
The heartwarming yet emotional film *Five Feet Apart* captivated audiences with its poignant story of two teenagers with cystic fibrosis navigating love and loss while adhering to strict medical boundaries. While the narrative is set in a hospital, many viewers are curious about the actual filming locations. The hospital scenes in *Five Feet Apart* were primarily filmed at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, which provided the authentic backdrop needed to bring the story to life. The production team meticulously transformed parts of the hospital to reflect the sterile yet emotionally charged environment of a cystic fibrosis ward, ensuring the film’s realism resonated with audiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospital Name | New Orleans East Hospital (formerly Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital) |
| Location | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Film | Five Feet Apart |
| Year of Filming | 2018 |
| Hospital Status | Abandoned at the time of filming |
| Notable Features | Distinctive architecture, large windows, and a historic feel |
| Reason for Selection | Chosen for its eerie and authentic atmosphere |
| Current Status | Remains abandoned; not in active use |
| Additional Filming Locations | Interior scenes were also filmed in studios in Louisiana |
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What You'll Learn
- Hospital Location: The movie was primarily filmed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
- Set Design: UAB Hospital’s interiors were modified to resemble a cystic fibrosis ward
- Exterior Shots: Some hospital exterior scenes were filmed at the UAB Highlands Hospital campus
- Patient Ward: The CF ward set was built on a soundstage to control filming conditions
- Medical Accuracy: UAB’s medical staff advised on set to ensure realistic hospital environments and procedures

Hospital Location: The movie was primarily filmed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
The movie *Five Feet Apart* was primarily filmed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, a key location that provided the authentic backdrop for the story’s emotional and medical narrative. UAB Hospital, one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States, was chosen for its state-of-the-art facilities and realistic hospital environment. The production team utilized various areas of the hospital, including patient rooms, corridors, and common areas, to create a believable setting for the characters’ experiences. The hospital’s modern architecture and advanced medical equipment added to the film’s credibility, ensuring that the portrayal of cystic fibrosis treatment felt genuine and well-researched.
Filming at UAB Hospital required careful coordination between the production crew and hospital staff to minimize disruption to patient care. The hospital’s administration worked closely with the filmmakers to identify suitable filming locations that would not interfere with daily operations. This collaboration allowed the crew to capture essential scenes while maintaining the hospital’s primary function as a healthcare facility. The attention to detail in selecting specific wards and areas ensured that the film accurately reflected the challenges and realities of life in a hospital setting.
The choice of UAB Hospital as the primary filming location was also influenced by its proximity to other key filming sites in Birmingham, Alabama. This logistical advantage streamlined the production process, enabling the crew to move efficiently between locations. Additionally, the hospital’s diverse patient population and its role as a leading medical institution added depth to the film’s portrayal of healthcare. The authenticity of the setting helped actors Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse immerse themselves in their roles, enhancing the emotional impact of their performances.
For viewers, the use of UAB Hospital as the filming location provides a tangible connection to the story’s medical themes. The hospital’s real-world significance as a center for advanced medical care mirrors the challenges faced by the characters in the film. By filming on location rather than relying solely on sets, the movie achieves a level of realism that resonates with audiences, particularly those familiar with hospital environments. This authenticity is a testament to the production team’s commitment to telling the story with integrity and respect for the subject matter.
In summary, the decision to film *Five Feet Apart* primarily at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital was a strategic and impactful choice. The hospital’s modern facilities, collaborative staff, and authentic environment played a crucial role in bringing the story to life. This location not only provided a realistic setting for the film but also underscored the emotional and medical complexities at the heart of the narrative. For anyone curious about *where Five Feet Apart was filmed*, UAB Hospital stands as a central and meaningful answer to that question.
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Set Design: UAB Hospital’s interiors were modified to resemble a cystic fibrosis ward
The set design for *Five Feet Apart* required a meticulous transformation of UAB Hospitals' interiors to authentically resemble a cystic fibrosis (CF) ward. The production team worked closely with medical consultants and hospital staff to ensure accuracy in both the layout and the details. Walls were repainted in soft, calming colors to reflect the sterile yet comforting environment typical of CF wards, where infection control is paramount. Hallways were modified to include hand sanitizer stations and signage reminding visitors and patients to maintain safe distances, a critical aspect of CF care. These changes not only enhanced the visual authenticity but also reinforced the film’s central theme of isolation and safety.
To create a realistic CF ward, the hospital rooms were redesigned with specific medical equipment and furnishings. Hospital beds were equipped with specialized IV poles and oxygen tanks, commonly used by CF patients. The rooms were also fitted with HEPA filters and air purifiers to mimic the stringent air quality controls necessary in CF treatment areas. Additionally, personal items such as photos, books, and blankets were added to the rooms to humanize the space, reflecting the long-term stays many CF patients experience. These details helped convey the emotional weight of living with a chronic illness while maintaining clinical accuracy.
The common areas of the hospital, such as the waiting rooms and lounges, were also modified to align with the film’s narrative. Comfortable seating and family-friendly spaces were incorporated to highlight the support systems crucial for CF patients and their families. Vending machines and activity areas were strategically placed to suggest a sense of normalcy within the hospital environment. These set design choices not only served the story but also provided a realistic backdrop for the characters’ interactions, emphasizing the balance between medical care and everyday life.
Lighting played a significant role in the set design, with soft, diffused lighting used throughout the hospital interiors to create a soothing atmosphere. This approach contrasted with the harsher lighting often found in typical hospital settings, reflecting the unique needs of CF wards, where patient comfort is a priority. The lighting also helped to visually distinguish the CF ward from other hospital areas, subtly reinforcing the isolation experienced by the characters. This attention to detail ensured that the set design contributed to the emotional and narrative depth of the film.
Finally, the set designers incorporated subtle touches to make the hospital feel lived-in and authentic. Medical charts and monitors displayed realistic patient data, and staff areas were cluttered with supplies and personal items to suggest a busy, functioning hospital. The use of real hospital equipment and props further grounded the film in reality, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story. By carefully modifying UAB Hospitals' interiors, the production team successfully created a believable CF ward that served as a powerful setting for *Five Feet Apart*.
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Exterior Shots: Some hospital exterior scenes were filmed at the UAB Highlands Hospital campus
The exterior shots of the hospital in *Five Feet Apart* were meticulously filmed at the UAB Highlands Hospital campus, located in Birmingham, Alabama. This location was chosen for its modern architecture and realistic hospital setting, which aligned perfectly with the film’s narrative. The campus provided a visually compelling backdrop that captured the essence of a bustling medical facility, enhancing the authenticity of the story. Filming here allowed the production team to showcase the hospital’s exterior without the need for extensive set construction, ensuring a seamless integration into the movie’s visual aesthetic.
One of the key reasons UAB Highlands Hospital was selected for exterior shots was its accessibility and cooperation with the film crew. The hospital’s administration worked closely with the production team to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations while allowing for the necessary filming activities. This collaboration was crucial in capturing the exterior scenes efficiently, as the crew could film during specific hours without compromising patient care or hospital functionality. The result was a series of exterior shots that felt genuine and grounded in reality.
The UAB Highlands Hospital campus offered a variety of exterior locations that were utilized to depict different aspects of the hospital environment. From the main entrance and parking areas to the surrounding walkways and green spaces, each area was carefully selected to serve the narrative. For instance, scenes involving character arrivals or departures were filmed at the hospital’s front entrance, while quieter moments were captured in the more secluded outdoor spaces. This diversity in filming locations added depth to the exterior shots, making the hospital feel like a living, breathing part of the story.
Lighting played a significant role in the exterior shots filmed at UAB Highlands Hospital. The crew took advantage of natural light during the day to create bright, hopeful scenes, while nighttime shots were carefully lit to evoke a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The hospital’s modern design, with its clean lines and glass facades, reflected light beautifully, adding a layer of visual appeal to the exterior scenes. This attention to lighting ensured that the hospital’s exterior was not just a backdrop but an active element in the storytelling.
Finally, the choice to film exterior shots at UAB Highlands Hospital contributed to the emotional resonance of *Five Feet Apart*. The hospital’s real-world setting grounded the film in a sense of authenticity, allowing viewers to connect more deeply with the characters and their struggles. By using an actual hospital campus, the production team avoided the artificiality that often comes with studio sets, ensuring that the exterior scenes felt raw and genuine. This commitment to realism was a key factor in the film’s ability to evoke empathy and emotional investment from its audience.
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Patient Ward: The CF ward set was built on a soundstage to control filming conditions
The patient ward featured in *Five Feet Apart*, specifically the CF (Cystic Fibrosis) ward, was meticulously constructed on a soundstage rather than in an actual hospital. This decision was driven by the need to maintain precise control over filming conditions, ensuring that every detail aligned with the film’s vision. Soundstages offer a controlled environment where lighting, sound, and set design can be meticulously managed, which is crucial for a story that relies heavily on the authenticity and emotional impact of the hospital setting. By building the CF ward on a soundstage, the production team could recreate the sterile, clinical atmosphere of a hospital while also incorporating the warmth and intimacy required for the characters’ emotional journeys.
The soundstage allowed the filmmakers to design the CF ward with specific attention to detail, from the layout of the patient rooms to the medical equipment and signage. This level of customization ensured that the set felt realistic yet tailored to the narrative needs of the film. For instance, the ward needed to reflect the isolation and safety protocols that CF patients adhere to, such as the six-foot distance rule, while also conveying the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences. A real hospital setting might have imposed limitations on how the space could be used or modified, whereas the soundstage provided complete creative freedom.
Another advantage of using a soundstage was the ability to control the filming schedule and environment. Hospitals are busy, unpredictable spaces, and filming in one would have introduced challenges such as noise, interruptions, and restrictions on access. By constructing the CF ward on a soundstage, the production team could work without these constraints, ensuring that scenes could be shot efficiently and without compromise. This was particularly important for *Five Feet Apart*, as many scenes required quiet, intimate moments between characters, which would have been difficult to achieve in a real hospital setting.
The soundstage also enabled the integration of technical elements that enhanced the storytelling. For example, the lighting could be carefully adjusted to reflect the mood of each scene, whether it was the harsh fluorescence of a hospital room or the softer, more intimate glow of a late-night conversation. Additionally, the sound design could be precisely controlled to emphasize the isolation and vulnerability of the characters. These technical aspects were critical in bringing the CF ward to life and ensuring that it felt like a genuine, lived-in space despite being a constructed set.
In summary, the decision to build the CF ward on a soundstage for *Five Feet Apart* was a strategic choice that allowed the filmmakers to control every aspect of the environment. This approach ensured that the set not only looked and felt authentic but also served the emotional and narrative needs of the story. By avoiding the limitations of a real hospital, the production team could create a space that was both realistic and deeply evocative, contributing to the film’s powerful exploration of love, loss, and resilience in the face of illness.
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Medical Accuracy: UAB’s medical staff advised on set to ensure realistic hospital environments and procedures
The film *Five Feet Apart* is a poignant story centered around cystic fibrosis patients, and its portrayal of hospital environments and medical procedures required meticulous attention to detail. To ensure authenticity, the production team enlisted the expertise of medical staff from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), a leading healthcare institution. UAB’s involvement was pivotal in creating a realistic depiction of hospital settings, from the layout of patient rooms to the intricacies of medical equipment. Their guidance ensured that the film not only resonated emotionally but also accurately reflected the realities of healthcare, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses.
UAB’s medical staff played a hands-on role in advising the set designers and filmmakers on the specifics of hospital environments. This included the arrangement of medical equipment, the design of patient rooms, and even the placement of monitors and IV poles. For instance, the hospital scenes were filmed at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, but UAB’s input was crucial in transforming the location into a believable cystic fibrosis ward. Their expertise ensured that the set mirrored the sterile, organized, yet compassionate atmosphere of a real hospital, down to the smallest details like the labeling of medication and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in cross-contamination scenarios.
In addition to set design, UAB’s medical professionals advised on the accuracy of medical procedures depicted in the film. This included coaching actors on how to correctly handle medical devices, such as oxygen tanks and nebulizers, and ensuring that scenes involving treatments like airway clearance techniques were performed realistically. The staff also reviewed scripts to verify the accuracy of medical terminology and dialogue, ensuring that conversations between characters about their conditions and treatments were both authentic and informative. This level of detail was essential in maintaining the film’s credibility and respecting the experiences of real cystic fibrosis patients.
The collaboration with UAB extended to training the cast and crew on the emotional and physical realities of living with cystic fibrosis. Medical staff educated the actors on the daily challenges faced by patients, such as the strict infection control protocols that require them to stay six feet apart. This knowledge informed the performances, allowing the actors to portray their characters with depth and sensitivity. For example, the lead actors, Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse, worked closely with UAB advisors to understand the physical limitations and emotional resilience required to navigate life with a chronic illness.
Finally, UAB’s involvement in *Five Feet Apart* underscores the importance of medical accuracy in storytelling, particularly when addressing sensitive health topics. By consulting with healthcare professionals, the film not only avoided common medical inaccuracies often seen in media but also raised awareness about cystic fibrosis in a respectful and informed manner. The partnership between the film’s production team and UAB’s medical staff serves as a model for how the entertainment industry can collaborate with healthcare experts to create content that is both compelling and medically sound. This commitment to authenticity ensures that audiences are not only entertained but also educated about the realities of living with chronic illnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
The hospital scenes in *Five Feet Apart* were primarily filmed at the New Orleans Ochsner Medical Center in Louisiana.
The hospital in the film was a real hospital, the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, with some scenes also shot on constructed sets to meet production needs.
New Orleans was chosen for its diverse locations, tax incentives for filmmakers, and the availability of the Ochsner Medical Center, which provided an authentic setting for the hospital scenes.
Yes, filming in a real hospital presented challenges such as working around hospital schedules, ensuring patient privacy, and minimizing disruption to hospital operations while shooting scenes.











































