Outlander Inside S2 Epi11- Vengeance is Mine

If you haven’t checked out the Outlander Community Website, you should. Starz opens up and shares an inside look into the episodes. We decided to share some of what they provide. Enjoy!

RAM HEDD TAVERNE

The Ram’s Hedd Taverne was filmed on location in Culross, a small village in Fife, Scotland. During Season 1, Culross also served as Crainsmuir, the village near Castle Leoch where Geillis Duncan lived and was put on trial for witchcraft with Claire. The tavern sign and wanted posters for Red Jamie and Prince Charles were created by the Art Department.

BELMONT HOUSE

The Duke of Sandringham’s Estate was filmed on location at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfires and Galloway, Scotland. Shooting on location in historical buildings creates many challenges for the crew. There are often restrictions placed on things like open flames, moving existing furnishings, or even the ability to secure items into the ground. Most locations, while historically accurate, have been updated over the years with modern day conveniences that must be removed, replaced, or covered up.

“Cover ups,” as they’re called by the Art Department, are created to conceal all kinds of things that can’t be replaced or removed—everything from light switches and electrical outlets, to furnaces and air vents. The cover ups can consist of wall panels or boxes made to perfectly match the surrounding interior, so the audience (and sometimes even a majority of the crew) will never know they’re there. Lightbulbs and modern light fixtures must be hidden or removed and replaced with special candles that have drip guards to catch the wax. When flames are not allowed, special lighting is used to create the look of candle light, and the flames are added in during post-production. Dirt and grass are added to cover paved roads, and shrubs and trees are used to hide larger structures like ticket booths. Modern day safety items such as handrails, fire alarms, and exit signs are also removed or camouflaged. If needed (and allowed), walls may be painted and aged to look older. New walls can also be seamlessly added to change a room’s size or add a door and window.

In the scene where the Duke loses his head, a false floor was built on top of the original floor to protect it from the fake blood. Then when filming is complete, everything must be put back and restored to its original state as if the production was never there.