Where was Alien filmed?

The spacecraft Nostromo glides silently through the vast, unfathomable expanse of deep space, transporting an enormous load of twenty million tons of mineral ore back to Earth. Stasis has fallen over its seven crew members, oblivious to the cosmos around them.

The team seems fast asleep until its circuits suddenly exhibit an astonishing sign of life. Upon awakening from its digital slumber, the onboard computer, Mother (Helen Horton), illuminates the console with many blinking lights and mysterious data streams.

The production crew at Bray Studios worked their magic to bring this classic awakening scene to life. Bray Studios, in Berkshire near Maidenhead, was the birthplace of the eerily gorgeous miniature representations of the extraterrestrial experiences that the Nostromo had.

H.R. Giger's alien drawings inspired the original 1⁄24 scale creation of miniature copies of the planetoid’s surface and the haunting, abandoned spacecraft overseen by art director Les Dilley. The film's iconic sequences were enacted on full-sized sets made of wood and fiberglass, based on these miniatures that served as blueprints.

The legacy of Bray Studios, particularly its ties to Hammer Film Productions, has, however, since been severed. Even though the actual studios can be inaccessible, the area near Maidenhead is alive with the ghosts of its film history.

Traveling by train from London Paddington to Maidenhead might take anywhere from twenty to forty minutes, depending on the service taken. It is possible to reach the former Bray Studios location from Maidenhead via a short drive or a local bus ride.

As the Nostromo navigates the void of deep space, it approaches a desolate planet nestled close to an imposing ringed giant and its two lesser companions. The refinery separates from the Nostromo, allowing the ship to set a course for the planet's surface.

The descent is fraught with tension, culminating in a rough landing that jolts the crew and damages the ship, necessitating repairs by engineers Parker (Yaphet Kotto) and Brett (Harry Dean Stanton).

The realism and immersive quality of the planet's surface were achieved through the painstaking efforts of the film's production team at Shepperton Studios, specifically within the expansive H Stage. Known for being the most prominent stage at Shepperton, H Stage boasts a height of 45 feet and provides a sprawling 30,000 square feet of space, complete with an interior tank.

The production team, led by visionary director Ridley Scott and his art department, imported tons of sand, plaster, fiberglass, rock, and gravel to meticulously sculpt the barren desert landscape that so effectively conveys the isolation and danger of the alien world.

While access to the studios themselves may be restricted due to ongoing productions, the journey to Shepperton offers a glimpse into the heart of the British film industry. Visitors can reach Shepperton by train from London Waterloo, a journey that typically takes less than an hour. Once in Shepperton, the studios are a short taxi ride or a leisurely walk from the station.

Deep within the bowels of an alien planetoid, Kane (John Hurt) uncovers a vast chamber filled with thousands of leathery objects that closely resemble large eggs. This eerie sight is further enhanced by a strange light and mist that seems to envelop the eggs, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. As Kane moves closer to investigate, he inadvertently triggers a reaction from one of the eggs, leading to his unfortunate encounter with the Facehugger.

This pivotal scene was masterfully constructed within the confines of the now-demolished Acton Lane Power Station in West London. The power station, which had served as a significant source of energy for London, was repurposed as the site for this chilling sequence.

Before its demolition, the Acton Lane Power Station was also utilized for other cinematic projects, including the 'Axis Chemical Works' in Tim Burton's Batman (1989). Though the power station no longer stands, its legacy lives on through its contributions to cinematic history, particularly in the realm of science fiction and horror.

It's important to note that the original Acton Lane Power Station structure has been demolished. However, the area around its former location in West London can still be accessed.

Travelers can reach West London through a variety of transportation options, such as the London Underground, buses, and trains, based on where they are starting their journey. If coming from the city center, the trip by either private car or public transport typically takes between 40 to 50 minutes.

The tension aboard the Nostromo reaches a palpable level as the crew assembles in the mess hall, their camaraderie strained by the uncertainty surrounding Kane's condition. The atmosphere is thick with apprehension and disagreement over the best course of action, a sentiment that only deepens when Dallas (Tom Skerritt) announces the decision for the crew to re-enter hypersleep.

Lambert's (Veronica Cartwright) revelation that it will take an additional ten months to return to Earth further dampens spirits. However, the somber mood is abruptly interrupted when Ash (Ian Holm) summons Dallas to the infirmary with unexpected news: Kane has awakened, groggy but seemingly unscathed.

This scene, along with others set on the Nostromo's bridge, "A" deck, and engine cubicle, was meticulously shot at the C Stage at Shepperton Studios. Known for its impressive dimensions of 40 feet in height and 18,000 square feet of space, C Stage facilitated the creation of the Nostromo's intricate interiors. The use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to display the visuals on the Nostromo's bridge was a pioneering decision at the time, showcasing the film's innovative approach to special effects and set design.

Shepperton Studios, situated in Surrey, is a cornerstone of the British film industry, though it typically does not offer public tours due to its operational nature.

As mentioned before, for those looking to venture near the iconic location where these memorable scenes were filmed, Shepperton is accessible via public transport or car from London. By private car, it's a one-hour drive via A4 and M4.

Brett (Harry Dean Stanton), searches for the ship's cat, Jones, in the dimly lit confines of the maintenance area. The tension builds as Jones, sensing an unseen threat, hisses into the shadowy depths of the room. It's at this moment that a vast, sinister shape silently descends behind Brett.

As he turns, the audience is given a haunting view of the alien creature (Bolaji Badejo), its biomechanical form both mesmerizing and terrifying. The creature opens its mouth, revealing a second set of razor-sharp teeth that quickly extends and strikes Brett in the head, dragging him away as he screams, leaving behind a trail of blood.

This harrowing sequence was filmed on the B Stage at Shepperton Studios, a space known for its substantial size of 35 feet in height and 12,000 square feet. The B Stage allowed the filmmakers to construct the intricate sets that make up the Nostromo's garage bay, claw room, and "C" deck, providing the perfect backdrop for the tension and terror that define Alien.

While Shepperton Studios does not usually offer public access due to its ongoing production work, there are opportunities for tours that allow film enthusiasts to explore the historic site. Interested visitors should contact the studio's administration for information about operational hours and the possibility of touring the facilities.

For those traveling by car, Shepperton can be reached via the A34 and M4, with the drive taking approximately one and a half hours. Alternatively, if coming from Luton, the journey is about an hour via the M25.

Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) prepares to enter stasis, only to discover the alien creature has concealed itself within a narrow compartment aboard the shuttle. With no time to hesitate, Ripley quickly dons a spacesuit and ingeniously flushes the alien out of its hiding place.

The creature, now exposed, menacingly approaches her, but Ripley opens an airlock door. Despite the alien's desperate attempt to cling onto the shuttle, Ripley fires a grappling hook gun, propelling the creature into the vacuum of space. She then activates the shuttle's engines, finally blasting the alien away into the abyss of deep space, securing her survival in a breathtaking conclusion.

This unforgettable sequence was meticulously crafted on the D Stage at Shepperton Studios. Offering 12,000 square feet of space and standing 35 feet high, D Stage provided the ideal environment for the realization of the Nostromo and shuttle interior scenes. Its connection to C Stage through a double set of elephant doors facilitated seamless transitions between sets during the film's production.

As previously noted, the studio can be reached from London, Oxford, or Luton by taking the A34 and M4 or the M25. Furthermore, train services from major cities also provide access to the site.