Season 3 of the critically acclaimed political drama House of Cards saw the Underwoods solidifying their power, both figuratively and literally. While the narrative centered around the White House and the intricacies of Washington D.C., the actual filming locations branched out significantly, extending beyond the familiar Baltimore settings that anchored previous seasons.
Beyond Baltimore: Expanding the Filming Horizons
While Baltimore, Maryland, remained a crucial base for production, Season 3 notably expanded its filming locations to capture the global complexities of the Underwoods’ presidency. Significant portions of the season were filmed in and around Washington D.C. itself, offering a greater sense of authenticity and gravitas to the political intrigue. This marked a shift from primarily relying on Baltimore to mimic D.C., a strategy employed extensively in earlier seasons. Further adding to the international flavor, filming also took place in various locations in New Mexico, notably Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and even delved into Russia, specifically in the cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow, although these locations were sometimes represented by clever set designs and CGI.
The Allure of Washington D.C.
Filming in Washington D.C. proved invaluable in capturing iconic landmarks and the palpable atmosphere of the nation’s capital. The production team secured permits to film exteriors at locations such as the United States Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, and various government buildings, creating a more believable backdrop for the high-stakes political drama unfolding on screen. This direct access allowed for more realistic establishing shots and heightened the sense of realism that viewers craved.
Key D.C. Locations
- The White House (Exterior Shots): While the interiors were recreated on set, exterior shots strategically utilized the real White House grounds to establish scenes.
- The Capitol Building: Used extensively for scenes involving Congress and political negotiations.
- The Lincoln Memorial: Featured in several impactful scenes, symbolizing the weight of the presidency.
Baltimore’s Enduring Presence
Despite the expansion into D.C., Baltimore continued to serve as a cornerstone of House of Cards production. Studio filming, including the elaborate White House interiors, took place at the Joppa Studio complex in Joppa, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. Numerous other locations within the city and its surrounding areas were utilized to portray various D.C. locales and everyday settings.
Baltimore Stand-ins
- The Admiral’s Club (Underwood’s Hangout): Located in the Harbor East neighborhood of Baltimore.
- Various Baltimore streets and buildings: Used to represent D.C. streets, restaurants, and private residences.
- Private homes in Baltimore suburbs: Often used for interior scenes of character residences.
The New Mexico Connection
The arid landscapes and unique architecture of New Mexico provided a backdrop for scenes requiring a distinct visual identity. While not directly representing Washington D.C. or Russia, New Mexico served as a versatile filming location for scenes requiring a different atmosphere, possibly to portray scenes in other parts of the United States or internationally.
New Mexico Contributions
- Santa Fe and Albuquerque: Used for establishing shots of unspecified locations, offering visual variety.
- Distinct architectural styles: Offered visual contrasts that broke up the predominantly East Coast aesthetic.
The Russian Gambit: St. Petersburg and Moscow (Sort Of)
While scenes ostensibly set in Russia were crucial to the plot of Season 3, securing extensive filming permits in Russia proved challenging. While some very limited filming might have taken place there, most scenes were cleverly created using a combination of set design, visual effects (VFX), and strategic location scouting. It’s believed that the production used second-unit teams to capture establishing shots of St. Petersburg and Moscow, which were then integrated into scenes filmed elsewhere.
Recreating Russia
- Strategic Use of Stock Footage: Incorporated existing footage of Russian landmarks and cityscapes.
- Authentic Set Design: Meticulously crafted sets to resemble Russian interiors and exteriors.
- Clever Camera Angles and VFX: Used to create the illusion of filming in Russia, without the logistical and political complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About House of Cards Season 3 Filming Locations
FAQ 1: Did the House of Cards production actually film inside the real White House?
No, they did not film inside the actual White House. Gaining permission to film inside the White House for a television series is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Instead, the production team used exterior shots of the White House and recreated the interior on a soundstage at Joppa Studio in Maryland.
FAQ 2: How did they create the White House interiors?
The White House interiors were meticulously recreated on a soundstage at the Joppa Studio complex in Joppa, Maryland. Production designers spent considerable time researching and replicating the Oval Office, the Situation Room, and other iconic White House spaces.
FAQ 3: Were any scenes filmed in Russia?
Potentially very limited second-unit filming may have occurred in Russia to capture establishing shots. However, the majority of scenes depicting Russia were filmed in other locations or created through set design and visual effects. The political climate and logistical challenges likely contributed to the decision to minimize on-location filming in Russia.
FAQ 4: Why did they film in Baltimore instead of solely in Washington D.C.?
Baltimore offered several advantages, including lower production costs, readily available crew and resources, and fewer logistical hurdles compared to filming extensively in Washington D.C. Also, Baltimore architecture can easily be adapted to resemble Washington D.C. with clever set design and camera angles.
FAQ 5: What specific locations in Baltimore were used in Season 3?
Beyond the Joppa Studio complex, specific locations in Baltimore included the Admiral’s Club in Harbor East (Underwood’s regular haunt), numerous streets and buildings disguised as D.C. counterparts, and private homes in surrounding suburbs used for interior shots of residences.
FAQ 6: What was the significance of filming in New Mexico?
New Mexico provided a distinct visual departure from the predominantly East Coast settings, offering a backdrop for scenes requiring a different atmosphere. The locations were likely chosen for their unique landscapes and architectural styles, adding variety to the season’s visual palette.
FAQ 7: How much of the show is CGI versus real locations?
House of Cards relies on a blend of CGI and real locations. While many scenes are filmed on location or on meticulously constructed sets, CGI is used to enhance establishing shots, create visual effects, and seamlessly blend different locations together. For example, CGI might be used to add more people to a crowd scene or to alter the appearance of a building.
FAQ 8: Who was responsible for finding and securing the filming locations?
The location manager and their team are responsible for scouting, securing permits, and coordinating logistics for all filming locations. This role is crucial to ensuring a smooth and efficient production process.
FAQ 9: How do they make Baltimore look like Washington D.C.?
The production team employs various techniques, including careful location scouting, set dressing, camera angles, and post-production editing, to transform Baltimore into a convincing stand-in for Washington D.C.
FAQ 10: Did any local residents play roles in House of Cards as extras?
Yes, local residents from Baltimore and the surrounding areas were frequently hired as extras for scenes requiring background actors. This contributed to the authenticity and atmosphere of the show.
FAQ 11: How long did it take to film Season 3?
The filming schedule for House of Cards Season 3 typically spanned several months, requiring a significant time commitment from the cast and crew. Precise filming dates can vary, but generally adhere to a rigorous production schedule.
FAQ 12: Are there any House of Cards filming location tours available?
While official House of Cards filming location tours may be scarce, independent tour companies and local guides in Baltimore sometimes offer tours highlighting locations used in the series. Searching online for “House of Cards Baltimore tour” can reveal potential options.