Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the critically acclaimed comedy series, was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, USA, despite being set in New York City.
Primary Filming Location Details
The vast majority of the show's production, including all interior scenes of the iconic 99th precinct, character apartments, and other indoor settings, took place on soundstages.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main Studio Location | CBS Studio Center |
| City, State, Country | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Neighborhood | Studio City (within Los Angeles) |
| Show's Setting | Brooklyn, New York City, USA |
Why Los Angeles for a Brooklyn-Based Show?
Filming a show set in a specific city like Brooklyn while primarily producing it in Los Angeles is a common practice in the television industry, offering several strategic advantages:
- Established Studio Infrastructure: Los Angeles is home to extensive, state-of-the-art studio facilities like the CBS Studio Center. These studios are fully equipped with soundstages, backlots, and advanced post-production resources, providing an ideal controlled environment for filming.
- Vast Talent Pool: As a global hub for entertainment, Los Angeles offers unparalleled access to a deep pool of experienced actors, directors, writers, and technical crew, simplifying the casting and production process.
- Logistical Efficiency: Consolidating production in one major film hub minimizes logistical challenges related to travel, equipment, and crew management.
- Production Incentives: States like California often provide substantial tax credits and other incentives to film and television productions, which can significantly reduce overall costs.
Bringing Brooklyn to Life
Despite being filmed thousands of miles away from its setting, the production team of Brooklyn Nine-Nine employed various techniques to authentically represent its New York City backdrop:
- Detailed Set Design: The interior sets, especially the police precinct, were meticulously designed to replicate the look and feel of a real New York City police station, complete with specific architectural elements, authentic props, and signage.
- Authentic Establishing Shots: While the main filming was in Los Angeles, the series incorporated actual footage of Brooklyn neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and streetscapes for its establishing shots and transitions. This B-roll footage helped to visually ground the show in its intended location and maintain the illusion that the events were unfolding in New York.
- Cultural Specificity: The show's writing consistently integrated New York-specific humor, references, and cultural nuances, from local food to neighborhood dynamics, further enhancing its authenticity.
This seamless blend of studio production in Los Angeles with carefully selected exterior shots of Brooklyn allowed Brooklyn Nine-Nine to deliver a convincing and beloved portrayal of its vibrant setting.
