‘Baby Boy’ is a drama film from 2001 that explores the struggles of a young man who does not want to grow up. Directed by John Singleton, the movie is about Joseph “Jody” Summers, a 20-year-old who has trouble taking responsibility for his actions. He has children with two different women and faces challenges in his life, especially when his mother starts dating someone new.
The film takes a close look at living in an impoverished, single-mother household in Los Angeles. Los Angeles native John Singleton selected real-life settings in the city to give the film an authentic vibe. He wanted the settings to be authentic and approachable to the audience.
Where was “Baby Boy” Filmed?
The filming of ‘Baby Boy’ took place entirely in Los Angeles, California. The shooting began in November 2000 and was completed by mid-February 2001.
South Central Los Angeles
‘Baby Boy’ was mainly filmed in South Central Los Angeles, a neighborhood south of downtown Los Angeles. John Singleton and Tyrese Gibson, the lead actor, were familiar with these neighborhoods. They used real places in the city to show the culture and life of the characters.
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw
One of the filming locations was Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, a popular shopping plaza at 3650 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This location was used for several scenes in the movie. John Singleton got the idea for the film while watching young men at this plaza, imagining Jody as one of them.
Liquor Bank
A scene where Jody and his friend, Sweetpea, talk in a parking lot was filmed outside the Liquor Bank. This store was located at 3600 West Stocker Street, on the corner of Crenshaw and Stocker. The store has since been demolished after complaints about its influence in the community.
Crenshaw Car Wash
Another scene in the movie takes place at the Crenshaw Car Wash. This car wash, located at 4220 Crenshaw Boulevard, appears briefly in the film.
Lucy’s Drive-In
A few scenes were also shot at Lucy’s Drive-In, a fast-food restaurant at 1373 South La Brea Avenue. This place is known for its traditional family values and serves burgers and burritos. In the film, there is a small argument between Jody and his girlfriend, Yvette, at this location.
Kenneth Hahn Park
The movie also includes scenes from Kenneth Hahn Park, a large green space in Baldwin Mountain Hills. This park is located at 4100 South La Cienega Boulevard and features playgrounds, basketball courts, a garden, and a fishing lake. It is a popular spot for locals to enjoy outdoor activities.
Leimert Park
A significant part of the story is set in the Leimert Park area. This residential neighborhood has Spanish Colonial Revival-style houses and tree-lined streets. John Singleton used this area before in his 1993 film ‘Poetic Justice.’ Many scenes, including those showing Sweetpea’s home, were filmed at 4509 11th Avenue in Leimert Park.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Baby Boy
Q: Where was ‘Baby Boy’ filmed?
A: ‘Baby Boy’ was filmed entirely in Los Angeles, California. Key locations include South Central Los Angeles, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, the Crenshaw Car Wash, Lucy’s Drive-In, Kenneth Hahn Park, and Leimert Park. These sites were chosen to authentically represent the cultural backdrop of the film.
Q: When was ‘Baby Boy’ filmed?
A: Filming for ‘Baby Boy’ began in November 2000 and was completed by mid-February 2001. The production was conducted over a few months to capture the specific settings and scenes needed for the film.
Q: What is the release date of ‘Baby Boy’?
A: ‘Baby Boy’ was released in the United States on July 27, 2001. The film premiered in theaters, showcasing its deep dive into urban life and personal struggles.
Q: Was any part of ‘Baby Boy’ filmed outside Los Angeles?
A: No, ‘Baby Boy’ was filmed exclusively in Los Angeles. The director, John Singleton, chose to keep the filming within the city to maintain the authenticity and cultural relevance of the story.
Q: Why did John Singleton choose these specific locations for filming ‘Baby Boy’?
A: John Singleton chose these sites to effectively depict the characters’ environments and lifestyles. He intended the film to accurately depict the real-life experience of living in these regions. Singleton, who is familiar with Los Angeles, intended to pick locations that were both intimate and meaningful to the plot.
