House of Cards Season 4 saw Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) navigating the treacherous waters of a presidential election year and their increasingly strained marriage. While the show is primarily set in Washington, D.C., filming largely bypassed the capital itself, instead utilizing Baltimore, Maryland, as the primary filming location, with occasional shoots in other states and even internationally. This season, in particular, saw expansions in the scope of the Underwood’s world, which translated into more diverse and compelling filming locations.
The Heart of the Underwood Machine: Baltimore
Baltimore remained the cornerstone of House of Cards production, offering a wealth of architectural styles that convincingly doubled for Washington D.C.’s iconic buildings. The gritty charm and historical backdrop of Baltimore provided a perfect canvas for the show’s dark and morally ambiguous narrative.
Key Baltimore Locations:
- Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood often stood in for various D.C. street scenes, with its charming row houses and bustling restaurants adding a sense of authenticity.
- Inner Harbor: The Inner Harbor, with its iconic skyline and waterfront views, was used for establishing shots of the city, creating a sense of power and scale.
- Government Buildings: Numerous buildings in Baltimore were transformed into the show’s political power centers, including the Maryland State House, which stood in for certain congressional settings. Clever camera angles and set design worked to convincingly portray the D.C. environment.
- Industrial Areas: Baltimore’s industrial landscape provided the perfect backdrop for scenes requiring a more rugged and less polished aesthetic, reflecting the darker elements of Underwood’s world.
Beyond Baltimore: Expanding the House of Cards Universe
While Baltimore was the primary base, Season 4 broadened its horizons, venturing to other locations to capture specific scenes and settings.
South Carolina and Beyond:
- South Carolina: A significant portion of Season 4 takes place in South Carolina as Frank Underwood campaigns for re-election. Real-life locations in South Carolina were actually used for filming these scenes. This included specific towns and cities, which mirrored the political landscape depicted in the show. While exact details on specific locations used have been tightly controlled to preserve the show’s immersive illusion, it is known that filming took place in the state to capitalize on the unique environment.
- Washington, D.C. (Limited): Despite being the show’s setting, actual filming in Washington, D.C., was minimal. Strategic exterior shots of landmarks like the White House and the Capitol Building were captured to establish the show’s geographical context.
- Other Locations: The show has been known to utilize locations further afield to suit the narrative demands of each episode, enhancing the visual scope and narrative complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About House of Cards Season 4 Filming Locations
Here are some frequently asked questions about the filming locations used in House of Cards Season 4, providing deeper insights into the production and the show’s visual landscape:
H3: 1. Why was Baltimore chosen as the primary filming location over Washington, D.C.?
Baltimore offers several advantages, including: lower production costs, less stringent filming regulations, and a wider range of architectural styles that can easily double for Washington, D.C. It allows the production team greater control over the filming environment.
H3: 2. Were any real political figures or locations used during filming?
While the show strives for authenticity, real political figures are not used, and access to genuine government buildings is limited. The production team relies heavily on set design and convincing stand-ins to create the illusion of the D.C. political world.
H3: 3. How did the production team transform Baltimore into Washington, D.C.?
The transformation involved a combination of factors: careful location scouting, set design, CGI, and clever camera angles. Existing buildings were modified with signs and props, while CGI was used to add iconic D.C. landmarks in the background.
H3: 4. Were there any challenges in filming in Baltimore?
Like any large-scale production, filming in Baltimore presented challenges, including managing street closures, coordinating with local businesses, and navigating the city’s infrastructure. Weather conditions were also a factor.
H3: 5. Did the cast and crew spend the majority of their time in Baltimore during filming?
Yes, the cast and crew were largely based in Baltimore for the duration of filming, which typically lasted several months per season. This contributed to the local economy and fostered a strong connection with the city.
H3: 6. Are there any House of Cards filming location tours available in Baltimore?
While no official House of Cards tours exist, several companies offer tours that highlight the city’s general filming locations and its architectural significance, including buildings used in the show.
H3: 7. How did the use of different locations contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of Season 4?
The diverse filming locations enhanced the show’s realism and complexity. The grand architecture of Baltimore’s government buildings reflected the power and corruption at the heart of the narrative, while South Carolina provided a strong contrast.
H3: 8. Did the show ever film in Frank Underwood’s home state of South Carolina?
Yes, Season 4 significantly expanded the filming locations to include South Carolina. This was driven by the storyline following Frank’s presidential campaign, necessitating the use of authentic South Carolina locales.
H3: 9. Were any significant changes made to filming locations between Season 1 and Season 4?
While Baltimore remained the primary location, the show expanded its reach over the seasons, utilizing a wider variety of buildings and neighborhoods. This reflects the increasing scope and ambition of the Underwood’s plans.
H3: 10. How did local residents react to the filming of House of Cards in their communities?
Filming in Baltimore generated excitement and offered economic benefits to the local community. However, it also caused some disruption, such as traffic delays and limited access to certain areas.
H3: 11. What role did CGI play in creating the visual landscape of House of Cards Season 4?
CGI was used extensively to enhance the realism and scale of the show. It added D.C. landmarks in the background, created virtual sets, and removed unwanted elements from the filming locations.
H3: 12. What impact did the filming locations have on the overall success of House of Cards?
The authentic and visually compelling filming locations contributed significantly to the show’s success. They helped to create a believable and immersive world, drawing viewers into the dark and complex narrative of House of Cards. The show’s consistent use of real-world environments added a layer of credibility that resonated with audiences, enhancing their engagement and ultimately contributing to the show’s enduring popularity.