The Apple TV+ adaptation of the Scott Turow novel Presumed Innocent, which was the focus of a theatrically released movie starring Harrison Ford way back in 1990 and is now a limited series fronted by Jake Gyllenhaal, is set in Chicago but was filmed in Pasadena, California.
Filming Locations
The story is set in Chicago, and our main protagonist Rusty is a prosecutor in the city, where his extracurricular activity comes under severe scrutiny when a brutal murder occurs. However, it has been widely reported that although establishing shots were all done in Chicago, to help sell the location, the show was mainly filmed in Pasadena, California.
An article in Collider would reveal the filming location, and The Mail Online was also on the ball when Jake was spotted filming scenes for the series in Los Angeles.
An interview with Jake Gyllenhaal on the YouTube channel Jakes Takes, also confirms that although set in Chicago, the show was not filmed there. Actor Gyllenhaal does state that he thinks Chicago “Is a fantastic city,” adding, “that’s why the show is so good.”
This does beg the question, why did they not film it there? It is no doubt all down to finance and logistics, and the show was part of the California Film Commission’s tax credit program that would have made the shoot more financially viable in California.
Production Timeline
This adaptation of Presumed Innocent was first mentioned back in 2022, with Apple TV+ saying it had been green-lit in February 2022.
By December of the same year, Jake Gyllenhaal was reported to be involved, both starring in the series and becoming an executive producer too.
In January 2023, other cast members were confirmed, including Ruth Negga and Bill Camp.
In February 2023, further casting was announced and filming started. The schedule was held up due to the long-lasting strikes that took place while the show was in production, but once the strike was over, filming was completed.
The series would have a world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival which took place from June 5 to June 16 in New York City.
The show debuted globally on Apple TV+ on June 12, 2024, with a two-episode premiere.
Who ran the show?
David E Kelley was behind the eight-episode series, and TV fans will recognize the name, as David has been associated with some hugely popular and iconic shows including LA Law, Ally McBeal, Dougie Howser MD, Boston Legal, Big Little Lies and Big Sky.
David was a former attorney, so it’s easy to see why his body of work has veered into the dramatic side of legal establishments and why this particular show would appeal to him.
