Introduction
Based on true events in the summer of 2013, Only the Brave tells the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite team of firefighters from Prescott, Arizona. The film follows the crew as they battle a raging wildfire threatening their small town and the surrounding areas in the American Southwest. Released in 2017, the film was a critical success and earned its place among the top 10 films of the year.
This article will explore the locations where Only the Brave was filmed. We’ll take a look at the primary filming spots, the logistical challenges faced by the production crew, and how the beauty and drama of the American Southwest was showcased in the movie.
Exploring the Locations of Only the Brave: A Filming Tour
The majority of Only the Brave was filmed in Arizona and New Mexico. Primary locations included Flagstaff and Sedona in Arizona, and Gallup, Jemez Springs, and Santa Fe in New Mexico. The production also took advantage of the region’s stunning landscapes, shooting on location in the Grand Canyon, Apache National Forest, and the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
Logistically, there were several challenges for the production crew when filming in these remote locations. In order to reach some of the desired sites, the crew had to drive long distances over winding mountain roads, often carrying heavy equipment and props. Additionally, the weather could be unpredictable, and the crew had to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, wind, and rain.
The Beauty and Challenges of Filming in the Wild West for Only the Brave
Capturing the authentic look and feel of the American Southwest was a priority for the filmmakers behind Only the Brave. The movie is filled with sweeping shots of red canyons and huge plateaus, giving viewers a sense of the vastness and ruggedness of the region.
Working around the region’s weather conditions was one of the biggest challenges for the production crew. During their time in Arizona and New Mexico, they encountered temperatures above 100°F, dust storms, and heavy rain. Despite these obstacles, the crew was able to capture the unique beauty of the area and bring it to life on screen.
How Only the Brave Showcased the Dramatic Landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico
In order to get the most out of the region’s dramatic landscapes, the filmmakers behind Only the Brave selected specific locations that would best reflect the story they wanted to tell. For example, the film’s opening scene was shot at the Grand Canyon, which was used to illustrate the power and danger of nature.
The production also made use of other iconic locations in the American Southwest, such as the Petrified Forest National Park and the White Sands National Monument. By doing so, they were able to create a cinematic representation of the area and showcase its unique beauty.
Capturing a Realistic Portrayal of Firefighting with On-Location Filming for Only the Brave
The filmmakers behind Only the Brave wanted to make sure they accurately captured the realities of firefighting, so they chose to shoot much of the movie on location. This allowed them to re-create realistic firefighting scenes and capture the intensity of the situation.
Safety was a major consideration for the production crew when filming on location. They worked closely with local fire departments and safety experts to ensure that all safety procedures were followed. The crew also had to be prepared to evacuate at any moment if the situation became too dangerous.
Behind the Scenes: How Only the Brave Was Brought to Life on Screen
The production crew behind Only the Brave went to great lengths to ensure the authenticity of their movie. To create the look and feel of a small town in the American Southwest, they built sets in Flagstaff and Gallup, including a replica of the Granite Mountain Hotshots’ fire station. They also collaborated with real-life firefighters to gain insight into the job and learn more about the challenges they face.
The production team also had to work around the region’s extreme weather conditions. In some cases, they had to postpone or reschedule shooting days due to unexpected storms or high winds. Despite these challenges, the crew was able to capture the story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots with realism and respect.
Conclusion
Filmed in the wild west of Arizona and New Mexico, Only the Brave showcases the beauty and drama of the region while telling the inspiring true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. From building sets in Flagstaff and Gallup to collaborating with local firefighters, the production crew went to great lengths to bring this story to life on screen. Through their dedication and hard work, they were able to capture the intensity and emotion of the situation and create a realistic portrayal of firefighting in the American Southwest.
The final result speaks for itself: Only the Brave has become one of the most acclaimed films of 2017, and its portrayal of the Granite Mountain Hotshots has been praised by critics and audiences alike.
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