Where is Mayor of Kingstown Filmed: The critically acclaimed crime drama “Mayor of Kingstown” has captured audiences with its gritty portrayal of a fictional rust-belt town plagued by corruption and crime. While the show is set in the fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan, the actual filming locations span across multiple cities and regions, creating the authentic backdrop that brings this dark narrative to life.
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The Evolution of Filming Locations Across Seasons
The production of “Mayor of Kingstown” has undergone significant changes in filming locations throughout its run. Season 1 of Mayor of Kingstown was majorly filmed in Kingston Penitentiary, Kingston, Ontario, with additional scenes captured in various Ontario locations. They actually filmed the show in Toronto and the post-industrial city of Hamilton, also in Ontario, Canada.
However, the series experienced a major shift in production locations for its subsequent seasons. The second and third seasons were filmed in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marking a significant geographical change that brought new visual elements to the show.
Season One: Canadian Foundations
The inaugural season established its visual identity through carefully selected Canadian locations. Kingston, Ontario, Canada served as a primary location, with the Kingston Penitentiary playing a crucial role. This historic prison provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s central themes of incarceration and institutional corruption.
Beyond Kingston, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada was utilized for street scenes and aerial shots, while Brantford, Ontario, Canada, particularly the Clarence St. Area, also served as a filming location. The choice of Hamilton was particularly strategic, as the establishing shots of Kingstown were filmed in the post-industrial areas of Hamilton, perfectly capturing the decaying urban landscape that defines the fictional town.
One notable location was the Lakeview Restaurant, which was called the Red Carriage Diner on the show, demonstrating how real establishments were transformed to fit the show’s narrative needs.
The Pittsburgh Era: Seasons Two and Three
The transition to Pittsburgh marked a new chapter for the series. Mayor of Kingstown Season 3 was shot in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, continuing the trend established in the previous season. This shift brought the production closer to the American setting that the fictional Kingstown represents.
Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage made it an ideal substitute for the fictional Michigan town. The crime drama starring Jeremy Renner and Dianne Wiest was filmed in parts of the North Side, Presque Isle and other areas of Western Pennsylvania from June through October 2022 for the second season.
The production utilized various Pittsburgh locations, including McKees Rocks, where the show filmed in the borough building and police department. Additionally, crews were shooting scenes in McKeesport, Port Vue and other nearby locations, showcasing the production’s commitment to utilizing the authentic industrial landscape of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Key Prison Filming Locations
Prisons serve as central locations throughout the series, and the production has utilized several significant correctional facilities. The most prominent was the R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, which served as a substitute for prison facilities. This art deco building provided the institutional atmosphere necessary for many of the show’s key scenes.
In Pittsburgh, the production found a perfect substitute in the former Western Penitentiary. However, recent developments have created challenges for future productions. The Pennsylvania Department of General Services has informed Paramount about the planned demolition of Western Penitentiary, putting an end to filming at the location. This development has implications for potential future seasons of the show.
Industrial and Urban Landscapes
The show’s visual identity relies heavily on depicting the decline of American industrial cities. The landmark is located in Swissvale, just east of downtown Pittsburgh, and was the setting of the pro tempore “tent city” prison in season two after the county prison riots. This location, featuring historic furnaces, provided an authentic post-industrial backdrop that reinforces the show’s themes.
The production team carefully selected locations that would authentically represent the economic decline and social challenges facing many American rust-belt communities. Pittsburgh’s own history of industrial transformation made it a natural choice for depicting the fictional Kingstown’s struggles.
Production Logistics and Community Impact
The filming of “Mayor of Kingstown” has had a significant impact on the local communities where production takes place. The production was lucky to be at 31st Street Studios, utilizing Pittsburgh’s growing film infrastructure.
Local film offices have played crucial roles in facilitating production. The Pittsburgh Film Office is a nonprofit economic development agency promoting southwestern Pennsylvania, and they have been instrumental in supporting the show’s production needs.
The show’s presence has also created opportunities for local residents, with “Mayor of Kingstown” currently seeking extras to appear in upcoming productions, providing economic benefits to the communities where filming occurs.
Technical and Artistic Considerations
The choice of filming locations for “Mayor of Kingstown” reflects careful consideration of both practical and artistic factors. The transition from Canadian to American locations allowed the production to more authentically represent the show’s setting while taking advantage of favorable filming conditions and incentives.
The use of real institutional buildings, industrial sites, and urban landscapes adds authenticity that would be difficult to achieve through studio construction alone. Each location contributes to the show’s overall atmosphere of institutional decay and social tension.
Future Filming Prospects
Looking ahead, the production faces both challenges and opportunities. The loss of the Western Penitentiary location requires the production team to identify new suitable facilities. Dawn Keezer, executive director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, remains “hopeful” that arrangements can be made to get necessary access to filming locations to continue production in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The commitment to maintaining production in the Pittsburgh area demonstrates the strong working relationship between the show and local film authorities, as well as the region’s suitability for the show’s aesthetic and narrative needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Season 1 of Mayor of Kingstown filmed?
Season 1 was primarily filmed in Ontario, Canada, including locations in Kingston (specifically Kingston Penitentiary), Hamilton, and Brantford.
Why did the show move filming from Canada to Pittsburgh?
While the exact reasons haven’t been officially disclosed, the move to Pittsburgh for Seasons 2 and 3 likely involved factors such as tax incentives, proximity to the show’s American setting, and access to suitable industrial locations.
Can fans visit the filming locations?
Many of the locations are public spaces or buildings that can be visited, though access to some facilities like former prisons may be restricted. The Pittsburgh Film Office and local tourism boards often provide information about film locations.
Is Kingstown, Michigan a real place?
No, Kingstown is a fictional town created for the show. The real filming locations in Canada and Pennsylvania serve as substitutes for this fictional Michigan setting.
What happened to the Western Penitentiary filming location?
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services has announced plans to demolish the former Western Penitentiary, which served as a key filming location for the Pittsburgh seasons.
Will the show continue filming in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh Film Office remains optimistic about keeping production in southwestern Pennsylvania, though alternative locations may need to be identified to replace the Western Penitentiary.
How has local community benefited from the filming?
The production has provided economic benefits through job creation, use of local services, and opportunities for residents to work as extras in the show.