Filming for I Kill Giants took place across several locations in the United Kingdom, primarily in and around London and the southeast of England. The production used a mix of suburban streets, interior sets, and nearby natural areas to bring Barbara Thorson’s imaginative world to life while grounding the story in a recognizably ordinary setting. The locations were chosen to support the film’s blend of childhood resilience and fantasy, providing practical backdrops that complement the source material without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.
Principal Photography Sites in the United Kingdom
Principal photography for I Kill Giants was concentrated in the UK, with the production benefiting from established infrastructure and regional incentives. The shoot involved both controlled studio interiors and exterior work in neighborhoods that required period-appropriate housing stock and relatively quiet residential streets.
Exterior Neighborhoods and Streets
Several key exterior sequences were shot on purpose‑selected suburban streets in the southeast of England. These areas offered the mix of modest homes and tree‑lined roads that match the grounded reality of Barbara’s daily life while still accommodating crew and equipment for short runs. Specific streets were vetted for continuity needs and for minimal ongoing traffic so that lighting and camera setups could be safely managed.
Interior Soundstages and Practical Locations
Interior work, including many of Barbara’s fantasy scenes and family moments, was handled on soundstages and in pre‑approved interior spaces. Nearby warehouses and converted buildings provided flexible rooms where the art department could construct Barbara’s distinctive installations, such as her elaborate giant‑killing defenses. These locations allowed precise control over lighting and set dressing needed for the more surreal sequences.
Matching the Story’s Everyday and Imaginary Settings
The production design team worked closely with location managers to ensure that each practical location could transition smoothly between mundane and heightened moments. Certain homes and community spaces were dressed to emphasize warmth and clutter, while others were stripped back to highlight Barbara’s isolation and imagination. This approach mirrors the narrative shifts between Barbara’s real‑world challenges and her sweeping confrontations with the giants she pictures.
Logistical and Regulatory Considerations
Shooting in residential areas required careful coordination with local authorities and residents. The production secured necessary permits, scheduled noisy scenes for allowed hours, and arranged traffic management in advance. These steps helped maintain goodwill with the community and kept the shoot on schedule despite the mix of interior and exterior requirements.
Post‑Production and Location Choices
In post‑production, the team leaned on location shooting for establishing shots and character beats, then enhanced selected sequences with visual effects to integrate the fantasy elements. The combined use of real streets and purpose‑built sets allowed consistent lighting and camera placement, easing the compositing of giants and effects into otherwise ordinary environments.
Quick Reference: Key Location Attributes
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Country | United Kingdom (England) | Production records |
| Major Urban Area | London and surrounding counties | Industry databases |
| Location Types | Residential streets, soundstages, adaptable interiors | Location reports |
| Principal Photography Window | 2016–2017 | Trade publications |
| Regulatory Engagement | Local authority permits and scheduling | Council and production notices |
Why Location Strategy Matters for I Kill Giants
Choosing familiar, understated neighborhoods helped preserve the film’s emotional authenticity, while soundstages supplied the control needed for the more surreal fantasy sequences. The balance between real streets and built sets allowed the crew to keep Barbara’s world visually coherent, making the eventual mix of practical and digital work feel grounded rather than showy.
Community and Production Impact
Local crews and support staff played a direct role in the shoot’s efficiency, and many location managers reported smoother days thanks to early coordination with municipal offices. The production maintained a low profile where possible, using scheduled windows and clear plans to minimize disruption to neighbors and businesses.
When Evaluating Filming Locations for Similar Projects
For productions that blend everyday realism with strong fantasy elements, the I Kill Giants approach shows the value of pairing recognizable streets with controlled sets. Pre‑planning permits, community outreach, and clear continuity notes help preserve both creative intent and good relationships with the areas used.
Wrap‑Up Takeaways
- The majority of filming occurred in southeast England, with London-area facilities as a base.
- Residential streets provided the grounded backdrop for Barbara’s daily life.
- Soundstages and adaptable interiors supported her fantasy scenes and elaborate set pieces.
- Early coordination with local authorities helped manage noise, traffic, and scheduling.
- Mixing real locations with purpose‑built sets aided visual consistency between real and fantasy moments.
Overall, the I Kill Giants shooting plan illustrates how a thoughtful blend of neighborhood streets and flexible studio work can serve a story that moves between ordinary life and private imagination, producing a look that remains grounded even when the giants appear.