Production designer Helen Jarvis took on the challenge of creating the world of feudal Japan in the year 1600 for the FX show 'Shogun,' despite never having been to Japan or read the source novel. The Emmy-winning 1980 miniseries was shot in Japan, but the new version was filmed in British Columbia, presenting a unique set of challenges for Jarvis.
Jarvis transformed two exterior backlots and two soundstages to build sets including a fishing village, a harbor, royal palaces, and samurai houses. With some sets 40 miles apart, visual effects were used to create seamless transitions between locations.
