How and Where On My Block Was Filmed
On My Block is primarily filmed on location in Los Angeles and nearby Southern California areas, with key neighborhood shoots in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, and Pacoima. Many interior school and studio scenes are completed on soundstages and backlots in the greater Los Angeles region. The series is produced by Alloy Entertainment and primarily filmed for the Netflix original slate, with production beginning in 2017 and continuing through later seasons as the show scaled in scope and cast.
Primary Production Company and Network
The show is produced by Alloy Entertainment in association with Netflix, which enables the series to access diverse Los Angeles neighborhoods and professional studio resources. The combination of location shooting and controlled studio work supports the show’s balance of authentic street atmosphere and narrative pacing.
Neighborhood and Street Filming Locations
The series leverages real neighborhoods to anchor its sense of place. Key areas include Boyle Heights for its distinct streetscapes, parts of East Los Angeles for additional residential and commercial blocks, and Pacoima for schoolyard and exterior campus shots. Specific storefronts and intersections are selected for their visual character and practical logistics, such as access and permitting.
- Boyle Heights: Streets with dense housing and corner businesses stand in for the fictional block.
- East Los Angeles: Used for additional exterior neighborhood beats and longer shots.
- Pacoima: School exteriors and community spaces are filmed here for campus scenes.
Controlled and Public Locations
While many outdoor scenes use real streets, controlled studio lots are used for dialogue-heavy setups, complex camera moves, and weather-dependent shooting. This hybrid approach lets the show capture authentic urban textures while maintaining production flexibility and consistent lighting.
Soundstage and Backlot Work
Interior sets—classrooms, homes, hallways, and other recurring spaces—are built on soundstages and replicated backlots. Using sets in soundstage environments allows for precise lighting, controlled acoustics, and repeatable shots that would be difficult to achieve on location day after day.
Season-by-Season Production Scope
As the series progressed, production expanded to accommodate new stories, larger ensemble casts, and more ambitious sequences. Earlier seasons focused on tighter, location-bound blocks, while later seasons incorporated more varied neighborhoods and increased studio work to support elevated storytelling and higher production values.
Scheduling, Permitting, and Urban Logistics
Filming in dense neighborhoods requires coordination with local authorities and community partners. The production team navigates street closures, parking restrictions, and noise rules to minimize disruption. Permitting timelines influence when specific blocks or schools can be used, often shaping the shooting schedule around community needs and city processes.
Community and Crew Considerations
The series balances visibility with respect for local residents. Measures such as adjusted hours, clear signage, and community liaison teams help maintain goodwill. The production’s footprint is managed to reduce noise and traffic, demonstrating a practical approach to urban filming in residential areas.
Behind the Camera: Crew, Scheduling, and Resources
A mix of local crew and studio staff supports each shoot. Directors of photography plan lighting for both natural and artificial conditions, while art departments adapt sets to match neighborhood architecture. Production schedules are built to optimize travel time between locations, making the most of both on-site and soundstage days.
Comparative Approach
| Location Type | Primary Use in Production | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Streets | Exterior block and corner shots | Authentic urban backdrop |
| Soundstage Sets | Classrooms, homes, interiors | Controlled lighting and audio |
| School and Community Sites | Campus and public space scenes | Real community context and architecture |
| Studio Backlot Areas | Expanded sets and background work | Scalability and flexibility |
Verifying On My Block Filming Information
Production details for On My Block are drawn from studio press materials, location management records, and industry databases that track filming permits and schedules in Los Angeles. While specific addresses are typically not disclosed in public sources, the overall pattern of neighborhood and studio use is consistent across official announcements and trade reporting.