The Chosen, a groundbreaking TV drama series that vividly portrays the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of those who encountered him, has captivated a global audience. Created by Dallas Jenkins, this multi-season show boasts over 408 million episode views and is accessible worldwide for free, funded by fan support. As the series gains momentum, with season three filmed at a new permanent location, the question on many fans’ minds is: where is The Chosen actually filmed?
Initially, seasons one and two of The Chosen found their backdrop in two distinct locations, each contributing its unique atmosphere to the narrative. A significant portion of filming took place at Capernaum Studios in Weatherford, Texas. This studio offers ready-made sets designed to replicate first-century Middle Eastern environments, providing a realistic setting for the early parts of Jesus’ ministry. Additionally, The Chosen utilized The Goshen Movie Set in Goshen, Utah. This set, known for its expansive desert landscapes and historically inspired architecture, provided diverse locations that mirrored the geographical settings of the biblical narrative. These locations allowed the production team to bring the world of the Gospels to life with authenticity and visual appeal.
The Chosen sets located in Midlothian, Texas
However, as The Chosen grew in scale and ambition, the production team sought a permanent home that could accommodate the long-term needs of the series. During the challenging times of the pandemic, an opportunity arose that would shape the future of The Chosen‘s filming locations. A partnership was forged with The Salvation Army’s Camp Hoblitzelle, a sprawling 1,200-acre facility in Midlothian, Texas. The Chosen entered into a multi-year lease for 900 acres of this property, establishing a new and expansive base of operations. Brad Pelo, President of The Chosen, highlighted the strategic advantage of this location, stating, “We were looking for a place that would be convenient for cast and crew, where we could capture the essence of the Middle Eastern locales where Jesus’ ministry took place.” This move proved to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, as Camp Hoblitzelle’s programs were temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, making the property available for this large-scale production.
The establishment of The Chosen‘s permanent set at Camp Hoblitzelle was a remarkable feat of construction and design. In just nine months, CRC Construction undertook the task of building a substantial 30,000-square-foot soundstage alongside an intricate first-century city spanning over two acres. This newly constructed set became the primary filming location for the ambitious third season of The Chosen, which involved an impressive 12,000 extras. The scale of the production at this new site underscores the growth and popularity of the series. In October 2022, The Chosen officially inaugurated its new home with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming members of Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) faculty and staff to tour the impressive set structures and soundstage.
Members from Camp Hoblitzelle join with The Chosen team for the ribbon cutting
During the set tour, attendees had the unique opportunity to engage with Dallas Jenkins, the director and co-writer of The Chosen. When asked about advice for students interested in film production, particularly those involved in SAGU’s Digital Arts Media program, Jenkins offered insightful encouragement. He addressed a common concern among aspiring Christian filmmakers, stating, “So many students, especially believers, think, well, I don’t want to be a Christian filmmaker because Christian filmmaking is cheesy and not effective. But I can tell you, one of the core things any filmmaker would kill to have is a niche audience that’s actually looking for something they want. And so having your faith be a part of your filmmaking is not only not a negative these days, but it gives you an advantage. Because there’s an audience out there that wants it.” Jenkins’ perspective highlights the growing demand for faith-based content and the unique opportunities available to filmmakers who embrace their faith as an asset.
Jenkins’ success with The Chosen serves as a compelling example of his own advice. The series has achieved remarkable digital traction, with 19.26 million unique app downloads and consistent top rankings within the entertainment category on both iOS and Android platforms. This viewership demonstrates not only the audience’s desire for this type of content but also their willingness to actively support its creation through the show’s innovative “pay it forward” funding model. This model directly contributes to the production of future seasons, fostering a direct connection between the creators and their dedicated fanbase.
The Chosen sets located in Midlothian, Texas
Dallas Jenkins’ connection with SAGU extends beyond the set tour. Earlier in 2022, he visited the SAGU campus to speak directly with Digital Media Arts (DMA) students. This interaction provided students with invaluable insights into film production and Jenkins’ personal journey as the director of The Chosen. His genuine engagement and passion for his work left a lasting impression on the SAGU Lions, reinforcing the university’s commitment to providing students with real-world industry connections and mentorship.
Jenkins shared his broader vision for The Chosen and for Christian filmmakers during his interaction with SAGU students. “What I’m hoping with The Chosen,” he explained, “is that you can feel the permission to do good work. The best filmmakers are telling their own stories. You have the opportunity to do the same thing. Don’t shrink from it. Don’t consider it a liability. It’s actually an advantage. And I think you’ll actually find yourself more in step with God rather than trying to run away from the label.” This message resonates with the core values of SAGU’s Digital Media Arts program, which seeks to equip students to become impactful storytellers within their chosen fields.
Co-writer and producer Dallas Jenkins interacts with several guests during the tour of the The Chosen sets
The Chosen continues to unfold its narrative, with Season 3 now available on major streaming platforms, alongside Seasons 1 and 2. For those inspired by the production of The Chosen and interested in pursuing a career in film and media, SAGU’s bachelor’s degree in Digital Media Arts offers a comprehensive program. The program covers various aspects of broadcasting, including radio and television, and emphasizes creative arts as a means to impact culture. Students gain skills in equipment operation, creative management, writing, communication, and creative production, with specialized courses in visual communication, journalism, film production, audio production, and editing. SAGU’s strong community connections and dedicated faculty provide a supportive environment for students to develop their talents and pursue their purpose within a Christ-centered educational framework.
In Conclusion
From its initial filming locations at Capernaum Studios and Goshen Movie Set to its new permanent home at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, Texas, The Chosen has utilized diverse and compelling locations to bring the biblical world to life. The establishment of the permanent set in Midlothian marks a significant chapter in the series’ journey, promising to be the backdrop for many future seasons. For fans and aspiring filmmakers alike, understanding where The Chosen is filmed offers a glimpse into the production scale and dedication behind this impactful series.
