Key Points:
- Adolescence was filmed primarily in West Yorkshire, England, with a focus on Pontefract and Wakefield.
- The one-shot filming technique required careful coordination across real locations and studio sets.
- The Episode 2 drone shot was a technical breakthrough, blending handheld cinematography with aerial footage.
Where Was Adolescence Filmed?
Netflix’s gripping four-part psychological crime drama, Adolescence, was shot in West Yorkshire, primarily in Pontefract and Wakefield. The series, directed by Philip Barantini and co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, immerses audiences in a raw, real-time unraveling of a murder case using a continuous one-shot filming approach.
The main filming locations include:
Production Park, South Kirkby
One of the most critical locations for Adolescence was Production Park, a 100,000-square-foot studio facility in South Kirkby, near Pontefract. Traditionally a rehearsal space for musicians like Coldplay and Sam Smith, the facility was transformed into the series’ production hub.
The police station scenes in Episode 1 and the interview room sequences in Episode 3 were built here from scratch. According to Barantini, this space acted as the “nerve center” for the six-month production period, running from March to September 2024.
Pontefract & Wakefield
Many of the exterior and on-location shots were filmed in and around Pontefract. The decision to root the series in this area was influenced by Owen Cooper’s (Jamie Miller) natural northern accent, allowing for an authentic portrayal of British working-class life.
Key filming spots included:
- The Miller family home, located just minutes from Production Park, enabling the seamless one-take format.
- The murder site in Episode 2, filmed in a Wakefield parking lot, capturing the unsettling crime scene.
Minsthorpe Community College, South Elmsall
Episode 2, set in Jamie’s school, was filmed at Minsthorpe Community College in South Elmsall. With 370 extras portraying students and staff, the bustling environment added to the chaotic realism of the murder investigation. The school’s location also facilitated the technical transition to the drone shot that concludes the episode.
READ MORE: Did Jamie Kill Katie in Adolescence?
How Was Adolescence Filmed in One Continuous Shot?
Director Philip Barantini and cinematographer Matthew Lewis executed Adolescence as a single-shot drama, meaning each episode was filmed in one continuous take, without cuts or edits.
The Technology Behind the One-Shot Filming
- The DJI Ronin 4D camera, usually used for action sequences, was chosen for its smooth motion capabilities.
- Camera operators passed the rig between crew members, ensuring fluid movement through various settings, including staircases, vehicles, and exterior locations.
- Rehearsals were meticulously choreographed, ensuring actors and crew synchronized their movements before filming commenced.
According to Barantini:
“Once you turn the production engine on, you can’t stop or go backwards.”
How the Actors Adapted to One-Shot Filming
For Owen Cooper, Adolescence was his acting debut, making the one-shot filming technique even more immersive:
“I didn’t know any better, so I definitely want to do it again. It makes everything feel more real.”
READ MORE: Adolescence Season 2 Update: What Stephen Graham and Producers Revealed
How Did the Episode 2 Drone Shot Work?
The final scene of Episode 2 features a stunning drone sequence, seamlessly integrated into the one-take style. The execution involved three key steps:
The Setup
- The camera, operated handheld, follows a student, Jade, walking towards a traffic light at the school exit.
- It is mounted on a DJI Ronin 4D gimbal, allowing for smooth handheld-to-drone transition.
The Handoff
- Just before Jade crosses the street, the camera is hooked onto a drone by the production crew in a near-invisible transition.
- The drone takes off, covering 0.3 miles over Pontefract, heading to the murder site.
The Landing
- As the drone descends, cinematographer Matthew Lewis and his team are waiting in a van at the crime scene.
- They detach the camera mid-flight, resuming handheld shooting in a seamless transition.
This innovative blend of ground and aerial cinematography was designed to maintain the real-time intensity of Adolescence.
READ MORE: Adolescence Ending Explained: Jamie’s Plea Change and What It Means
Why Was Adolescence Filmed in West Yorkshire?
While the series was originally set somewhere in Northern England, the casting of Owen Cooper helped solidify the West Yorkshire setting:
“We knew it was going to be set in the North, but we didn’t want Owen to struggle with an accent.” – Philip Barantini
Production Park’s Role
- Executive producer Mark Herbert suggested using Production Park due to its flexibility for set building.
- It provided a centralized base, keeping the real locations close enough for the one-shot filming approach.
- Sets like the police station and interview room were constructed within the facility.
Adolescence is streaming on Netflix.
Source: TUDUM
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