Ritesh Sharma
Created by Paul William Davies and produced by Shondaland, ‘The Residence’ is a gripping mystery drama inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book ‘The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House.’ Blending sharp wit with a classic whodunit, the mini-series unravels a murder mystery during a prestigious state dinner, where power, politics, and personal secrets collide.
The show thrives on its ensemble cast, each character bringing their own ambitions, fears, and secrets into the mix. Some will stop at nothing to protect their reputations, while others seize the moment for personal gain. With its blend of dark humor, high-stakes drama, and a setting where power is everything, ‘The Residence’ is more than just a murder mystery—it’s an exploration of privilege, deception, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect themselves.
The Residence Filming Locations
Although ‘The Residence’ is set inside the White House, none of the filming took place in Washington, D.C. Instead, the entire production was carried out in Los Angeles, California, where meticulously designed sets and strategic locations recreated the iconic setting. The production process was far from smooth, as the series faced significant delays. Filming initially began on April 14, 2023, but was abruptly halted due to the Hollywood labor disputes that year.
At the time of the shutdown, four of the eight episodes had already been completed. After months of uncertainty, production finally resumed in February 2024, allowing the team to continue where they had left off. The shoot lasted for a few more months, with the final scenes wrapped up on May 16, 2024. Despite these setbacks, the series managed to maintain its vision, ensuring a seamless blend of authenticity and intrigue. The title of the movie during the initial days of production was ‘Falcon.’
Raleigh Studios, Los Angeles, California
‘The Residence’ required an authentic recreation of the White House, and Los Angeles, California, served as the primary filming hub for the production. A significant portion of the filming took place at Raleigh Studios, where detailed set constructions replicated the grand interiors of the White House. These sets allowed for greater control over lighting, camera movements, and production logistics, ensuring that the visuals closely matched the historical and aesthetic accuracy required for the show.
The production also utilized several well-known Los Angeles landmarks to enhance the realism of specific sequences. The John Sowden House, located at 5121 Franklin Avenue, played a role in capturing the intricate and historic feel of the series. Known for its striking Mayan Revival architecture, the house’s unique design elements influenced some of the interior set constructions, providing a visually rich backdrop. Another key filming location was the Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, 90069. This architectural complex, with its modernist design and expansive spaces, was adapted for various sequences, particularly those requiring detailed recreations of governmental and institutional interiors. The flexible layout of the Pacific Design Center allowed the production team to build and modify sets as needed, ensuring a seamless integration of on-location and studio filming.
Although primarily filmed in Los Angeles, the production also referenced the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, located at 1280 Peachtree Street Northeast, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. While this location was not directly used for filming, its distinct architectural features inspired some of the set designs built in Los Angeles studios. The filming process in Los Angeles focused on achieving an accurate and immersive depiction of the White House. The combination of soundstage recreations, carefully selected architectural locations, and intricate production design ensured that ‘The Residence’ visually mirrored the grandeur and historical depth of the real-life setting. By utilizing extensive resources and versatile filming locations of the City of Angels, the series brings its political mystery to life with an attention to detail that enhances its storytelling.
Los Angeles has long served as a versatile stand-in for Washington, D.C., and other political settings in film and television. Productions like ‘The West Wing,’ ‘House of Cards,’ ‘JFK,’ ‘Frost/Nixon,’ ‘All the President’s Men,’ ‘Argo,’ ‘Charlie Wilson’s War,’ ‘The Post,’ and ‘Vice’ have all utilized the city’s architectural diversity and world-class studios to recreate the look and feel of the nation’s capital.
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