Shreveport Plays Host to Epic Scene from The Chosen
Shreveport, Louisiana, recently became the backdrop for a truly iconic moment in modern television history, as it hosted the filming of a memorable scene from the hit series The Chosen. The third season of the show premiered in spring 2023, and viewers were moved by the final episode featuring Peter walking on water to meet Jesus. It was a scene that perfectly blended heart and special effects, leaving fans both enchanted and inspired.
Finding the Perfect Location
The search for the ideal shooting location began under challenging circumstances. Producer Chris Juen, who has an extensive background in the film industry—from his early work at Sony Pictures to producing hits like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and even working on visual effects for blockbuster films like The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers—discovered that Shreveport was the perfect fit to bring this scene to life.
“I had never actually been to Shreveport,” Juen said, recounting how the crew evaluated tanks across the globe. “There were very few tanks that were of the size that we needed.” The filming took place at the Louisiana Wave Studio, a remarkable wave-making facility capable of holding up to 75,000 gallons of water and generating waves as high as 10 feet. This state-of-the-art studio has previously facilitated the production of well-known films such as Noah and The Guardian.
Challenges and Triumphs Amidst Secrecy
Filming took place when the world was still grappling with the impacts of COVID, making international travel difficult. Fortunately, with some good fortune, the team decided on the Shreveport location, despite it being under repairs at the time. Juen explained that, “the 180-degree blue screen walls had just been torn down,” leaving the crew with little time to complete the setup. In fact, they arrived just five days before the shoot, and even on the eve of filming, finishing touches were still being applied to the blue screens.
“The team in Shreveport at the tank were amazing, supportive; for such an undertaking and under such secrecy, it was a really smooth shooting,” Juen praised, highlighting the collaboration and commitment of the local crew. This secretive approach extended to the shooting process itself, with Juen noting that they received redacted scripts to maintain the mystery around the visual effects.
Balancing Visual Effects with Emotional Depth
One of the driving forces behind the production was Dallas Jenkins, the show’s creator, who emphasized that the heart of the story lies in the character interactions rather than just dazzling visuals. Juen shared his insights, stating, “He never wants to be focused on the visual effect. How water is turned into wine. That’s not really part of the story.” Instead, he maintained that it was crucial for the scene to focus on the relationship between Simon (Peter) and Jesus, even in the striking setting of water.
As for the highly anticipated Season 5, Juen cleverly deflected any specific spoilers while leaving fans with an intriguing hint: “If you’ve read your Bible, you know where we’re headed.” It’s a thrilling promise for viewers who resonate with the show’s themes.
A Community Event to Remember
As the excitement continues for The Chosen and its stunning exploration of biblical narratives, Shreveport has carved out a unique piece of its story. With major projects coming to town, the city’s film community is thriving, and each production enhances the local culture. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just love storytelling, the magic of television has touched down in Shreveport, leaving a lasting impression.
