Exterior shots of the alien world were shot in Iceland, where filming occurred for two weeks. It commenced on July 11, 2011, at the base of Hekla, an active volcano in southern Iceland. Speaking about working at the volcano, Scott said, “If one is afraid of nature in this profession then it would be best to find a different job”. Filming also took place at Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe.

Scott said that the filming in Iceland comprised approximately fifteen minutes of footage for the film, and that the area represented the beginning of time. Morocco had been chosen as a location for these scenes, but the 2010 Arab Spring protests forced the change of venue. Alternatives including the Mojave Desert had been considered, but Scott explained that Iceland was ultimately chosen because “here it is so rough and ‘Jurassic-like’ and that proved decisive”.

Dettifoss Waterfall used in the opening scene

From the film, an ‘Engineer’ on the edge of the Falls.

Aerial shot from an early sequence in the film

This background landscape is actually Jordan. I had to include it because it is so cool. Other geographical locations included Scotland and Spain.

Amazing Iceland landscapes

Northern Lights

Seclusion