Residents of Brigus South, including Lillian Carey, eagerly anticipated the debut of the new Netflix series “Below.” The production of the show in 2025 brought a surge of activity to the small community, which typically houses around 50 residents year-round.
The show’s creative team reimagined Brigus South as the fictional town of Snook’s Arm, transporting it back in time with meticulous set designs and alterations. Carey noted significant changes, such as the construction of a new church that replicated the old one, transformations of homes to resemble historic structures like fish plants and fishing sheds, and the alteration of house colors to reflect past trends.
Elizabeth Power, a resident of Brigus South, allowed her home to undergo a makeover for the show, with the exterior painted blue and distressed to fit the period setting. While the filming process occasionally caused noise disturbances, Power found the experience enlightening and observed the bustling activity up close.
Another resident, Alexis Rice, shared her positive experience with the production team, who respectfully transformed her home to appear abandoned. Despite minor inconveniences like needing to use blackout curtains during nighttime shoots, Rice appreciated the team’s communication and efforts to ensure her comfort throughout filming.
The production of “Below” also involved quirky moments, such as crew members simulating a pothole in the road, much to the bemusement of locals like Rice. The show, featuring actor Josh Hartnett as Calvin Penney, a fisherman facing a mysterious sea creature, showcased Newfoundland and Labrador talent, including Willow Keane as Calvin’s sister Ruth Penney.
The community recently held a watch party at the local hall to view the premiere of “Below,” which is now available for streaming on Netflix. Residents and viewers alike can immerse themselves in the captivating tale set in the fictional town of Snook’s Arm, brought to life by the efforts of the production team and the charm of the Newfoundland and Labrador landscape.
