5 behind-the-scenes secrets that make 'Stranger Things' a masterpiece
What's the story
Stranger Things has captured the hearts of audiences around the globe with its nostalgia-inducing 80s nods, thrilling storylines, and unforgettable characters. While fans are well aware of the on-screen adventures of Eleven and her friends, there are several interesting things about what happens behind the camera. These little nuggets show the dedication and creativity that goes into making Stranger Things a true gem of modern television.
Creative pitch
The Duffer Brothers's unique pitch
Unlike most creators, Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer took an interesting route while pitching their idea to Netflix. They put together a mock trailer, using clips of over 20 different movies to convey the series's tone and style. This creative way of storytelling helped them bring their vision to life and played a key role in convincing Netflix to green-light the show.
Concept origin
The Upside Down's inspiration
The Upside Down, the crux of Stranger Things, owes its spine-chilling charm to the world of science fiction - the idea of parallel dimensions. The Duffer Brothers, who worked on this idea to a T, wanted to create something that is both familiar and strange. They wanted to take viewers into an alternate reality that is amazing and unnerving, making it one of TV's most unforgettable fantastical worlds.
Location choice
Filming locations in Georgia
Though Stranger Things takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the show is mostly filmed in Georgia. The location was selected for its diverse landscapes and cost-effective production incentives. The small town charm of places such as Jackson, Georgia, makes for an authentic setting for Hawkins. This proves to add great depth to the show's setting, rendering the fictional town real and lived-in.
Casting Choice
Casting Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven
Millie Bobby Brown was cast as Eleven after an exhaustive search for the ideal young talent. Her audition tape caught the attention of the creators, as she was able to convey a lot of emotion with hardly any words. This was the skill that proved to be the key for playing Eleven, a character who uses expressions more than words to convey things.
Authentic portrayal
Gaten Matarazzo's real-life condition
Like his onscreen character, Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, has a real-life condition. Gaten suffers from cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a condition which affects the growth of bones and teeth. Instead of hiding it, CCD was written into his character's story arc. This not only made Dustin's role more real but also raised awareness about CCD among viewers.