William Gallagher
Director Ridley Scott's "Sinking Spring" series for Apple TV+ is reportedly completing production, which involved renting out an entire town.
As part of the first-look deal Apple TV+ signed with Scott's production company in 2020, the streamer is making a crime drama written by "Top Gun: Maverick" writer, Peter Craig. While Apple has not announced any details, it's reported that production on the pilot episode alone cost $50 million.
According to World of Reel, that $50 million went on two weeks of shooting. Apple is said to have rented out a whole town, including hiring its police and fire department, and to have blown up a house.
Filming began in early February in Philadelphia. Reportedly, five on-set camera crews filmed the show simultaneously, with a total crew of 280 people. Between them, they filmed two dozen setups a day, where a setup is one repositioning of cameras, lights, and sound.
If correct, the pilot is a fast-paced, high-pressure production. It's not clear whether subsequent episodes will work the same, will have the same budget, and it's not even known how many episodes there will be.
Ridley Scott is directing one episode, though, as well as executive producing. "Sinking Spring" stars Brian Tyree Henry from "This is Us" and "Atlanta."
The series reportedly follows two friends who pose as DEA agents while they rob a house. Their con happens to uncover an enormous drug operation. It's based on the book "Dope Thief" by Dennis Tafoya.
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7 Comments
So . . . what was the town?
I find it really weird that the author lists “This Is Us” as one of Brian Tyree Henry’s roles. It was one episode from very early in his career, and no one even remembers it. How about using “Causeway” instead? The Apple TV+ movie? That he’s nominated for an Oscar for?
They were working in West Philadelphia for a couple weeks on Market Street and nearby blocks. They are back setting up to film again under the EL ( Market Frankford Line) train. It was a huge crew early February and they changed the block around for it. I spoke with some of the extras . It should be a interesting project!! :)