April 6th, 1917. As an infantry battalion assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.
Sam Mendes’s WWI epic is famous for appearing as one continuous, unbroken shot – a single breathless journey across no-man’s-land. To achieve it, the crew dug real trenches across Salisbury Plain and built sets to exact timings, filming across England and Scotland.
Where was 1917 filmed?
1917 was filmed across England and Scotland – Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Govan in Glasgow, a Teesdale waterfall, and studio sets near London.
Every 1917 location, explained
1
The trenches – Salisbury Plain
Miles of real trenches were dug across the Salisbury Plain army training area in Wiltshire for the film’s opening journey.
2
The ruined town – Govan
The bombed-out town and canal crossing used Govan in Glasgow, its industrial spaces dressed as a shattered French village.
3
The waterfall – Teesdale
Schofield’s tumble down a river used Low Force waterfall in Teesdale, County Durham.
4
The studio trenches
Additional trench and set work used studios and open ground near London, all built to precise timings for the “one-shot” effect.
Planning a visit
Low Force waterfall in Teesdale is a beautiful, accessible spot in County Durham, and Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire – though a working army area – is open in places to walkers.
1917 Fun Facts
1
It looks like one shot The film is edited to appear as a single continuous take, its cuts cleverly hidden.
2
They dug real trenches The production excavated miles of authentic trenches across Salisbury Plain.
3
Timed to the second Sets were built to exact lengths so the actors’ walking pace matched the camera’s continuous move.
4
Deakins won an Oscar Cinematographer Roger Deakins won an Academy Award for the film’s astonishing camerawork.
5
Based on a family story Sam Mendes drew on stories told by his grandfather, a WWI veteran.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1917 really one shot?
No – it’s edited to appear as a single continuous take, with hidden cuts.
Where were the trenches filmed?
Real trenches were dug across Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Low Force in Teesdale and parts of Salisbury Plain are accessible.
