Directed by Lee Daniels, “The Deliverance” is a horror film about an African American family who believes their new home in Pittsburgh is a gateway to Hell. The story follows Ebony Jackson, a single mother of three who moves from Philadelphia. Ebony has a strained relationship with her mother and struggles with alcoholism, leading to abuse of her children.
When the neighbors notice the children’s bruises, Child Protective Services gets involved. Ebony claims her children are possessed, and what starts as doubt soon turns into fear when the children are seen climbing walls in a creepy manner. Based on true events, the Netflix film showcases a chilling story set against a surprisingly ordinary community.
Where was Netflix’s The Deliverance filmed?
The filming of ‘The Deliverance’ took place primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The production began on June 20, 2022, and wrapped up by early September of the same year. Lee Daniels, the director, chose not to film at the actual haunted house that inspired the movie, fearing the real-life horror stories associated with it. Instead, he took extra precautions by inviting an apostle to bless the set with daily prayers. Actress Glenn Close mentioned in an interview how unusual it was to have someone pray on set before work, but she found it comforting and protective.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The movie was shot at various locations throughout Pittsburgh. The interiors of the Jacksons’ home and the hospital were created at the 1310 Beulah Road in Churchill Crossings, on the site of the old Westinghouse Churchill building, which was converted into a studio. The exterior shots of the Jackson home were filmed in East Pittsburgh, while the Taylor Motel at 1110 Lincoln Highway in North Versailles was used for certain scenes.
For the school scenes, Wilkinsburg High School at 747 Wallace Avenue was chosen. The hospital scenes were filmed at the Allegheny Health Network (AGH) Suburban, located at 100 South Jackson Avenue. Church scenes were captured at Trinity AME Zion Church in Sheraden and East Liberty Presbyterian Church at 116 South Highland Avenue. Hidy’s Cafe, located at 115 West Braddock Avenue, was used for the cafe scenes, though the cafe has since closed down. Filming also took place at NxStage Kidney Care on 3623 William Penn Highway in Monroeville.
Additional Filming Details
The McKees Rocks Bridge, which crosses the Ohio River, is featured prominently in the film. Nearby streets, Munson Avenue and Ella Street, were also used for filming. The production team worked through one night in late August, managing traffic disruptions until 3 am.
Why Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh was chosen for its financial benefits and suitable settings. Lee Daniels appreciated the offer made by the Pittsburgh Film Office and the opportunity to make the budget stretch further. He praised the local crew for their enthusiasm and looks forward to working in Pittsburgh again, ideally during the summer.
Pittsburgh is becoming a favored location for filming. Other notable projects shot there include Netflix’s ‘Archive 81,’ ‘Dawn of the Dead,’ ‘The Mothman Prophecies,’ ‘Stigmata,’ and ‘My Bloody Valentine.’
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Deliverance
Q: Where was ‘The Deliverance’ filmed?
A: ‘The Deliverance’ was filmed primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Key locations include 1310 Beulah Road in Churchill Crossings for the interior sets, East Pittsburgh for the exterior of the Jackson home, and the Taylor Motel at 1110 Lincoln Highway in North Versailles. Additional scenes were shot at Wilkinsburg High School, AGH Suburban hospital, Trinity AME Zion Church, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Hidy’s Cafe, and NxStage Kidney Care.
Q: When was ‘The Deliverance’ filmed?
A: Filming for ‘The Deliverance’ started on June 20, 2022, and was completed by early September 2022.
Q: When was ‘The Deliverance’ released?
A: The film ‘The Deliverance’ was released on Netflix on August 30, 2024.
Q: Who are the cast members of ‘The Deliverance’?
A: The main cast of ‘The Deliverance’ includes Keke Palmer as Ebony Jackson, Aunjanue Ellis as Aunt Ruth, Jahi Di’Allo Winston as Elijah Jackson, Saniyya Sidney as Janelle Jackson, and Ethan Dizon as Marcus Jackson.
Q: Why was Pittsburgh chosen as the filming location for ‘The Deliverance’?
A: Pittsburgh was chosen because it offered financial incentives and a good setting for the movie. The city’s Film Tax Credit program provided helpful financial benefits, and the city’s diverse locations and supportive local crew made it an ideal place for filming.