Franklin is a biographical drama miniseries on the United States’ Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin. It is based on Stacy Schiff’s 2005 book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.” The series premiered on Apple TV+ on April 12, 2024. It depicts the eight years Benjamin Franklin spent in France persuading King Louis XVI to help the United States during the American Revolutionary War.
The show delves into one of Franklin’s most risky ventures. At the age of 70, Franklin outwitted British spies and French informants while forming the Franco-American alliance of 1778.
Where was “Franklin” Filmed?
The majority of ‘Franklin’ was filmed in and around Paris, France, at actual locations visited by Benjamin Franklin. Filming began in June 2022 and completed in mid-December 2022. During the first month of production, star actor Michael Douglas suffered a medical problem and required gallbladder removal surgery. He returned to the stage after only four days, despite feeling uncomfortable. He filmed for the entire duration.
Versailles, France
Paris, France’s capital city, and its surrounding suburbs are the primary filming locations for ‘Franklin.’ The majority of the filming took place around historical sites in Versailles, southwest of Paris. The big venues in the show are largely set in and around the Palace of Versailles on Place d’Armes. The Palace of Versailles served as the residence of the French monarchy from Louis XIV’s reign to the French Revolution under Louis XVI. Following then, it became a museum.
Benjamin Franklin spent a lot of time in Versailles, interacting with the aristocracy. He also established a laboratory at Chateau de la Muette. The Chateau de la Muette, located at 2 Rue André Pascal, began as a hunting lodge before becoming a country residence. The Chateau served as the starting location for the Montgolfier brothers’ historic first manned voyage in a hot air balloon. This flight occurred in 1783, and Franklin was present, as was the royal family.
Paris, France
Filming for ‘Franklin’ took place in and around the historic city of Paris. Michael Douglas revealed on social media that his dressing area was in a houseboat floating in the Seine River. Following his surgery, he began saving time and energy by skipping the two-and-a-half-hour makeup routine, resulting in a more raw version of Benjamin Franklin.
One of the primary advantages of filming in Paris, particularly for historical films, is the number of well-preserved historical sites. Filmmakers may easily take audiences back in time with the city’s architectural wonders, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Champs-Élysées. Paris also offers a large number of experienced film crews, brilliant artisans, and production facilities, making it an attractive option for filmmakers.
The city’s strong infrastructure supports all stages of production, from scouting locations to post-production editing. Moreover, Paris’ status as a cultural hub provides access to a rich pool of actors, costume designers, and historical consultants who can help accurately depict the intended time period.
Paris has become a favorite location for filmmakers after the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration made significant changes to support movie productions. Earlier, film crews would come to the city for short shoots around monuments and then recreate the French landscape elsewhere. Now, the city attracts full movie productions, thanks to generous tax credits offered by the local administration.
According to Vincent Florant, digital director of France’s National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC), the sector has experienced tremendous acceleration and exponential expansion. Nowadays, we host the entirety of these large projects, whereas formerly we just received a portion, or in the most extreme circumstances, a few days of postcard shooting at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.”
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Franklin
Q: Where was ‘Franklin’ filmed?
A: ‘Franklin’ was primarily filmed in and around Paris, France. Major filming locations included the Palace of Versailles and Chateau de la Muette in the suburb of Versailles. Additionally, scenes were shot in various historical sites around Paris.
Q: Did they film at real historical sites?
A: Yes, many scenes in ‘Franklin’ were filmed at real historical sites that Benjamin Franklin had visited. The Palace of Versailles and Chateau de la Muette are significant locations featured in the series.
Q: When did the filming of ‘Franklin’ take place?
A: The filming of ‘Franklin’ began in June 2022 and wrapped up in mid-December 2022. The production spanned about seven months.
Q: Were there any challenges during the filming?
A: Yes, during the first month of filming, lead actor Michael Douglas had to undergo gallbladder removal surgery. Despite this, he returned to the set after four days and continued filming for the entire duration, though he faced some discomfort.
Q: When was ‘Franklin’ released?
A: ‘Franklin’ was released on April 12, 2024, on Apple TV+.
