Where Was The History of Sound Filmed? Full List of 2025 Filming Locations

The History of Sound is a 2025 historical romantic drama directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck, adapted from Shattuck’s Pushcart Prize-winning short story. he History of Sound is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 12, 2025.

Set in post-World War I America, the film tells the heartfelt story of Lionel (played by Paul Mescal) and David (played by Josh O’Connor), two young men who meet in 1917 while studying at the Boston Music Conservatory. Their bond deepens as they travel across rural Maine during the summer of 1920, recording folk songs from ordinary Americans.

The film explores powerful themes such as love, loss, sound, and memory, against the backdrop of a changing nation. As the characters journey through the heartland, collecting the voices and stories of others, they also discover the depths of their own connection.

The cast also includes Chris Cooper in a supporting role, alongside Molly Price and Raphael Sbarge. The screenplay was developed in close collaboration between Shattuck and director Hermanus, who previously earned acclaim for Living (2022). With a rich narrative and emotional performances, The History of Sound brings a moving and immersive portrayal of queer romance during a transformative time in American history.

Where Was The History of Sound Filmed?

While the story is rooted in early 20th-century New England, much of The History of Sound was brought to life across several real-world locations in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy. The filmmakers chose historic towns, countryside settings, and preserved landmarks that visually reflected the time period of the 1910s and 1920s.

Filming officially began on February 28, 2024, after earlier delays due to scheduling conflicts, and wrapped after approximately two months. The production started in Massachusetts and New Jersey, moved through New York, and later continued in the UK and Tarquinia, Italy. The project had also faced early development challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted initial writing sessions and planning stages.

Director Oliver Hermanus worked closely with the cast and crew to ensure authenticity in both performance and setting. From rustic cabins and college campuses to European towns rich in history, each location was carefully chosen to echo the emotional journey of the main characters.

Below is a breakdown of each major filming location used in The History of Sound, including behind-the-scenes details and cast insights.

Hoboken, New Jersey
Filming Dates: Early March 2024

One of the earliest sightings of The History of Sound production was in Hoboken, New Jersey. The film crew transformed 10th & Willow Bar + Grill, a popular local restaurant, into a filming set. Locals spotted trucks labeled “Apple Studios” and equipment being loaded in and out throughout the first week of March.

From March 3 to 9, the restaurant remained closed for shooting. A reader of local outlet Hoboken Girl confirmed with the crew that the filming was for the period drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. Though the interior was kept tightly under wraps, it’s believed that this location may have been used to represent a 1920s café or gathering space from the characters’ travels.

Though unconfirmed, there were also reports of filming activity in Hamilton Park, Jersey City, suggesting that some street scenes or supplemental shots might have taken place there.

Oakley Farm Museum, Freehold Township, New Jersey
Filming Dates: March 2024

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A standout transformation took place at the Oakley Farm Museum, located in Freehold Township. The production team converted the site’s blacksmith shop into a rustic Maine cabin, one of the central backdrops of the film. Stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor were both spotted on-site filming.

This historic farm, dating back to the 1700s, perfectly mirrors the rustic and rural environment required to portray post-war America. The location was one of just two chosen across New Jersey by the production companies End Cue and Film4.

Saint Elizabeth University, Morristown, New Jersey

While limited details are available, another New Jersey shoot location included Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown. The university’s historic stone buildings and quiet grounds may have doubled for early 20th-century academic institutions, possibly representing the Boston Music Conservatory, where the characters first meet.

The university has previously been used for filming due to its period-style architecture, which fits seamlessly into the story’s historical tone.

Massachusetts, USA

Although specific filming spots in Massachusetts haven’t been officially confirmed, production began here due to its thematic significance. The original short story was set in New England, and writer Ben Shattuck hails from Massachusetts, giving the region personal and narrative relevance.

Scenes shot here are likely tied to the characters’ starting point before their road trip begins — offering a contrast between urban academia and the rural folk music landscapes they later explore.

Behind the scenes, Massachusetts was also a central part of the film’s development process. Writer Ben Shattuck worked on the script from his home in the state during the pandemic, while director Hermanus participated remotely from South Africa.

Tarquinia, Italy
Filming Dates: April 2024

In April 2024, the production made a major shift to Europe, filming in the ancient city of Tarquinia, Italy. Located in the Lazio region, this UNESCO-listed city brought a visually stunning and historically rich aesthetic to the film. A photo of Paul Mescal standing in the historic fountain of Tarquinia during filming quickly circulated online, highlighting the city’s charm as a key backdrop in The History of Sound (2025).

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Tarquinia is known for its Etruscan necropolises, medieval churches, and Romanesque architecture — all of which added grandeur and authenticity to scenes needing old-world charm. While not directly part of the original story’s setting, Italy likely served as a cinematic double for some of the more pastoral or artistically significant moments in the film.

Director Oliver Hermanus described the filming experience as deeply moving, stating, “They [Mescal and O’Connor] are on fire. They love working together.” He also praised the atmosphere of Tarquinia for elevating the project’s visual storytelling.

Photos released during filming showed Paul Mescal in costume walking through the narrow cobbled streets and open plazas of the city, possibly for scenes reflecting the characters’ inner journeys or musical encounters abroad.

On-Set Bond and Cast Preparation

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During production, Josh O’Connor took piano lessons for his role and filmed his scenes early to accommodate his promotion of Challengers. Both leads were actively involved in the development process and are close friends off-screen, which Hermanus says enhanced the emotional depth of their performances.

Speaking to Gay Times, Hermanus said, “They’re great friends, and they get on. They love working together.” He also described the film as “all about sound,” emphasizing how much musical authenticity was prioritized during filming — from live vocal performances to ambient field recordings.

Behind the scenes, the bond between the actors and the crew was often highlighted. Mescal described his desire to work with O’Connor again, saying, “I’m just dying to make films with people I like — and Josh is one of those people.”

Interviews and Development Insights

The journey to bring The History of Sound to the screen started years before the cameras rolled. The production company End Cue discovered the short story in an obscure literary journal and invited Shattuck to adapt it for film. Much of the early writing and collaboration occurred remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Producer Andrew Kortschak praised the team and story, saying, “Working with Oliver, Ben, Paul and Josh is an immense privilege. We are all struck by Ben’s beautiful and resonant short story, exploring love, loss and memory.”

In an interview at the LGBTQ+ Celebration of Cinema & Television, Hermanus hinted that the film wouldn’t be ready for Venice but would aim for a Cannes 2025 debut, adding, “We have a lot of score to create — Paul and Josh sing in it.”

Though the film centers around American folk music and early 20th-century romance, its production reflects a global collaboration — from small-town New Jersey to the hills of Tarquinia, Italy. The choice of locations was essential in maintaining the integrity and immersive experience of the story.

As director Hermanus described it: “This is an unexpected love story that needs to be told — it is a journey through the life of America, across the 20th century and the traditions of American folk music, all seen through the bond between two men immersed in the history of sound.”

Official Trailer

The History of Sound – Production Timeline

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