HBO shoots one day of Big Little Lies to secure tax credits

HBO filmed a single day of production for the third season of Big Little Lies on Thursday at Warner Bros. Studios Burbank's The Ranch Lot, according to Variety and Deadline. The brief shoot featured recurring cast member Merrin Dungey, who plays Detective Adrienne Quinlan, Deadline and Variety both reported. [3][4]

The one-day production schedule was executed specifically to retain the show's California tax credit, according to reports from Variety, Deadline, and the AV Club. Full production has been delayed because network executives face scheduling conflicts with the primary cast members, who are committed to other projects, ComingSoon and Deadline reported. The AV Club reported that full production is expected to remain shut down until 2027. [1][2][3][4]

Big Little Lies is an American drama series created and written by David E. Kelley, based on the 2014 novel by Liane Moriarty. The show originally aired on HBO for two seasons between February 2017 and July 2019, with Nicole Kidman starring as Celeste Wright. [1][11]

The single-day shoot highlights the strategic moves television networks use to maintain state tax incentives during extended pre-production delays. HBO is continuing efforts to align the schedules of its lead ensemble cast to eventually begin full principal photography. [2][3][4]