Back Lot
A back lot (or backlot) is a dedicated outdoor area on the property of a film studio. Unlike a soundstage, which is an enclosed, soundproofed building, a backlot is an open-air space. It contains permanent or semi-permanent outdoor sets. These sets often represent specific environments, such as a New York City street, a Western town, or a suburban neighborhood. For decades, the backlot has served as a cornerstone of the film industry. It provides a versatile and controlled environment for outdoor storytelling.
The Utility of the Back Lot
The primary purpose of a backlot is to simulate location filming while remaining within the studio’s controlled ecosystem. Shooting “on location” in a real city is often expensive and logistically challenging. Production teams must secure permits, manage traffic, and deal with public interruptions.
In contrast, the backlot offers a private environment. A production can “shut down” a city street for as long as necessary without a single permit from the city. Additionally, backlots feature permanent electrical infrastructure. This allows the lighting department to plug in large HMI or LED fixtures easily. Consequently, the production saves a significant amount of money and time.
Understanding Facades
Most buildings on a backlot are not complete structures. Instead, they are facades. A facade is a “shell” that includes the exterior front of a building, including doors, windows, and sidewalks. However, there is nothing behind the front wall except for a wooden support structure.
If a scene requires a character to enter a building, the exterior shot happens on the backlot. The production then moves to a soundstage to film the interior scenes. This workflow allows the production designer to change the “look” of a facade quickly. With a fresh coat of paint and new signage, a 1920s London street can easily become modern-day Chicago.
Advantages Over Location Filming
While a backlot might not always capture the perfect “grit” of a real location, it offers several technical advantages.
| Sound Control | While not soundproof like a stage, backlots are generally quieter than public streets. The studio can restrict air traffic or nearby construction to protect the audio. |
| Safety and Stunts | Stunt coordinators prefer backlots for high-risk sequences. Pyrotechnics, car chases, and wire-work are much safer to execute in a private, controlled space. |
| Lighting Consistency | Because the studio owns the property, cinematographers can rig permanent lighting on top of the facades. This allows them to maintain a consistent “look” across several days of shooting. |
The Modern Backlot
Today, many major studios in Los Angeles and London still maintain vast backlots. Studios like Universal, Warner Bros., and Paramount offer tours of these famous locations. Even in the age of digital green screens and LED volumes, physical backlots remain popular. They provide a tangible sense of scale and real-world lighting that digital effects sometimes struggle to replicate.
« Back to Glossary Index