Where was The First filmed?
2018
City Locations
New Orleans, Louisiana
Location Types
Film Studio, Diners/Coffee
Location Styles
Federal Building, Modern Building, Modern Car, Airstream, High Tech/Futuristic
About The First
The First follows the story of a team of astronauts who set out to become the first humans ever to visit and explore Mars. Led by Commander Tom Hagerty (Sean Penn), the crew includes Lauren Myers (Natascha McElhone), Kwesi Weisberg-Jones (Rey Lucas), Rebecca Jones (LisaGay Hamilton), Laz Ingram (Hannah Ware), and Jed Logan (James Ransone). As the scientists prepare for their mission, they must contend with personal difficulties as well as corporate and political obstacles.
The series was created by Beau Willimon, whose previous work included House of Cards, and was released on Hulu in September 2018 and Channel 4 in November 2018. Despite critical acclaim for its exploration of humanity—or lack thereof—and fascinating science fiction elements, The First was canceled after one season due to lukewarm viewership ratings.
An interesting fact about The First is that it was one of the first television series to use augmented reality technology in its production. Visual effects company The Third Floor used digital avatars for its cast members, allowing them to perform in virtual sets without having to be present in actual filming locations. This allowed much more flexibility when shooting scenes in far-off locations.
Critics have shared mixed reviews about the series, with some praising its compelling storyline and impressive visuals, while others criticize its slow pacing and lack of focus on the mission to Mars. Overall, The First offers an intriguing narrative that delves into the complexities of space exploration and human relationships.
The First Locations
A trip to the US south for fans of the TV series The First could be a captivating adventure. The show is set in the near future and centers around the first human mission to Mars, yet, the production was mainly filmed in Louisiana’s vibrant city of New Orleans. This bustling metropolis is renowned for its unique architecture and distinct culture, so it's no surprise that it served as a stunning backdrop for this science-fiction drama.
The team chose to shoot multiple scenes from The First in iconic locations such as Jackson Square and Frenchmen Street. They also roamed further out of the city limits to capture more rural visuals from the bayous of Louisiana. With its vast swamps, forests, and sprawling plantation grounds, this state offered an opportunity to stage scenes with great cinematic potential.
The use of New Orleans’ picturesque landscape and historic monuments made for dramatic moments throughout all eight episodes of The First season one. Although most of the interiors were filmed in studios located outside Los Angeles, viewers can still recognize several settings that provide an immersive experience of life in southern Louisiana. As such, visiting these sites could be considered a worthwhile experience for fans eager to delve deeper into the universe created by this fantastic sci-fi series.
NASA plant scene in The First
NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, 13800 Old Gentilly Rd, New Orleans, LA 70129, United States
After a malfunction that results in the death of the entire crew, the launch turns into a catastrophe. In response, Hagerty rushes to the headquarters of Vista, a private company in New Orleans working together with NASA on the mission, to extend support to family members and confront the CEO of Vista, Laz Ingram.
These scenes were filmed at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, a world-renowned manufacturing complex situated in New Orleans, Louisiana. The sprawling facility spans 832 acres and is owned by NASA. It is responsible for providing vital support to the space agency's exploration and discovery missions. The Michoud facility has been a vital part of the US space program for decades. It has played a significant role in the design, production, and testing of rocket components used in various space missions. Notably, the facility was responsible for producing the space shuttle external fuel tanks that were used during NASA's shuttle program.
To get to this location, you can take the I-10 east from downtown New Orleans and exit at Almonaster Ave. The journey is less than 15 miles and should take around 40 minutes, give or take, depending on traffic.
Bar scene in The First
Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant, 1001 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
To offer support to Denise (Anna Jacoby-Heron) while her father is away, Laz visits the bar where she works. However, Denise responds angrily and refuses her offer. Later, while working from home, Laz discovers a potential solution to repair the Mars Ascent Vehicle.
Buffa's Bar & Restaurant is a well-known local eatery and bar in New Orleans. Since 1939, Buffa's has been a go-to destination for both locals and visitors alike, being just a short distance from the French Quarter. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting interior with a retro feel that honors its rich history. During the warmer months, the outdoor patio area is a popular spot for enjoying drinks and live music.
To get to this site at 1001 Esplanade Ave in New Orleans, you’ll need to head about 1.5 miles northeast from downtown New Orleans. Allow about 10 minutes of travel time if arriving by car.
Training scene in The First
The Ranch Studios, 8301 W Judge Perez Dr, Chalmette, LA 70043, United States
The crew is still in training, Laz has a private conversation with Kayla, questioning whether it was the right decision to choose Nick (James Ransone) over Sadie (Hannah Ware) for the mission. However, Kayla becomes upset with Laz and feels that he doesn't value her as an equal member of the crew. Later, she discusses the matter with her wife and Tom and admits that her frustration mainly comes from being replaced as the mission commander.
Training scenes were shot at Ranch Studios, a film production company located in Chalmette, Louisiana. It is one of the largest film and television studios in the state and has become a hub for the entertainment industry in the region. The studio is housed in what used to be a former Sav-A-Center grocery store, and it has since undergone extensive renovations to transform it into a state-of-the-art production facility.
To get there, you’ll need to head about seven miles east from downtown New Orleans. Expect the journey to take about 25 minutes by car.
Rocket testing scene in The First
John C Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, USA
In an interview, Laz talks about the Providence 2 mission and acknowledges the potential dangers involved, but she emphasizes that they are an inevitable part of the exploration. Despite some initial setbacks, Laz shows the reporter the research and progress being made in repairing the Mars Ascent Vehicle.
The rocket testing scene was filmed at John C. Stennis Space Center, a NASA rocket testing facility located in Hancock County, Mississippi. The center's mission was to test the engines for the Apollo Program spacecraft, which would take America's first journey to the moon. It was established in the early 1960s as Mississippi Test Operations, and was renamed John C. Stennis Space Center in 1988 in honor of the US senator who was a champion of aerospace and defense initiatives during his tenure.
If you are driving from New Orleans, take I-10 East towards Mississippi. It’s a 50-mile journey and will probably take a little more than an hour.
Another option is to book a guided tour through the Stennis Space Center's visitor center. The center offers tours that include transportation from nearby cities and towns such as Biloxi and Gulfport, making it easy for visitors to explore the center without worrying about transportation.
Conclusion
The First is a captivating TV series that follows the efforts of the first mission to send crewed missions to Mars. Filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana, the show captures the complex and often difficult journey undertaken by those who are part of this historic mission. The show can be seen as a celebration of resilience and strength, as well as a tribute to the courage of those involved with taking on such an ambitious project.
From the bright lights and bustling streets of New Orleans to the wide-open expanse of space and majestic visuals of Mars, The First delivers an exciting and engaging experience that is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired and energized. The range of locations used throughout this production highlights the scale and scope of what is being attempted by those involved with this mission: a momentous undertaking rooted in endless possibilities for mankind.