How Netflix’s ‘North of North’ Overcame Arctic Logistics to Film at –39°C

The new comedy series “North of North” broke ground by shooting an entire scripted season in Iqaluit, Nunavut, where temperatures can plunge to –39 °C. Co‑commissioned by CBC, Netflix and APTN, the show follows an Inuk mother navigating life in the fictional Ice Cove. Filming in the far north demanded a feasibility study, repurposed community spaces, and months‑long planning. The extreme environment forced the crew to rethink everything from set construction to daily logistics. Its success shows that authentic Arctic storytelling is possible, but only with careful preparation.

What happened

Creators Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq‑Baril secured a series order in March 2023 and immediately hired a producer a year ahead of a typical schedule. They conducted a feasibility study to confirm that Iqaluit’s limited hotels could accommodate the crew and that local service providers and truck rentals were available. The production also obtained permission from the city council to convert the Iqaluit Curling Club into a temporary studio for part of the sets.

To keep costs manageable, most building materials and supplies were shipped by sea during the brief annual thaw, avoiding expensive air freight. The team chose boxed water over plastic bottles to reduce waste in the fragile environment. These logistical choices, combined with on‑the‑ground problem‑solving, allowed the series to be filmed on location despite the harsh climate.

Why it matters

The series demonstrates that high‑quality Indigenous storytelling can be anchored in the places where those stories originate, offering cultural authenticity that studio backlots cannot replicate. It also provides an economic boost to Iqaluit, creating temporary jobs and showcasing the community’s capacity to support large‑scale productions. Finally, the project sets a precedent for future Arctic filmmaking, proving that with thorough planning and local collaboration, extreme‑weather locations are viable.

How to think about it

Producers eyeing remote locations should start with a detailed feasibility study that maps accommodation, transport, and permitting needs. Partner early with municipal authorities to secure unconventional spaces, such as community centres, for set construction. Schedule material deliveries around natural thaw windows to capitalize on cheaper sea freight, and choose sustainable consumables to minimize ecological footprints. Finally, build flexibility into the shooting schedule to accommodate weather‑related delays.

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