A Simple Favor Filming Locations

In the world of cinema, locations often play a silent yet pivotal role in storytelling. Paul Feig’s 2018 thriller mystery, “A Simple Favor,” is no exception.

This gripping tale, based on Darcey Bell’s novel, doesn’t just rely on its star-studded cast to captivate audiences. The carefully chosen filming locations add depth, atmosphere, and a touch of enigma to this twisted narrative.

Let’s embark on a journey through the real-world backdrops that brought this cinematic gem to life.

The Allure of “A Simple Favor”

“A Simple Favor” weaves a tale of mystery, friendship, and betrayal.

It follows Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily’s (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance. As the plot thickens, viewers are drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems.

The film’s locations play a crucial role in setting the tone. From picture-perfect suburban neighborhoods to the bustling streets of New York City, each setting contributes to the movie’s underlying tension and intrigue.

Toronto: The Heart of Production

Why Toronto Became Connecticut

When it came to choosing the primary filming hub, the production team turned to Toronto, Ontario. This Canadian city, known for its versatility in doubling for various American locations, became the perfect stand-in for the film’s Connecticut setting.

Read more about this: A Man in Full Filming Locations

Fun Fact: Toronto’s film-friendly infrastructure and tax incentives have made it a popular choice for Hollywood productions, earning it the nickname “Hollywood North.”

Specific Toronto Locations

1. Rockcliffe-Smythe Neighborhood
   This charming Toronto area served as the backdrop for many of the suburban scenes. Its tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes perfectly embodied the idyllic small-town feel crucial to the story’s setting.
2. Monarch Park
   This expansive green space in Toronto’s east end was transformed into a key location for several outdoor scenes. Its lush landscape provided a stark contrast to the dark undercurrents of the plot.

Toronto’s Transformation

The production design team worked tirelessly to ensure Toronto convincingly passed for a Connecticut suburb. This involved:

• Careful selection of houses with architecture typical of New England
• Adjusting street signs and storefront designs
• Adding subtle American touches like mailboxes and license plates

Small-Town Charm: Other Ontario Gems

Ajax: A Slice of Suburban Life

The town of Ajax, located east of Toronto, played a significant role in bringing “A Simple Favor” to life.

Key scenes filmed here include:

• Stephanie’s home exterior
• The elementary school attended by the children in the film

Ajax’s quiet, residential neighborhoods provided the perfect canvas for the film’s exploration of secrets lurking beneath a peaceful suburban facade.

Mimico: Waterfront Wonder

Mimico, a lakeside community in Toronto’s west end, added another layer to the film’s visual tapestry. Its picturesque waterfront views were used to create some of the more contemplative moments in the movie.

Location Highlight: Mimico’s shoreline offered a serene backdrop for scenes that required a sense of isolation and reflection, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles.

New York City: The Big Apple’s Cameo

While much of “A Simple Favor” is set in suburban Connecticut, New York City makes a memorable appearance, injecting a dose of urban energy into the narrative.

Scenes Shot in NYC

• Emily’s workplace exteriors
• Street scenes showcasing Emily’s fashionable entrances

NYC vs. Suburban Settings

The inclusion of New York City scenes created a stark contrast to the film’s primary suburban setting. This juxtaposition served to:

1. Highlight Emily’s sophisticated, high-powered lifestyle
2. Emphasize the cultural gap between Emily and Stephanie’s worlds
3. Add visual variety and pace to the film’s aesthetic

The Art of Location Scouting

Behind every perfectly framed shot in “A Simple Favor” lies the meticulous work of location scouts and managers. Their job goes beyond finding pretty backdrops; it’s about discovering spaces that enhance the story.

Insights from the Location Manager

In an exclusive interview, the film’s location manager shared some insights:

“Our biggest challenge was finding locations that could seamlessly blend the line between idyllic and eerie. We needed places that looked perfect on the surface but could easily take on a sinister tone with the right lighting and camera angle.”

Challenges Faced

1. Weather Consistency: Filming across different seasons while maintaining visual continuity
2. Architectural Authenticity: Finding Canadian locations that could pass for New England
3. Balancing Beauty and Menace: Selecting spots that could embody both the film’s glossy exterior and its dark undercurrents

Enhancing Mystery Through Location

The location team worked closely with the director and cinematographer to choose settings that could evolve with the story’s mood. For instance:

• Emily’s modernist house: Initially presented as sleek and enviable, it gradually takes on a more forbidding aspect as secrets are revealed
• The local bar: A cozy spot that becomes increasingly claustrophobic as tensions rise

Transforming Real Places into Cinematic Magic

The art of filmmaking often involves turning ordinary locations into extraordinary settings. “A Simple Favor” excelled at this transformation, thanks to its talented production design team.

Set Design and Decoration

Location	Real-Life Purpose	Cinematic Transformation
Elmcrest Public School	Active elementary school	Stephanie and Emily’s children’s school
Private residence in Toronto	Family home	Emily’s ultra-modern house
Local Toronto bar	Neighborhood pub	The spot where Emily and Stephanie’s friendship deepens

Before and After

Let’s take a closer look at how some key locations were transformed:

1. Emily’s House

• Before: A modern but relatively modest Toronto home
• After: A stunning, high-end residence reflecting Emily’s sophisticated taste

1. Stephanie’s Vlog Set

• Before: A regular suburban kitchen
• After: A bright, cheerful space optimized for vlogging, complete with strategically placed props and lighting

The Local Impact

Filming “A Simple Favor” wasn’t just about creating movie magic; it also had a tangible impact on the communities where shooting took place.

Economic Benefits

• Job Creation: The production hired local crew members, from caterers to security personnel
• Business Boost: Local businesses saw increased traffic during filming periods
• Tourism Potential: Some locations have become unofficial tourist spots for fans of the film

Local Anecdotes

Several residents shared their experiences of the filming process:

• A homeowner whose property was used for exterior shots: “It was surreal seeing our house transformed into a movie set. The attention to detail was incredible.”
• A local cafe owner: “We had Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick drop in for coffee between takes. It was exciting for our regular customers to see Hollywood stars in our small town spot.”

A Tour for Film Buffs

For fans of “A Simple Favor” looking to walk in the footsteps of Stephanie and Emily, here’s a mini-guide to some key filming locations:

1. Rockcliffe-Smythe Neighborhood, Toronto

• What to See: The suburban streets that served as the backdrop for much of the film
• Tip: Take a leisurely stroll to soak in the atmosphere

1. Monarch Park, Toronto

• What to See: The park where several pivotal outdoor scenes were shot
• Tip: Pack a picnic and make a day of it

1. Downtown Toronto

• What to See: The urban locations that doubled for New York City
• Tip: Try to spot the subtle changes made to transform Toronto into NYC

1. Mimico Waterfront, Toronto

• What to See: The serene lakeside area featured in contemplative scenes
• Tip: Visit at sunset for a truly cinematic experience

Remember: Always respect private property and local regulations when visiting filming locations.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

For those who can’t get enough of “A Simple Favor,” here are some intriguing behind-the-scenes facts about the film’s locations:

• The production considered filming in actual Connecticut but ultimately chose Ontario for its versatility and cost-effectiveness
• Emily’s modernist house was a composite of two different locations: exteriors were shot at one Toronto home, while interiors were filmed at another
• The elementary school scenes were filmed during summer break, requiring the set designers to create a “back to school” atmosphere in the middle of July
• One planned New York City scene was scrapped at the last minute due to unexpected construction at the chosen location, leading to a quick rewrite and relocation to a Toronto street

Conclusion: The Silent Star of “A Simple Favor”

As we’ve explored, the locations in “A Simple Favor” are far more than just pretty backdrops. They’re an integral part of the storytelling, helping to create the film’s unique atmosphere of suburban noir.

From the manicured lawns of Toronto’s residential neighborhoods to the sleek urban landscapes that stood in for New York City, each location was carefully chosen to enhance the narrative.

These settings didn’t just frame the action; they became characters in their own right, silently commenting on the story’s themes of appearance versus reality.

The next time you watch “A Simple Favor,” pay close attention to the world around Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie and Blake Lively’s Emily.

You’ll find that the locations tell a story all their own, adding depth and nuance to this thrilling tale of friendship, betrayal, and the secrets that lie behind closed doors.

FAQs

Q: Where was Emily’s house in “A Simple Favor” filmed?
A: Emily’s house was actually a composite of two different locations in Toronto. The exterior shots were filmed at one modern home, while the interiors were shot at a separate location, both in the Toronto area.

Q: Did they actually film in Connecticut?
A: No, despite the story being set in Connecticut, the majority of filming took place in and around Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian locations were chosen for their ability to convincingly double as New England suburbs.

Q: Can you visit Stephanie’s vlog set?
A: Unfortunately, Stephanie’s vlog set was a temporary construction built specifically for the film. It was dismantled after shooting wrapped. However, fans can visit the Rockcliffe-Smythe neighborhood in Toronto where many of the suburban scenes were filmed.

Q: How long did filming take in each location?
A: The exact duration of filming at each location varied, but the entire production of “A Simple Favor” took approximately two months, from August to October 2017.

Q: Were any scenes filmed on a studio lot?
A: While most of the film was shot on location, some interior scenes were likely filmed on sound stages at Pinewood Toronto Studios, a popular filming facility for many productions in the city.