No soundstage work here. The entire film was filmed in extreme locations, and primarily outdoors in high heat.
Most of the extras hired were from Slab City, the same California community Chris McCandless visits in Into the Wild (2007). Most of the "Slabbers" came as is, not needing costumes or make-up.
Shot in 28 days.
Director Ana Lily Amirpour is a huge advocate of practical effects, which kept Make-up Effects Designer and Supervisor Tony Gardner on his toes throughout the entire production.
The yellow smiley face shorts worn by Arlen are the same as Die Antwoord rap artist and Chappie (2015) actress Yo-Landi Visser wore in the video for the song 'Baby's On Fire'. Die Antwoord's song 'Fish Paste' is also featured in this film.