‘Fantasmas’ is an imaginative series created by Julio Torres, who also stars in it. The show follows a fictional version of Torres as he embarks on a fantastical journey through an alternate version of New York City. He is on a quest to find a golden oyster earring, and along the way, he meets a variety of interesting characters. These encounters prompt reflections on deeper themes like purpose, meaning, and human connection. The series is filled with surreal, comedic, and introspective moments that explore the inner lives of objects and concepts.
Filming Locations Overview
The filming for ‘Fantasmas’ took place in two main locations: Kearny, New Jersey, and New York City, New York. Principal photography began in January 2023 and continued for about four months, wrapping up in April 2023. The creative team behind the show used these locations to their fullest potential, blending real-world settings with surreal elements to bring Torres’s unique vision to life.
Filming in New York City, New York
New York City plays a crucial role in ‘Fantasmas,’ serving as the primary backdrop for the alternate reality explored in the series. The production team set up in a movie studio in New York City in January 2023, working under Irony Point Productions, which is known for its indie comedy films. Since the story is set in a fantastical version of New York, establishing shots of the city’s iconic landscapes were used extensively.
New York City plays a crucial role in ‘Fantasmas,’ serving as the primary backdrop for the alternate reality explored in the series. The production team set up in a movie studio in New York City in January 2023, working under Irony Point Productions, which is known for its indie comedy films. Since the story is set in a fantastical version of New York, establishing shots of the city’s iconic landscapes were used extensively.
Why New York City is a Filmmaking Hub
New York City’s status as a major filmmaking hub is due to several factors. The city offers a wide array of locations, from bustling streets to quiet parks, which can stand in for almost any setting. Additionally, New York is home to numerous production studios that provide all the necessary facilities for high-quality filmmaking. Despite the challenges of high filming costs and the difficulty of acquiring permits, the city remains a top choice for many filmmakers. Some notable productions filmed in New York City include ‘Eric,’ ‘IF,’ ‘Elsbeth,’ ‘Euphoria,’ ‘All About Eve,’ and ‘Pose.’
Filming in Kearny, New Jersey
Kearny, New Jersey, is another significant filming location for ‘Fantasmas.’ The production team chose Kearny for its unique charm and versatility. Most of the filming for the first season took place here from February to April 2023. Kearny offers a mix of charming neighborhoods, historic architecture, and industrial landscapes, making it a perfect stand-in for the alternate version of New York City depicted in the series.
Kearny’s proximity to New York City allows for easy transitions between locations while keeping costs lower. The town’s industrial heritage, with its warehouses, factories, and waterfront areas, provides an authentic backdrop for gritty urban scenes. Meanwhile, its historic buildings and tree-lined streets offer a quaint contrast, allowing for a wide range of visual aesthetics.
The Role of 10 Basin Studios in Kearny
One of the key locations in Kearny is the 10 Basin Studios, located at 10 Basin Drive. This studio, established in 2022, features a 36,000-square-foot soundstage with attached office and support spaces. The studio has quickly become a hub for filmmakers, attracting numerous projects to the area. The facilities at 10 Basin Studios were instrumental in bringing the surreal world of ‘Fantasmas’ to life.
Other Productions in Kearny
Kearny has been featured in several other movies and TV shows, thanks to its versatile settings. Some notable productions include ‘The Sopranos,’ ‘A Murder at the End of the World,’ ‘Coyote Ugly,’ ‘Jersey Boys,’ ‘Anger Management,’ and ‘Little America.’ These productions highlight Kearny’s appeal as a filming location that can offer a variety of backdrops.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Fantasmas
Q: Where was ‘Fantasmas’ filmed?
A: ‘Fantasmas’ was primarily filmed in two locations: Kearny, New Jersey, and New York City, New York. The production team utilized the diverse settings of Kearny to stand in for various parts of an alternate New York City, while also incorporating iconic shots from the real New York City to establish the fantastical narrative of the series.
Q: Why was Kearny, New Jersey selected as the filming site for ‘Fantasmas’?
A: Kearny, New Jersey, was chosen for its distinctive combination of attractive neighborhoods, antique buildings, and industrial landscapes. These landscapes made an excellent backdrop for the alternative version of New York City shown in ‘Fantasmas.’ Furthermore, Kearny’s closeness to New York City enabled smooth transitions between locations while lowering production expenses.
Q: When was ‘Fantasmas’ filmed?
A: Principal filming for ‘Fantasmas’ began in January 2023 and concluded in April 2023. The filming lasted four months, with the actors and crew working in several locales in Kearny, New Jersey, and New York City, New York.
Q: What studios were used for the filming of ‘Fantasmas’?
A: For the production of ‘Fantasmas,’ the team utilized the facilities at 10 Basin Studios in Kearny, New Jersey. This studio, established in 2022, features a 36,000-square-foot soundstage along with attached office and support spaces. Additionally, a movie studio in New York City was used, where the production team set up soundstages and green screens to create the series’ surreal visuals.
Q: When is the release date for ‘Fantasmas’?
A: ‘Fantasmas’ was released on HBO on June 7 2024.
