The bulk of the show was filmed in Scotland, with principal photography taking place in various locations.
One of the essential places where the show was filmed is the real-life Royal Navy Submarine Base Clyde, located in the village of Faslane, near Helensburgh. The base is one of the UK’s most significant naval facilities, serving as the home port for the Navy’s four Vanguard-class submarines, which carry the UK’s Nuclear Deterrent.
The Vigil’s production team received unprecedented access to the base, making it possible for them to shoot much of the show’s submarine interior scenes on location. The producers were allowed to film in the submarine simulator facility, which helped create a more immersive viewing experience for the audience. This led to some of the breathtaking shots from the series, showing the intricacies of the submarine’s operational systems.
Another Scottish location where Vigil was filmed is the former Strategic Weapons Establishment, which is now known as Coulport. Here, several of the exterior and drone shots of the submarine base were captured, offering a stunning view of the facilities.
Additionally, Glasgow was also used as a backdrop for some scenes of the show. It is an essential hub for the Scottish entertainment industry, and its architecture is world-renowned. The city streets served as the perfect location for the many interrogation scenes that the series featured.
Lastly, some of the show’s shots were filmed on location in the studio, such as the submarine’s torpedo room. The impressive visual effects added to this scene were a combination of green screen techniques, computer-generated imagery, and a physical set.
It is not only Scotland that had a hand in the creation of the show. The show’s opening credits are the work of the London-based company Painting Practice, which has previously worked on famous productions like Westworld and The Crown. Painting Practice’s mission was to create a unique visual language that would echo the show’s dark and mysterious tone. Their work undoubtedly paid off, as the opening credits sequence is one of the show’s highlights.
In conclusion, Vigil’s captivating and realistic setting owes much of its success to the production team’s tireless efforts on and off the screen. From the Royal Navy Submarine Base Clyde to Glasgow’s historic streets, all the locations chosen for this show are integral pieces of the puzzle that made it a hit. And while the plot and the acting are the main focus of the series, it is the incredible attention to detail and the show’s locations that add depth to the show. Vigil is a must-watch for anyone looking for an action-packed, engaging, and thrilling TV show experience – and now we know where we could potentially visit the locations where this compelling series was filmed.