How to Get Away with Murder captivated audiences with its intricate plot and morally ambiguous characters. While much of the series’ tension exists within the narrative, the meticulously chosen filming locations contribute significantly to its atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, primarily utilizing the states of Pennsylvania and California. Though nominally set in Philadelphia, a significant portion of the interior and exterior shots were strategically filmed in Los Angeles, leveraging its well-established film infrastructure and production resources. This creates a compelling on-screen reality that expertly blends authentic East Coast aesthetics with the practical advantages of West Coast filmmaking.
The Keystone State and the Golden State: A Tale of Two Locations
The series skillfully blends on-location shoots in Philadelphia with studio and location work in Los Angeles to create the illusion of a cohesive Philadelphia setting. This approach allows for the incorporation of recognizable Philly landmarks while benefiting from the extensive facilities and resources available in the California film industry.
Philadelphia: Authenticity on Location
Philadelphia serves as the backdrop for many establishing shots and exterior scenes, anchoring the show’s narrative within the legal landscape of Pennsylvania.
- City Hall: The iconic Philadelphia City Hall, with its imposing architecture, is frequently seen, emphasizing the gravitas of the legal profession and the high stakes involved in the cases featured in the series.
- University of Pennsylvania: While not explicitly identified as Penn on screen, the University of Pennsylvania campus provides a visual representation of Middleton University’s law school, further grounding the show in a recognizable academic environment. The campus’s gothic architecture lends itself to the show’s overall tone of mystery and darkness.
- Various Philadelphia Neighborhoods: Selected neighborhoods showcase the diverse socioeconomic fabric of the city, reflecting the varied backgrounds of the cases Annalise and her students handle.
Los Angeles: The Heart of Production
Despite the Philadelphia setting, the majority of How to Get Away with Murder was filmed in Los Angeles, California. This decision was primarily driven by logistical and budgetary considerations.
- Los Angeles Center Studios: This studio complex provided a stable and controlled environment for filming interior scenes, including the iconic Keating & Associates law office and Annalise Keating’s residence. The use of a dedicated soundstage allowed the production team to meticulously craft the visual aesthetic of these key locations.
- University of Southern California (USC): The USC campus served as a stand-in for various Middleton University exteriors. Its proximity to the Los Angeles Center Studios made it a convenient and cost-effective filming location. The architecture and landscaping of USC were carefully chosen to complement the scenes shot on location in Philadelphia.
- Other Los Angeles Locations: Various locations throughout Los Angeles were used to portray different parts of Philadelphia, showcasing the adaptability of the city’s diverse architecture and urban landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How to Get Away with Murder Filming Locations
FAQ 1: Was the Keating & Associates Law Office a Real Law Firm?
No, the Keating & Associates law office was a set built and maintained at Los Angeles Center Studios. It was designed to reflect Annalise Keating’s power and influence, with dark wood paneling, dramatic lighting, and carefully chosen props.
FAQ 2: Did Viola Davis Actually Film in Philadelphia?
Yes, Viola Davis and other cast members did film on location in Philadelphia for establishing shots and specific exterior scenes. These on-location shoots added authenticity to the show’s portrayal of the city.
FAQ 3: What University Served as Middleton University’s Law School?
While scenes were filmed at the University of Pennsylvania for exterior shots, the University of Southern California (USC) was also used for some Middleton University exteriors due to its proximity to the main production studios in Los Angeles.
FAQ 4: Why Was So Much Filming Done in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles offers significant benefits for television production, including established studios, experienced crew members, diverse filming locations, and favorable tax incentives. Filming in LA was more cost-effective and logistically feasible for a long-running series.
FAQ 5: How Did They Make Los Angeles Look Like Philadelphia?
The production team employed various techniques to create the illusion of Philadelphia, including using establishing shots of Philly landmarks, carefully selecting Los Angeles locations that resembled Philadelphia architecture, and utilizing visual effects to enhance the authenticity.
FAQ 6: Are the Courtrooms in How to Get Away with Murder Real?
The courtroom scenes were primarily filmed on soundstages in Los Angeles, allowing the production team to control the lighting, acoustics, and overall visual environment. However, some exterior shots of Philadelphia courthouses were used to establish the setting.
FAQ 7: Was Annalise Keating’s House a Real House?
While interior shots were filmed on a set in Los Angeles, some exterior shots of houses in Philadelphia were used to portray Annalise Keating’s residence. The production team carefully selected houses that reflected the character’s sophistication and wealth.
FAQ 8: Did the Show Ever Film in Other Locations Besides Philadelphia and Los Angeles?
While the primary filming locations were Philadelphia and Los Angeles, there may have been occasional scenes filmed in other locations for specific plot purposes. However, these instances were relatively rare.
FAQ 9: How Does Location Affect the Tone of How to Get Away with Murder?
The combination of the gritty urban landscape of Philadelphia and the controlled environment of Los Angeles studios contributes to the show’s overall tone of suspense and intrigue. The authentic locations add a sense of realism, while the studio sets allow for greater control over the visual aesthetic.
FAQ 10: Are There Any Public Tours of the How to Get Away with Murder Filming Locations?
While there may not be official guided tours specifically dedicated to How to Get Away with Murder, some general Hollywood studio tours may offer glimpses of sets or soundstages used in the production. Fans can also visit some of the exterior locations in Philadelphia and Los Angeles on their own.
FAQ 11: How Did Viewers React to the Blending of Locations?
Most viewers likely did not notice the blending of Philadelphia and Los Angeles locations, as the production team meticulously crafted a cohesive visual experience. The show’s success suggests that the location choices did not detract from the overall narrative. The success of the show lies in large parts on the Seamless blend of real locations.
FAQ 12: What Role Did Post-Production Play in Creating the Show’s Visual Identity?
Post-production played a crucial role in enhancing the visual identity of How to Get Away with Murder. Color grading, visual effects, and sound design all contributed to the show’s distinctive atmosphere and helped to seamlessly blend the Philadelphia and Los Angeles locations.
In conclusion, the filming locations of How to Get Away with Murder are a testament to the art of illusion in television production. By strategically blending on-location shoots in Philadelphia with studio and location work in Los Angeles, the show created a compelling and believable world that captivated audiences for six seasons.