The film was shot in various locations to recreate the atmosphere of provincial life in the 1970s. Director Alexei Korenev was looking for a city that would embody this atmosphere, and Yaroslavl was perfect for this purpose.
The Yaroslavl oil refinery and tire factory served as backdrops for scenes related to the characters' work. These enterprises symbolized the industrial power of the country and served as a backdrop for the development of love and dramatic storylines.
The streets and squares of Yaroslavl, with their unique flavor, created an atmosphere of authenticity. Viewers could see ancient merchant mansions, cozy courtyards, and picturesque embankments.
In Moscow, filming took place to recreate the interiors of the characters' apartments, school classrooms, and other premises. The addition of Moscow locations gave the film a special charm and allowed showing different facets of Soviet society in the 1970s.

Filming Locations:

Beach

In the Movie

Scene where Nestor Petrovich constantly comes to the beach and watches Polina. For a whole week he sits in the cafe by the beach, orders nothing, and is even reprimanded. But he notices no one but her. Polina fends off suitors, and Nestor is about to talk to her about "the pottery art of the ancient Slavs." Episode 1

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Strelka in Yaroslavl — a historically significant place, the birthplace of the city, where, according to legend, Prince Yaroslav the Wise founded the city of Yaroslavl in 1010. During the filming of "Big Change" in 1973, the Strelka looked different: the spit was sandy, with no asphalt or fountains. There was no cast-iron fence separating people from the Volga and Kotorosl rivers — the area resembled a beach peninsula. At this spot, Nestor Petrovich descends to the lower level via a winding staircase. In the frame, you can see the outlines of the sandy Strelka below, and in the background, the Church of John Chrysostom in Korovniki.

Factory

In the Movie

Scene where Ganzha, wearing work gloves and following safety rules, turns a valve. Then, without stopping work, he removes the glove and, blowing on his hand, continues turning the same valve, burning his hand and preventing an accident. Afterwards, he ends up in the medical station. The managers praise him for his bravery and discuss who is to blame. And the blame falls on Timokhin, who overhears the conversation and shakes his head indignantly. Episode 2

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Yaroslavl Tire Plant (YaShZ) — the largest tire manufacturer in the central region of Russia. It matched the script, in which Alexander Zbruev's character worked at a factory. For authenticity, it was decided to shoot one of the scenes at a real factory in Yaroslavl. Choosing this particular plant allowed the actors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of industrial giants, adding realism and genuine truth of life to the film.

Football Field

In the Movie

Scene where the homeroom teacher Nestor Petrovich stands in goal to help his student, goalkeeper Otto Fukin, prepare for a German test. He does this right in his shirt, trousers, and tie, and even takes a penalty kick.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Spartakovets Stadium in Yaroslavl. It was built in the natural Medveditsky ravine, so there were no problems with erecting the stands — nature had already done the main work. Today, Spartakovets Stadium is a public venue where mass sports events and city festivals are held.