Where was True Detective Season 2 Filmed?
True Detective Season 2, also known as True Detective: California, is a crime drama television series created by Nic Pizzolatto. The show premiered on June 21, 2015, and consisted of 8 episodes. The series follows a complex and intricate storyline, exploring themes of morality, guilt, and redemption. But have you ever wondered where this gripping series was filmed? Let’s take a journey to find out.
Filming Locations
True Detective Season 2 was primarily filmed in California, with some scenes shot in other states. Here are the main filming locations:
| Location | Episodes |
|---|---|
| Castaic, California | 1-2, 4-5, 7-8 |
| Rancho Cucamonga, California | 1-2, 4-5 |
| Big Bear Lake, California | 3 |
| Santa Clarita, California | 6 |
| New Orleans, Louisiana | 1 (flashback scene) |
| Arkansas | 1 (flashback scene) |
Castaic, California
Castaic, a small town in Los Angeles County, was one of the primary filming locations for True Detective Season 2. The town’s rural landscape and rolling hills provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s atmospheric and eerie scenes. Castaic Lake State Park, in particular, was used extensively for filming, with its serene lake and surrounding hills serving as the setting for many key scenes.
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Rancho Cucamonga, a city in San Bernardino County, was also a significant filming location for the show. Victoria Gardens, a shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga, was used as the exterior of the fictional town of San Bernardo, where the characters of Ray Velcoro (Colin Farrell) and Frank Semyon (Vince Vaughn) reside.
Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear Lake, a mountain resort town in San Bernardino County, was used as the filming location for Episode 3. The town’s picturesque scenery and serene atmosphere added to the show’s tense and foreboding atmosphere.
Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita, a city in Los Angeles County, was used as the filming location for Episode 6. Newhall Pass, a scenic area in Santa Clarita, was used as the setting for a pivotal scene in the episode.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although the majority of True Detective Season 2 was filmed in California, a brief flashback scene in Episode 1 was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana. The scene shows a young Ray Velcoro (played by Michael Irby) and his father, Tom Velcoro (played by David Morse), in a bar in New Orleans.
Arkansas
Another brief flashback scene in Episode 1 was shot in Arkansas. The scene shows a young Frank Semyon (played by Michael Greyeyes) and his wife, Jordan Semyon (played by Taylor Kitsch), in a rural area of Arkansas.
Conclusion
True Detective Season 2 was filmed in various locations across California, with some scenes shot in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The show’s atmospheric and eerie tone was largely achieved through the use of California’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Castaic to the scenic mountains of Big Bear Lake. If you’re a fan of the show, we hope this article has provided you with a deeper appreciation for the locations that brought the story to life.
Additional Facts
- The show’s creator, Nic Pizzolatto, is a native of California and drew inspiration from the state’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
- The show’s cinematographer, Nigel Bluck, used a combination of camera techniques, including drone shots and handheld cameras, to capture the show’s unique atmosphere.
- The show’s score, composed by T Bone Burnett, featured a mix of electronic and acoustic elements to create a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack.
By exploring the filming locations of True Detective Season 2, we can gain a deeper understanding of the show’s themes, characters, and atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply interested in the world of film and television, we hope this article has provided you with a fascinating glimpse into the making of this critically acclaimed series.
