“Designated Survivor” is a gripping political thriller that captivated audiences with its intense storyline, compelling characters, and high-stakes drama. The show, which originally aired on ABC and later moved to Netflix, stars Kiefer Sutherland as Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who suddenly becomes the President of the United States after a catastrophic attack during the State of the Union address. But how was “Designated Survivor” filmed? What went into creating this critically acclaimed series? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the production process, exploring everything from the show’s inception to its final edit.
The Concept and Development of “Designated Survivor”
The Birth of the Idea
The concept of “Designated Survivor” was born out of a real-life political protocol. In the United States, during significant events like the State of the Union address, one cabinet member is chosen to remain in a secure location. This individual, known as the “designated survivor,” ensures continuity of government in case of a catastrophic event. The show’s creator, David Guggenheim, saw dramatic potential in this protocol and developed it into a full-fledged television series.
Writing the Script
The writing process for “Designated Survivor” was meticulous. The show’s writers had to balance political intrigue, character development, and action-packed sequences. The script went through multiple drafts, with input from political consultants to ensure accuracy and realism. The writers also had to navigate the complexities of creating a believable political landscape, complete with rival factions, international threats, and moral dilemmas.
Casting the Right Actors
Casting was a crucial step in bringing “Designated Survivor” to life. Kiefer Sutherland was the first actor approached for the role of Tom Kirkman. Known for his role as Jack Bauer in “24,” Sutherland brought a sense of gravitas and intensity to the character. The rest of the cast, including Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Adan Canto as Aaron Shore, and Italia Ricci as Emily Rhodes, were carefully selected to complement Sutherland’s performance and bring depth to the ensemble.
Pre-Production: Planning the Shoot
Location Scouting
One of the first steps in pre-production was location scouting. While the show is set in Washington, D.C., much of it was filmed in Toronto, Canada. The production team scouted various locations in Toronto that could double for D.C., including government buildings, streets, and interiors. The goal was to create a believable setting that would immerse viewers in the world of the show.
Set Design and Construction
The set design for “Designated Survivor” was another critical aspect of pre-production. The show required a variety of sets, including the Oval Office, the White House Situation Room, and various government offices. The production team worked closely with set designers to create authentic and detailed sets. For example, the Oval Office set was meticulously designed to resemble the real thing, down to the furniture, artwork, and even the presidential seal.
Costume Design
Costume design played a significant role in establishing the characters and their roles within the political hierarchy. The costume designers worked closely with the actors and directors to create outfits that reflected each character’s personality and position. For instance, Tom Kirkman’s wardrobe evolved throughout the series, reflecting his transition from a low-level cabinet member to the President of the United States.
Production: Filming the Show
The Shooting Schedule
Filming “Designated Survivor” was a complex process that required careful planning and coordination. The show was shot on a tight schedule, with each episode taking approximately eight days to film. The production team had to balance the need for high-quality footage with the constraints of time and budget. This often meant long days on set, with the cast and crew working tirelessly to meet deadlines.
Camera Work and Cinematography
The cinematography of “Designated Survivor” was designed to enhance the show’s tension and drama. The camera work often included tight close-ups, quick cuts, and dynamic angles to create a sense of urgency and immediacy. The use of handheld cameras added to the show’s gritty, realistic feel, while steady shots and wide angles were used to establish the grandeur of the political settings.
Special Effects and Stunts
While “Designated Survivor” is primarily a political drama, it also features several action-packed sequences that required special effects and stunts. The show’s special effects team was responsible for creating realistic explosions, gunfire, and other high-impact moments. Stunt coordinators worked closely with the actors to ensure their safety during these scenes, often using doubles for more dangerous stunts.
Directing and Acting
The directors of “Designated Survivor” played a crucial role in bringing the script to life. They worked closely with the actors to ensure their performances were authentic and compelling. Kiefer Sutherland, who also served as an executive producer, was deeply involved in the directing process, often providing input on how scenes should be shot and performed. The actors, in turn, brought their own interpretations to their roles, adding depth and nuance to the characters.
Post-Production: Editing and Final Touches
Editing the Footage
Once filming was complete, the footage was handed over to the editing team. The editors worked tirelessly to piece together the scenes, ensuring the narrative flowed smoothly and the pacing was just right. They also had to make tough decisions about which scenes to keep and which to cut, often working closely with the directors and producers to achieve the desired result.
Adding Music and Sound Effects
The music and sound effects were crucial in setting the tone for “Designated Survivor.” The show’s composers created a score that underscored the tension and drama, while the sound effects team added layers of audio to enhance the realism. From the hum of the White House to the roar of an explosion, every sound was carefully chosen to immerse viewers in the world of the show.
Visual Effects and Color Grading
In post-production, the visual effects team added the finishing touches to the footage. This included everything from enhancing explosions to creating digital backdrops. Color grading was also an essential step, as it helped establish the show’s visual style. The color palette for “Designated Survivor” was designed to reflect the seriousness and gravity of the political world, with muted tones and stark contrasts.
Final Review and Quality Control
Before the episodes were released, they underwent a final review and quality control process. This involved checking for any technical issues, ensuring continuity, and making final adjustments to the audio and visual elements. Once everything was approved, the episodes were ready for distribution.
The Challenges of Filming “Designated Survivor”
Balancing Realism and Drama
One of the biggest challenges in filming “Designated Survivor” was balancing realism with the need for dramatic storytelling. The show’s creators wanted to depict the political world accurately, but they also needed to keep viewers engaged with high-stakes drama. This often meant making tough decisions about how far to stretch reality for the sake of the story.
Navigating Political Sensitivities
Given its subject matter, “Designated Survivor” had to navigate a minefield of political sensitivities. The show’s writers and producers had to be careful not to alienate viewers with overly partisan content. At the same time, they needed to address real-world issues in a way that felt relevant and timely. This required a delicate balance, with input from political consultants and sensitivity readers.
Managing a Large Ensemble Cast
With a large ensemble cast, managing schedules and ensuring consistent performances was another significant challenge. The show’s producers had to coordinate with multiple actors, often juggling conflicting schedules to ensure everyone was available for key scenes. This required careful planning and flexibility, as well as strong communication between the cast and crew.
Adapting to Network Changes
The move from ABC to Netflix presented its own set of challenges. The show had to adapt to a different set of creative and budgetary constraints, as well as a new audience. This meant making adjustments to the storytelling, pacing, and even the tone of the show. The production team had to be nimble and responsive, ensuring the show remained true to its core while embracing the opportunities offered by the new platform.
The Legacy of “Designated Survivor”
Critical Reception and Fan Response
“Designated Survivor” received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its gripping storyline, strong performances, and timely themes. Fans were equally enthusiastic, with many drawn to the show’s blend of political intrigue and character-driven drama. The show’s move to Netflix also helped it reach a broader audience, further cementing its place in the pantheon of great political thrillers.
Impact on the Genre
“Designated Survivor” has had a lasting impact on the political thriller genre. Its success has inspired other shows to explore similar themes, and its innovative approach to storytelling has set a new standard for the genre. The show’s ability to balance realism with drama, and its willingness to tackle complex political issues, has made it a benchmark for future productions.
Conclusion
Filming “Designated Survivor” was a complex and challenging process that required the collaboration of a talented and dedicated team. From the initial concept to the final edit, every step of the production process was carefully planned and executed to create a show that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. The result was a political thriller that captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the genre. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of television production, the story of how “Designated Survivor” was filmed is a fascinating glimpse into the world of modern television.
