particularly significant. These locations offered the perfect setting for conveying the isolation and intrigue associated with UFO lore.
Other Notable Locations
- Skyland Mountain, Virginia: While much of the show was not filmed in the actual locations where the stories were set, Skyland Mountain in Virginia played a pivotal role in the series’ mythology, particularly in episodes involving the abduction of Mulder’s sister.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: For the production of the show’s feature film, “The X-Files: Fight the Future” (1998), Pittsburgh was used to represent several different cities. Its versatility allowed for scenes ranging from urban centers to ice-covered landscapes.
- British Columbia (Return): The series returned to its original filming roots in British Columbia for its revival seasons (Seasons 10 and 11). This homecoming allowed the series to recapture the dark, moody atmosphere that had been so effective in its early years.
Conclusion
“The X-Files” utilized its filming locations to great effect, creating a world that felt simultaneously vast and intimate, familiar and strange. From the shadowy forests of British Columbia to the bright streets of Los Angeles and beyond, the series crafted a visually compelling universe that was crucial to its storytelling. These locations not only grounded the series’ outlandish sci-fi elements in reality but also played a significant role in establishing the show’s unique tone and atmosphere, making “The X-Files” a memorable experience for its audience.
