Why 'Big Little Lies' Season 3 Filmed for Just One Day
HBO's 'Big Little Lies' Season 3 filmed for one day to maintain its California tax credit, delaying full production until next year.
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The production of HBO's 'Big Little Lies' Season 3 kicked off this week with a single day of filming, a move primarily aimed at securing a California state tax credit. This strategic decision underscores the complex scheduling and financial considerations that major productions must navigate.
The one-day shoot took place at Warner Bros. Studios Burbank’s The Ranch Lot, featuring Merrin Dungey, who plays Detective Adrienne Quinlan. This brief production stint allows the show to comply with California's tax incentive rules, which require principal photography to commence within a specific timeframe after receiving approval. However, the main cast, including Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Laura Dern, were not involved in this initial filming.
Full-scale production is anticipated to begin next year, but aligning the schedules of the star-studded cast remains a challenge. HBO has not yet confirmed a specific start date for the full production. The series, created by David E. Kelley and based on Liane Moriarty's novel, has been a hit since its debut in 2017, with a second season following in 2019.
The storyline for the upcoming season is expected to draw from Moriarty's recent novel, 'Big Little Truths', which advances the narrative by a decade. This new development promises to explore the characters' lives as they navigate new challenges alongside their now-teenage children.
For fans eagerly awaiting the return of the Monterey Five, this one-day shoot is a small but significant step towards the continuation of the series, even if the full production will take some time to materialise.
For more details, you can read the full reports from Deadline and Variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did 'Big Little Lies' Season 3 only film for one day?
The one-day shoot was conducted to maintain the show's California tax credit, which requires production to start within a certain timeframe.
When will full production for Season 3 begin?
Full production is expected to begin next year, but an exact date has not been confirmed.
Which British crime dramas are returning in the UK, when can you watch them, and where?
Check confirmed BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Apple TV+ UK and Netflix dates vs. unconfirmed renewals, and save shows to your Plan to Watch list.
Big Little Lies
The tale of three mothers of first graders whose apparently perfect lives unravel to the point of murder.
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