Multi-award-winning show Modern Family is leading a surge in the number of TV comedies filming on location in Los Angeles. Last season the show filmed on location for three of every five shoot days, whereas most network productions hover at one or two.
The production team keeps costs down by staying close to the studio lot and travelling relatively light when they’re on location, the LA Times reports. Matthew Chamberlin is the Location Manager and spoke to the outlet: “We try to keep everything as close as possible to the lot. Our goal is to go out light and go out quick so we can shoot more in a shorter amount of time.
“We just use the minimal amount of equipment and people that we can shuttle over; therefore we’re saving on costs, which helps the overall budget and helps keep the show alive.”
We try to keep everything as close as possible to the lot. Our goal is to go out light and go out quick so we can shoot more in a shorter amount of time.
Matthew Chamberlin, Location Manager
The fact that Modern Family is one of the most popular shows on US television – it won four Emmy awards in 2012 – is perhaps a factor behind the more extensive location shoot days. No doubt the producers consider it worth the investment.
Location filming days for TV comedy grew by 30% in the first half of this year, as Los Angeles studios remained a popular choice for multi-camera shows. In contrast, California’s exodus of drama productions continues.
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