Jake Johnson’s Self Reliance, now streaming on Hulu, is set and was filmed in Los Angeles. The City of Angels plays host to a Black Mirror-esque premise, and there are some recognizable locations for eagle-eyed viewers to spot. We’ve also gathered together some more information about the tight production, which occurred right after the COVID-19 pandemic and was blighted by short schedules and imminent deadlines.
Self Reliance Filming Locations
With Self Reliance being set in LA, it was a no-brainer that filming would also take place in the famous city, and by all accounts the entire movie was shot there. The indie film production kicked off just after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the crew was on a tight schedule leading to a really quick turn over for the shooting schedule.
Although there is not much available information about the locations used, there is a scene with a Chase Bank spotted, that could suggest filming took place on S San Pedro Street or possibly S Hope Street.
A special showing of the film happened in La Cita Bar located on Hill Street in LA on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, and it looks as if that might also have been the location for some of the scenes used in the film. According to Facebook, the bar was closed that night due to a private event, which would have been due to the film’s cast and crew attending a showing of the film. The pictures resemble scenes from the movie.
With information light on the locations, we would love to hear from you if you spotted any more.
How long did it take to film Self Reliance?
Incredibly, it was revealed during a Q&A after a screen of Self Reliance that it was filmed over just 19 days.
Who produced Self Reliance?
The film was produced by MRC Film, and Neon is also involved with named producers on the project including Jake Johnson, Ali Bell, and Joe Hardesty.
Also credited are The Lonely Island, the popular comedy trio that made their name with skits and songs featured on Saturday Night Live.
Production Timeline
Self Reliance had been floating about in development hell for a long time and was originally conceived back in 2017.
- In 2017, Johnson pitched the premise to Netflix, but the film never really got off the ground on that platform.
- After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, halting projects and scheduling, Johnson would finish the screenplay during this time in 2020, drawing from the loneliness that occurred due to the lockdown. In the film, there is a strong theme of needing to be around people in times of crisis.
- The film premiered in March of 2023 at SXSW.
- On January 3, 2024, Neon released the film theatrically for a one-night special engagement.
- Self Reliance debuted on Hulu on January 12, 2024.
What rating does Self Reliance have?
Self Reliance is rated R in the US, due to the strong language and violence in the film. There are moments of strong threat and some crude humor that you are bound to expect in a film of this sort.
It might be worth noting though that at its core, this is a film about connections and human interaction, so don’t be fooled by its initial premise.
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