Ballard is an exciting new crime drama series from Prime Video, based on the popular Bosch universe created by best-selling author Michael Connelly. The story follows Detective Renée Ballard, played by Maggie Q, as she takes charge of a newly formed LAPD cold case unit. With a total of 10 gripping episodes, the series is all set to premiere in July 2025.
If you’re curious about where the show was filmed, you’re not alone. Here at NetFilming, we’re dissecting every important filming site that contributes to the creation of the Ballard universe.
What is Ballard About?
Prime Video’s new criminal drama series Ballard follows Detective Renée Ballard, a committed LAPD officer who is in charge of a new cold case section. After years of working the night shift and dealing with criticism from her department, Ballard finally gets the chance to manage her own team and look into old, unsolved crimes.
The narrative picks up after Bosch: Legacy, when she meets the famous detective Harry Bosch. In this new series, she works closely with Bosch as a mentor, and they look at instances that still bother families and the legal system.
The show looks at more than just criminal investigations; it also looks at Ballard’s personal struggles, such as trying to get justice in a broken system and getting respect in a job that is mostly men. It emphasizes the importance of determination, truthfulness, and giving individuals and cases a second opportunity.
Where Was Ballard Filmed?
The entire series was filmed in Los Angeles, California, which plays a huge role in the storytelling. L.A.’s dynamic backdrop—from its sunlit beaches to its gritty city streets—fits perfectly with the crime-solving atmosphere of the show.
Using real locations instead of sets gives the series a more realistic and raw edge. Whether it’s chasing leads through back alleys or reflecting on old clues at the beach, the filming spots were carefully chosen to match the tone and pace of the story.
Los Angeles, California, USA
Every episode of Ballard was shot across different neighborhoods and landmarks in Los Angeles. The production team chose real locations to give viewers an authentic glimpse into the life of an LAPD detective. From city precincts and traffic-heavy intersections to quiet suburbs, L.A. offered a rich variety of settings for the storyline.
Los Angeles has a long-standing reputation for crime dramas and is often used in shows like Bosch, L.A.’s Finest, and NCIS: Los Angeles. That made it the obvious choice for a series like Ballard, which dives into unsolved crimes and police investigations.
LA is renowned as the global hub for entertainment, yet it serves as more than just a filming location—it becomes an integral part of the narrative. Its busy streets, wide range of cultures and famous status in the TV world make it the right place for Ballard to live.
Paradise Cove Beach, Malibu, California
Some of the series’ more beautiful and poignant scenes were shot at Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu. This beach is one of the most beautiful and serene places to film in Southern California because of its pristine seas, smooth sand and calm atmosphere.
The Paradise Cove Pier and the famous Paradise Cove Beach Café are both in certain shots. The setting is a peaceful change from the show’s rigorous cold-case investigations. These beach scenes make the series more balanced and give us a look at the personal side of Renée Ballard’s character.
Malibu’s shoreline, especially Paradise Cove, is a regular filming location for Hollywood productions. The beautiful coastal visuals add cinematic value without needing much enhancement.
Filming Timeline: When Was Ballard Shot?
Production for Ballard kicked off on July 8, 2024 and wrapped up by November 15, 2024. The team worked efficiently over four months to complete all 10 episodes.
The shoot included multiple outdoor and indoor setups throughout L.A. Despite the tight schedule, the show managed to maintain high production quality thanks to detailed planning and a dedicated cast and crew.
On September 23, 2024, actress Maggie Q gave fans a sneak peek behind the scenes through her social media account. The post featured images of her in character, along with a few location shots. Fans quickly started speculating about the setting and the buzz only added to the show’s early hype.
Ballard Behind The Scenes
Ballard’s creation was as emotionally charged and thought-provoking as the narrative. To give the show a true and grounded vibe, filming began in July 2024 in several locations in Los Angeles. Given that the show is about cold cases that are closely tied to the neighborhood, the creators wanted every shot to highlight the city’s diversity and gritty nature.
Actress Maggie Q, who plays Renée Ballard, was actively involved in understanding her character. “I wanted to bring truth to this role, especially as a woman navigating both trauma and justice,” she shared during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “Renée isn’t just solving crimes—she’s fighting for voices that were forgotten.”
Michael Connelly, who serves as executive producer, said, “This show is very personal to me. We wanted to make something that respected the legacy of Bosch but stood strong on its own.”
The cast and crew worked fast under a tight schedule but stayed committed to creating something powerful. Director Zetna Fuentes added, “We were laser-focused on getting every detail right—from the cases to how officers move in the field.”
From police consultants to realistic locations, everything behind the scenes of Ballard was designed to bring viewers as close as possible to the heart of cold case investigations.
Ballard Official Trailer
For fans eager to explore real filming spots or simply learn more about where their favorite shows are made, keep following NetFilming for updated content and insider details.
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