The iconic “White House” seen in the Netflix hit House of Cards isn’t actually the presidential residence in Washington D.C. It’s a carefully constructed facade and soundstage sets, primarily located in Maryland, that convincingly bring the drama of political intrigue to life.
The Truth Behind the Facade
While establishing shots sometimes feature Washington D.C., the majority of the interior and exterior scenes attributed to the White House are filmed on soundstages and at carefully chosen locations in and around Baltimore, Maryland. This strategic decision allows for greater control over the production environment, accommodating complex lighting, camera angles, and the logistical demands of a large-scale television series. The creators meticulously crafted replicas of key White House rooms, ensuring a believable and immersive experience for viewers.
Beyond the Soundstage: Real Locations in Action
The series cleverly blends studio filming with location shots to enhance realism. While the Oval Office and other key rooms are predominantly located within the studio, scenes depicting the exterior of the White House South Portico are often filmed using a facade built specifically for the show. This allowed the production team to create realistic shots without requiring access to the actual White House. Moreover, other Washington D.C. landmarks are featured, providing context and grounding the fictional narrative in reality.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions viewers have about the filming locations of House of Cards, answered to provide a more complete picture.
FAQ 1: Was any of House of Cards filmed inside the real White House?
No. No filming took place inside the actual White House for House of Cards. Security concerns, logistical challenges, and the disruption it would cause to the White House’s daily operations made filming on-site impractical.
FAQ 2: Where exactly in Maryland were the sets located?
The primary production hub for House of Cards was in Joppatowne, Maryland. Specifically, the sets were housed in a large warehouse facility. This location provided ample space for building and maintaining the elaborate sets required to portray the White House and other key locations.
FAQ 3: How much did it cost to build the “White House” set?
The exact cost of building the sets is not publicly available, but industry experts estimate that the production invested millions of dollars in creating realistic and detailed environments. This investment was crucial for maintaining the show’s high production value and immersing viewers in the world of Washington politics.
FAQ 4: Which architectural details were meticulously replicated for the sets?
The production team paid close attention to detail, replicating key architectural elements of the real White House, including:
- The Oval Office: The dimensions, layout, and furniture arrangement were meticulously recreated.
- The South Portico: The iconic columns and facade were built to match the real structure.
- The Press Briefing Room: The room’s design and layout were closely replicated.
FAQ 5: Did they use CGI to enhance the “White House” scenes?
While the primary focus was on building physical sets, CGI was likely used to enhance certain exterior shots, especially those depicting wide views of the White House or Washington D.C. This allowed the production to create a more visually compelling and realistic environment.
FAQ 6: What other locations in Baltimore and D.C. were used for filming?
Beyond the main sets, House of Cards utilized various locations in Baltimore and Washington D.C. to represent different parts of the city and the political landscape. These included:
- Baltimore’s Inner Harbor: Used for various exterior scenes.
- Downtown Baltimore: Employed for street scenes and establishing shots.
- Specific Monuments and Memorials in D.C.: Utilized for establishing shots and scenes requiring a D.C. backdrop.
FAQ 7: How long did it take to build the main sets for the show?
Building the detailed and extensive sets for House of Cards was a significant undertaking. It likely took the production team several months to complete the construction and decoration of the primary sets, ensuring they met the show’s high standards for realism and detail.
FAQ 8: Who was responsible for the set design and decoration?
The set design and decoration were the responsibility of a dedicated team of production designers, art directors, and set decorators. These professionals worked closely together to create the visual world of House of Cards, ensuring that every detail contributed to the show’s overall aesthetic and narrative.
FAQ 9: How did the production team decide on the specific Maryland location?
Several factors likely influenced the decision to film in Maryland:
- Proximity to Washington D.C.: This allowed for easy access to real-world locations for establishing shots.
- Tax incentives: Maryland offered attractive tax incentives to encourage film and television production.
- Availability of soundstage facilities: The presence of suitable warehouse spaces in Joppatowne provided ample room for building and maintaining the sets.
FAQ 10: Did the real White House staff ever visit the House of Cards sets?
There is no public record of White House staff visiting the House of Cards sets. Given the fictionalized and often exaggerated portrayal of politics in the show, it’s unlikely that the White House would have formally endorsed or participated in the production.
FAQ 11: How did the filming locations contribute to the overall atmosphere of the show?
The strategic use of both studio sets and real-world locations played a crucial role in creating the tense and dramatic atmosphere of House of Cards. The meticulously crafted sets provided a believable backdrop for the political intrigue, while the location shots grounded the narrative in the reality of Washington D.C.
FAQ 12: With the series over, what happened to the “White House” sets?
The fate of the House of Cards sets after the show’s conclusion is not widely publicized. It is likely that the sets were either dismantled and repurposed, or stored for potential future use. The cost of maintaining such elaborate sets would be significant, so preservation is often dependent on future production needs.
Conclusion: The Magic of Illusion
House of Cards skillfully employed a combination of studio sets, location shooting, and visual effects to create a compelling and believable depiction of the White House and the world of Washington politics. While the actual filming took place primarily in Maryland, the illusion was so convincing that viewers were easily transported into the heart of the nation’s capital, making House of Cards a resounding success. The dedication to detail and the strategic use of location filming ultimately contributed to the show’s enduring appeal and its place in television history.