‘Presumed Innocent’ is a mystery drama series available on Apple TV+ that is based on Scott Turow’s 1987 novel of the same name. The show, created by David E. Kelley, brings to life the story of Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation. Rusty becomes a prime suspect in the murder of his colleague and lover, Carolyn Polhemus. This suspicion casts a shadow over his professional and personal life, leading to a gripping legal battle where he must prove his innocence.
The series takes place in the bustling urban landscape of Chicago, capturing the city’s gritty and melancholy vibe. The filming of ‘Presumed Innocent’ takes place in various notable places, including Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Chicago. Each of these locations adds to the show’s overall style and helps bring the plot to life.
Where Was ‘Presumed Innocent’ Filmed?
The filming for ‘Presumed Innocent’ began in February 2023 and concluded at the end of the same year. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike caused significant production delays, but the team was able to complete the first season effectively once filming resumed.
Los Angeles, California
Jake Gyllenhaal, who stars as Rusty Sabich, was seen filming in a suburban neighborhood in Los Angeles as early as February 1, 2023. The downtown area of Los Angeles was used to stand in for Chicago’s bustling metropolis. This allowed the crew to capture the intense, urban feel of the city within the confines of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is known for its experienced film crews and supportive policies for the film industry, which made the production smoother, even amidst challenges like the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Actress Nana Mensah shared her experience about the vibrant behind-the-scenes atmosphere, saying, “The cast is filled with a lot of theater people who are used to giving their all in performances. Everyone brought their energy and creativity to their roles, making the set a wonderful place to work.” O-T Fagbenle, another cast member, described the courtroom set as being like a theater, which contributed to a dynamic and engaging filming environment.
Pasadena, California
Pasadena, a city northeast of downtown Los Angeles, was also used to film ‘Presumed Innocent.’ Pasadena, known for its stunning scenery and many architectural styles, served as a stark contrast to Los Angeles’ harsh metropolitan environments. The city is well-known for its Craftsman-style homes and picturesque streets, which were used to film scenes in Rusty’s neighborhood.
Pasadena filming includes internal scenes situated in more intimate or residential settings. These sequences were shot at exquisite residences and office buildings throughout the city. Pasadena’s distinct style, paired with its diverse filming settings, made it an excellent choice for the series. The city has been a favorite filming site for many other TV shows and movies, including Netflix’s You, AMC’s Mad Men, CBS’s Ghosts, and the thriller Disturbia.
Chicago, Illinois
Although much of the filming for ‘Presumed Innocent’ took place in California, the production crew also shot several critical scenes in Chicago, Illinois, to stay true to the novel’s location. Chicago, also known as the Windy City, supplied the famous skyline and metropolitan backdrop required for the series’ storyline.
In late November, a production unit headed to Chicago to record exterior shots and set sequences. While the primary characters, including Jake Gyllenhaal, did not visit Chicago, the camera team captured the city’s aura, which is essential for conveying the actual feel of the show’s setting. The series integrates the city’s significant monuments and legal institutions to represent the narrative’s realism while also maintaining a connection to the book’s original setting.
Jake Gyllenhaal emphasized the importance of Chicago’s setting in an interview, saying, “Chicago is a fantastic city, and it adds so much to the story. The trials and legal proceedings we depict in the show are grounded in the reality of how things operate in the city’s judicial system.”
The cast and crew of ‘Presumed Innocent’ shared positive experiences about their time on set. Despite the challenges posed by the strike, the team adapted well and made the most of their time during filming. The combination of seasoned theater actors and a supportive production environment contributed to a creative and energetic atmosphere on set.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Presumed Innocent
Q: Where was ‘Presumed Innocent’ primarily filmed?
A: ‘Presumed Innocent’ was primarily filmed in Los Angeles and Pasadena, California. The production utilized various locations around these cities to replicate the urban environment of Chicago. A few scenes were also shot in Chicago, Illinois, to capture the city’s authentic skyline and urban backdrop.
Q: What specific locations in Los Angeles were used for filming?
A: In Los Angeles, the downtown area was used to represent the bustling metropolis of Chicago. Various neighborhoods and suburban areas in Los Angeles also served as filming sites to depict different environments in the series. The city’s diverse landscapes and film-friendly policies made it an ideal location for production.
Q: Why was Pasadena, California chosen as a filming location?
A: Pasadena, known for its picturesque and versatile settings, provided a perfect backdrop for the more intimate and domestic scenes in ‘Presumed Innocent.’ The city’s unique architectural styles, including its Craftsman-style homes, added a distinct visual element to the series, contrasting with the gritty urban scenes shot in Los Angeles.
Q: When did the filming of ‘Presumed Innocent’ take place?
A: The filming for ‘Presumed Innocent’ began in February 2023 and was completed by the end of the same year. The production experienced some delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, but the team managed to wrap up filming efficiently once the strike concluded.
Q: When is the release date for ‘Presumed Innocent’?
A: ‘Presumed Innocent’ is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on June 12, 2024.
