16 participants from different parts of Russia compete for the main prize — 1 million euros. They are sent into the wild, where there is no civilization, only harsh taiga and abandoned Soviet buildings. The first season was filmed in Abkhazia from August to December 2019 and took 47 days. The main scenes were shot in the mountains near Auadkhara, while the abandoned suburbs of Tkvarcheli became the fictional town of Tayozhinsk. In one of the final scenes of episode 10, when the participants leave the taiga town, the flag of Abkhazia can be seen on the tail of the plane. The film crew was based at a tourist base where electricity was completely cut off from midnight to six in the morning. They had to reach the camp via difficult off-road routes, making the filming process even more challenging. The second season was shot in the psychological thriller genre. Filming took place in Uzbekistan: key scenes were shot in Bukhara, as well as in Parkent, at the «Solnze» facility, and even in the Tashkent metro.

Filming Locations:

Tayozhinsk

In the Movie

The scene where the characters arrive in the abandoned town of Tayozhinsk. They find themselves surrounded by dense forest and thick fog that envelops everything. The town consists of half-destroyed buildings, deserted streets, and an atmosphere of abandonment. Silence reigns, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the creaking of dilapidated structures. The characters, emerging from a tunnel, enter this eerie and deserted town, which, according to old newspapers, was evacuated many years ago. The buildings stand like ghosts, and the fog creates a sense of uncertainty and anxiety. The characters begin to realize that they are completely cut off from civilization and that a real struggle for survival awaits them in these harsh conditions.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the city of Tkvarcheli, Abkhazia. Tkvarcheli was chosen for its harsh and abandoned infrastructure, which perfectly suited the creation of the atmosphere of a deserted and eerie town. The abandoned buildings and the absence of people in this area allowed the creators of the series to realistically bring the fictional town of Tayozhinsk to life.

Moscow

In the Movie

The scene where the participants who dropped out of the game ended up in a sea container on a truck. They had no way of seeing where they were being taken. The journey was long and exhausting, and they did not know what awaited them at the end. Finally, the truck stopped, and the participants got out of the container, finding themselves in a familiar place in Moscow.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Taras Shevchenko Embankment. The characters, having just survived extreme trials in the taiga, found themselves in the center of the capital, surrounded by modern architecture and bustling city life. The view of the Moscow-City towers became a symbol of returning to civilization after a long period of isolation.

Metro

In the Movie

The scene where Vika and Nikolai finally reach the finale. They are brought to Moscow, where they descend into the metro, expecting to meet the game organizer. The characters are in a state of heightened alert and tension, as they already understand that the game is far from over. When they meet the organizer, Kolya, sensing a threat and danger, begins to threaten him and points a gun at him.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the vestibule of the Delovoy Tsentr metro station. Filming in the metro allowed the creators of the series to use real urban locations, which enhanced the sense of authenticity and tension in the scene. The use of such an iconic place as Moscow-City also emphasized the contrast between the harsh nature of the taiga and the modern urban environment.

Gorge

In the Movie

The scene where after the nationwide selection, participants are delivered to a remote area by helicopter. There, the show's host meets them and announces the harsh but clear rules: whoever manages to survive will receive 1 million euros.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the unique natural water park "Mammoth Gorge". This is an incredibly beautiful place with cascading waterfalls, natural pools, and rocks covered with greenery. The clear water, natural springs, and characteristic terrain made this location ideal for scenes of survival in the wild.

Street

In the Movie

The scene where one of the reality show participants talks about her views on life. Victoria Kempinnen, a deputy's assistant, is an absolute fatalist and believes that not everything depends on human will. She also holds the opinion that with her caution, luck will accompany her everywhere.

In Reality

The scene was filmed against the backdrop of the Building of the Council of Labor and Defense, also known as the Gosplan building and the State Duma building. It is located in the center of Moscow, at 1 Okhotny Ryad Street. The building was constructed in the 1930s in the constructivist style and became one of the iconic examples of Soviet architecture. Currently, it serves as the home of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

House in the Valley

In the Movie

The scene where the characters approach a structure that looks like a residential building (or at least used to be one). Someone is already holding a torch, someone is limping after the first challenge. One of the participants asks the film crew to take a photo of her for her mom.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Auadkhara resort in Abkhazia, which is located in the mountainous part of the region, in the area surrounding the gorge of the same name. The landscape of this place combines green forests, high mountains, and deep gorges, giving it a wild and untouched character. Auadkhara is known for its natural resources, including clean mountain rivers and stunning views of alpine meadows. Tourists often come here to enjoy hiking trails and active recreation such as trekking and mountaineering. For the filming of the series "The Survival Game," Auadkhara provided ideal conditions, creating the atmosphere of a wild, hard-to-reach place far from civilization.