Where is Escape at Dannemora filmed? All shooting locations explored

The gripping Netflix series Escape at Dannemora was released on October 22, 2024. It explores the actual events surrounding the 2015 break-in at Clinton Correctional Facility. Richard Matt and David Sweat, two prisoners, prepared their escape using smuggled tools. This ultimately led to a three-week manhunt.

Patricia Arquette's character Joyce "Tilly" Mitchell plays a significant role in the series. Because Tilly's choices have a significant impact on the escape, her relationships with the prisoners give the narrative complexity.

Arquette received high appreciation for her performance and was nominated for a Golden Globe. Directed by Ben Stiller, Escape at Dannemora is renowned for its authenticity because it was shot at the real Clinton Correctional Facility.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for the series.

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Shooting locations of Escape at Dannemora

1. Clinton Correctional Facility, Dannemora, New York

Ben Stiller intended to film his show in genuine locales and this was particularly the Clinton Correctional Facility in New York wherein the maximum-security prison houses 2,500 male offenders. This is primarily why the Department of Corrections was initially reluctant to grant authorization.

After making certain contacts, he eventually gained authorization from Governor Andrew Cuomo. The production team had limited access to critical areas of the prison, notably the North Yard, where major events occurred. They filmed for two days. This way, they captured the prison's eerie atmosphere, which was essential to the show.

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2. Abandoned Warehouse, Brooklyn, New York

In the Netflix series, the prison's tailor shop employee played an important role, especially in the escape plan. To reflect this, the production team remodeled a Brooklyn warehouse to resemble the tailor shop where the inmates planned their escape.

They shot in a renovated factory, capturing the cramped underground scenes, such as the escape tunnels. This setting resembled the prison's architecture, allowing for a more realistic depiction of the escape without being constrained by actual prison security measures.

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3. Pennsylvania Stand-in Prisons

Escape at Dannemora trailer (Image via Youtube/@ONE Media)

The crew also shot important scenes at a disused jail in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They were able to film crucial shots that would have been challenging to capture at Dannemora because of this increased freedom.

At first, they considered other prisons in Pennsylvania, but they rejected the idea as they couldn't match Clinton's distinctive appearance. This decision preserved the production's visual realism.

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4. Dannemora Town and Surroundings

Various scenes showcasing the manhunt after Matt and Sweat escape were filmed in the local area, utilizing the rocky terrain and dense forests. The show blended real external views of the prison with footage of the manhunt for added authenticity.

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Closer look at Escape at Dannemora

Escape at Dannemora is based on the true story of two convicted killers, Richard Matt and David Sweat. They escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility in June 2015 and were assisted by Joyce Mitchell. She was a prison employee who smuggled tools into the facility.

Escape at Dannemora mainly focuses on the harsh realities of prison life. The escape plan was complex, requiring cutting through walls. It also involved navigating hidden tunnels beneath the prison. After breaking free, Matt and Sweat climbed out of a nearby manhole, which led to a three-week-long manhunt. Their escape attracted national attention and reportedly cost taxpayers approximately $23 million.

Matt was eventually shot and killed by police. This happened while he was on the run. Sweat was apprehended close to the Canadian border. He was then sent back to jail. Joyce Mitchell entered a guilty plea and was released on parole in 2020 after serving almost five years.

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