Building the Band is a groundbreaking reality competition show on Netflix that turns traditional music shows on their heads. This 2025 musical extravaganza was made by executive producer Cat Lawson, who is known for her work on The X Factor UK. It has a new twist: Fifty contestants who have never met form bands based only on their singing skills and a desire to work together—without ever seeing each other during the first, very important phase. Building the Band is a high-tech experience for both the performers and the audience. It uses soundproof booths, strategic algorithms, and very personal decision-making to make the experience emotional, unpredictable, and very human.
But besides the new format, there is another impressive achievement: the location. Filming Building the Band was a complicated process that took place in England.
WHERE WAS BUILDING THE BAND FILMED?
Principal photography for Building the Band took place primarily in Manchester, England, with most production occurring in late August 2024. This marked one of the final onscreen appearances of the late One Direction singer Liam Payne, who passed away just months after filming wrapped. Later, Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean talked about how emotional and inspiring it had been to film, especially seeing the bands connect with each other in real time. His words show what the show is really about and how powerful the setting is.
AVIVA STUDIOS – THE CENTERPIECE OF PRODUCTION
Building the Band’s music is made at Aviva Studios, which is on Water Street in Manchester. This world-class venue was where most of the performance segments and live recordings took place. The enormous studio space has; 21-meter-high ceilings that are great for making a lot of things at once. Up to 5,000 people can stand at once. The Warehouse and The Hall are the two main place for performances.
The production team could use these spaces to make both private moments and exciting live shows. This is where the sound booths, interviews, and final performances took place. The energy from the crowd helped each band shine on stage.
Aviva Studios was chosen because it has a flexible layout that could accommodate a show with many different parts, from private booths to public performances. The modern sound system, lighting setup, and backstage areas were very important to the show’s technical and emotional plots.
LOGISTICS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Secrecy and coordination were essential to the show’s format. The 50 contestants were housed in separate apartment blocks across the city, ensuring they never saw one another before forming their bands. All singers wore cloaks in public areas, reminiscent of the aesthetic from The Traitors, to maintain anonymity throughout Phase 1 of the show.
Contestants were scheduled and escorted individually to their booths at Aviva Studios. Even bathroom breaks were handled with care to avoid any visual contact. Communication, song selection, and performance notes were facilitated through specially-designed tablets to ensure that no outside research or social media snooping could influence the integrity of the show.
Behind the scenes, the production team developed proprietary technology and algorithms to pair singers and track compatibility. This data-driven matchmaking helped schedule voice-only chats and track preferences, with much of the show’s logistical nerve center operating right within Aviva Studios itself.
MANCHESTER’S CITYSCAPE IN THE BACKGROUND
Aside from the controlled studio environment, several aerial shots and establishing visuals of Manchester were used to set the tone for different stages of the competition. From the River Irwell cutting through the heart of the city to the urban skyline at dusk, these visual elements ground the show in a real place while adding cinematic texture.
Viewers may spot landmarks like the Beetham Tower, Castlefield Basin, and MediaCityUK during episode transitions or intro sequences. These shots not only showcase Manchester’s architectural charm but also subtly reinforce the show’s blend of contemporary innovation and timeless musical passion.
A MEMORABLE LOCATION FOR A HISTORIC COMPETITION
Manchester, already a city with rich musical heritage—from Oasis to The Smiths—now adds Building the Band to its legacy. The city served not just as a filming location but as a character in its own right, offering the technical foundation and emotional space needed for this first-of-its-kind reality format.
As executive producer Cat Lawson said, the show was about creating something that didn’t exist before—and that spirit is very much echoed in how Manchester embraced the show, from studios to sidewalks.
Stay tuned to Netfilming.com for more updates, filming news, and behind-the-scenes.
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