Locations Torchwood Miracle Day - Categories of Life by Steven Barber

Categories of Life

The fourth series of Torchwood brought the cast and crew to a whole New World: North America. As part of the production deal with STARZ, much of Torchwood Miracle Day would take place in the United States, China, South America as well as the United Kingdom, creating an international scope and scale to the production.

This month we’re again combining two of the episodes because of the limited number of LA locations used by each. A lot was shot, just not in a lot of places.

This month we’ll revisit CATEGORIES OF LIFE which takes us to the rather disquieting Angels Gate Park in San Pedro, a long arm of Los Angeles that drops some 25 miles south to the waterfront as well as back to Venice Beach and the Warner Brothers Studio.

ANGELS GATE PARK, SAN PEDRO

CATEGORIES OF LIFE gives us the first introduction to the three levels of “survival” as assigned by the world’s governments (with nasty input from the PhiCorp crowd). If you are unfortunate enough to be assigned categories one or two, well, you might just end up in Angels Gate Park, in the Los Angeles district of San Pedro — adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles.

The Angels Gate Park area played a government concentration and execution base in which those people deemed Category One were quite literally burned out of existence. (This begged the question whether tiny little semi-sentient ashes continue to flutter around the LA basin, but that’s a question for a different time and website.)

Walking around Angels Gate park, which is a former World War II -era military site, is a fairly creepy affair…at least on an early Sunday morning when few other people are likely to be around. That’s an appropriate response, I think, for a location that for all intents and purposes played the role of an American Auschwitz. Walking around the locale — with virtually no restrictions, unlike the majority of TORCHWOOD shooting sites — you cannot help but recall those scenes in the barracks as the Torchwood members went undercover to discover the secrets of the camp.

Angels Gate has a far less nefarious role in real life, having been reborn in #@$! as the Angels Gate Cultural Center, dedicated to artistic projects and cultural exchange. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and check out some of the art classes and installations to be found around the campus.

Complete schedules and a map can be for here: http://angelsgateart.org/visitor-info/

Just avoid the ovens in the back…

VENICE BEACH

For the second episode in a row we’re in Venice Beach, where Torchwood has set up shop on Westminster Avenue. At least that’s where their apartment is supposed to be located, and the location shots show us just how a group like Torchwood can disappear into a community like Venice Beach.

THE FORUM - WEST LOS ANGELES

And finally, another new site as Oswald Danes begins his rehabilitation tour and is confronted by Jack Harkness for the first time. The Forum, a giant concert and sports entertainment facility not too far from LAX.

Jack first meets and attempts to reason with Oswald Danes, who is entirely too caught up in his ego to possibly hear Jack’s words. These scenes were shot in the mammoth hallways in The Forum’s “behind the scenes” walkways and halls. While I could not get access to those areas, these shots show what the exterior of the facility looks like, and generally what visitors may expect to see if they seek it out. A better way to see the Forum, of course, is to take in a concert.

The Forum and a schedule of events and concerts can be accessed here: http://www.thelosangelesforum.com

WARNER BROTHER STUDIOS

And, of course, it’s back to the Warner Brothers Studio in the Valley for on-set shooting.

That’s it for this month. Let us know if you have any questions or clarifications. Otherwise...

Next time we really get into the story and take a trip around LA for the shooting sites of TORCHWOOD, MIRACLE DAY: THE MIDDLE MEN

Locations Miracle Day: Escape to LA by Steven Barber

Miracle Day: Escape to LA

By Steven Barber

The fourth series of Torchwood brought the cast and crew to a whole New World: North America. As part of the production deal with STARZ, much of Torchwood Miracle Day would take place in the United States, China, South America as well as the United Kingdom, creating an international scope and scale to the production.

Much of the show was shot in and around Los Angeles, in areas ranging from downtown LA, to Venice Beach and the area of LA known as San Pedro. For the first three episodes, however, LA was not allowed to be Los Angeles. The locations were used for other cities up to and including Washington, DC.

But in the fourth episode, ESCAPE TO LA, LA becomes LA. The team find themselves on the run, having escaped the clutches of the American CIA and going into hiding in a place they wouldn’t stick out: Venice Beach.

  

Venice, for the uninitiated, is a part of Los Angeles even Angelenos consider a little “off”. It’s been described as a particular bit of grunge bohemian, even before those terms became popular. For our British friends, think “low-rent Blackpool” and you’ll have it.

But in truth, if you picture in your mind what “LA Beaches” looks like there’s a good chance you’ll picture Venice. It’s smelting pot of cultures, people and ideas, and probably one of the few spots you’ll encounter ganja smokers, the homeless, blue-hairs, bohemians, weightlifters and Millennials all mixing together and mixing it up for a truly unique Venice Beach culture. Oh, and quite a few tourists who contribute their monies to the local economy.

In other words, a perfect spot for Team Torchwood to hide out. You’ll find, I think, this is one of the more fun spots on the Torchwood locations to explore and enjoy for itself as well as a spot the show was shot. I’m including some local resources to help you out.

In addition to Venice Beach, production also included using the inside of the US Bank Tower as a stand-in for PhiCorp, and the Warner Brothers studio lot.

ESCAPE TO LA LOCATIONS

US Bank Building - DOWNTOWN

The US Bank building was, until recently, the tallest building West of the Mississippi River. At more than a thousand feet tall, the building’s “crown” is familiar to both local Angelenos and movie watchers as the tower that gets destroyed in spectacular fashion in the film Independence Day. Several suites in the tower were used in the production of MIRACLE DAY, in particular standing in for the PHiCorp offices and facilities.

Finding the US Bank Tower is relatively easy. Look for the building on the Los Angeles skyline. Unfortunately getting access to the film sites is not permitted, but since you’ve gone through the effort to find and pay for parking, adventure seekers might want to try out the building’s new attractions, one of which* might even scare Captain Jack himself into submission.

* https://oue-skyspace.com/experience/

WARNER BROTHERS

One of the most storied studio lots in Los Angeles, the Warner Brothers lot is located north of the Hollywood Hills in the San Fernando Valley (aka “The Valley” where girls used to talk funny). All episodes used this facility, so it seemed necessary to add it to the list of LA locations.

The studio was the site for all set-based shoot, including the majority of interiors for the team’s apartment and CIA headquarters.

VENICE

Venice Beach is certainly a place you’ll want to visit on your tour of LA shooting sites. It’s a wildly fun and fairly safe area of the city which features a vibe all its own.

Named Venice of America by a developer in the early 1900s, the nascent tourist attraction was built along a section of the Pacific Ocean just north of what would become Marina Del Rey. In an attempt to garner publicity the resort was complete with canals, echoing its namesake city in Europe. But, as some dreams do, it didn’t quite work out as planned, and the city - annexed to Los Angeles in the 1920s when the city’s infrastructure simply couldn’t keep pace with its growth.

Venice continued to decline, until eventually gangs and members of the counter-culture were the sole residents. This could have doomed the site permanently except for two things: the massive development of Marina del Rey, and the presence of the Pacific Ocean. Slowly things tired around and began to be improved, but the vaguely “down on its luck” mystique of the area continued to prevail, lending itself to the current mix of many different people and cultures.

The Venice shooting sites for Torchwood are along a mile or so along the main boardwalk (though it’s cement. No boards.) Park in the middle and make your way up and down the beck. Be prepared for almost anything. There’s a constant police presence, but scammers and pickpockets also ply their trade here. On weekends there are plenty of street entertainers, as well as some truly off-the-wall shopping opportunities and chances to grab the trashiest of trashy souvenirs.

When looking for the Torchwood sites I’d recommend you have fun and don’t be afraid just to stop and watch the going’s on.

A terrific resource for a visit to Venice is the website http://venicebeach.com

“Market Street: Location Torchwood arrives in LA"

That’s it for this month. As always, enjoy your tour of the LA area and make sure to be as safe as possible. And if you see Captain Jack, run.

Next Up: We return to Venice Beach and two new locales for episode 5, Torchwood Miracle Day: Categories of Life!

Locations Miracle Day: US Locations by Steven Barber

The fourth series of Torchwood brought the cast and crew to a whole New World: North America. As part of the production deal with STARZ, much of Torchwood Miracle Day would take place in the United States, China, South America as well as the United Kingdom, creating an international scope and scale to the production.

Much of the show was shot in and around Los Angeles, in areas ranging from downtown LA, to Venice Beach and the area of LA known as San Pedro. The second episode, Rendition, featured only two Los Angeles locations, so we’re combining Rendition’s sites with those of the third episode: Dead of Night.

Rendition follows our crew as they are hunted down and caught by the nefarious American CIA, and features one of the best Torchwood action sequences in the entire show as Gwen, Jack and Rhys battle an attack helicopter from a Jeep.

Unfortunately, that takes place in Cardiff, so no pics of that here. But what we miss in adventure we pick up in intrigue as the Torchwood team is brought to the United States and escapes to figure out how they’re going to fight the mysterious organization behind the Miracle, as well as the American government, itself caught up in the plot.

The following are the LA-area locations used for Torchwood Miracle Day: Rendition, and Torchwood Miracle Day: Dead of Night.

RENDITION LOCATIONS

City Hall

Used repeatedly in Torchwood's series 4, Los Angeles City Hall provided the backdrop for numerous “official” looking facilities. An iconic structure known worldwide for its appearance in numerous TV shows and movies, Los Angeles City Hall was for years the tallest structure in Los Angeles — you might recognize it from old episodes of Dragnet and Superman. City Hall was used by the Torchwood Miracle Day: Rendition and Dead of Night production company for scenes in which Jilly meets and attempts to recruit Dr. Vera.

Directions

City Hall is located downtown on Spring Street, between Temple and 1st. It is a block away from the 101 (Hollywood) Freeway.

While getting to City Hall is relatively easy, finding parking is not. Particularly during the work week. My suggestion is to visit the site on the weekends, but be aware of the rather large and sometimes aggressive homeless population in the area, particularly in the park south of City Hall.

433 South Spring

Spring Street again features in our countdown. There are roughly four city blocks in which various scenes from Torchwood were shot, ranging from the lobby of 419 Spring down to 650 S Spring, which was mentioned in the last entry as the site of the CIA headquarters for The New World.

Searching for 433 S Spring you cannot help but notice the presence of the Lunch Box Cafe. The lobby of this building was used for the scene in which Jilly initially approaches Oswald in Rendition. I’m not aware of any scenes using the Lunch Box itself.

As noted, Spring Street has several locations used in Miracle Day. Finding parking can be difficult, but what I found useful is jumping one block East to Main Street where street parking is easier to find, and the lots are a bit cheaper. As before, note you are in a major city and all due safety measures are recommended. None of the locations on Spring, except the Alexandria Hotel, allow for public access.

DEAD OF NIGHT LOCATIONS

The Golden Gopher

Yes, you read that right. The Golden Gopher. (Cue naughty laughter from John Barrowman.)

The Golden Gopher, despite the name, is a classic Los Angeles night spot opening originally in 1905. It’s a little difficult to find, though the truly adventurous souls might wait until later hours when the club is open and you can (try to) secure a table to watch the evening’s festivities. Be aware that the entertainment changes and may require a cover charge, but it’s a fascinating and fun “joint” if you’re in the right mood. You can find their schedule and basic history on their website:

http://213dthospitality.com/project/golden-gopher/

Currently the Gopher is surrounded by construction, and that makes it a little more difficult to find. It’s located on the north side of 8th Street between Hill and Olive, directly across the street from a major building renovation. On the day I visited the entire block was marked off and traffic diverted to surrounding streets. If you’re visiting after hours or during the city’s almost continuous rush hour, you might consider a safe parking lot nearby. The LAPD are quick to ticket illegally parked cars.

419 S Spring

The other half of the entry above, 419 S Spring is the lobby used for the scene in which Jack is forcibly ejected from the studio.

  

The Glen Capri Motel

When your name is Oswald Danes and much of the United States population reviles you, it’s important you find a nondescript place to hide. And not have to spend a lot of money.

Welcome to the Glen Capri Motel, in Glendale, California. A few miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the Glen Capri is almost indiscernible from hundreds of other Southern California motels. With signs reflecting 1930s to 1950s architecture (Googlie or art deco), the buildings themselves are pretty similar. The Glen Capri is no different.

The Glen Capri can be located just a few minutes off the 5 freeway as it passes from Glendale in Burbank. Take the 5 north from downtown Los Angeles to Alameda Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley. Turn right on Alameda and drive the two city blocks to San Fernando Road, turning right. The Glen Capri is roughly a quarter mile down on the right (eastern) side of the road.

As always, enjoy your tour of the LA area and make sure to be as safe as possible. And if you see Captain Jack, run.

Next Month: We return to downtown and the ever-weird Venice Beach for episode 4, Torchwood Miracle Day: Escape to LA!

Locations Miracle Day: The New World Episode 1 Los Angeles Locations by Steven Barber

The fourth series of Torchwood brought the cast and crew to a whole New World: North America. As part of the production deal with STARZ, much of Torchwood Miracle Day would take place in the United States, China, South America as well as the United Kingdom, creating an international scope and scale to the production.

Much of the show was shot in and around Los Angeles, in areas ranging from downtown LA, to Venice Beach and the area of LA known as San Pedro.

The opening episode of the series takes place in Cardiff, London, LA and Washington, DC.

The following are the LA-area locations used for Torchwood Miracle Day: The New World.

City Hall

An iconic structure known worldwide for its appearance in numerous TV shows and movies, Los Angeles City Hall was for years the tallest structure in Los Angeles. Known best around the SciFi community as being blasted to pieces by Martians in George Pal's 1950 classic WAR OF THE WORLDS, City Hall was used by the Torchwood Miracle Day: The New World production company for the external scenes in which Esther arrives at the Central Intelligence Agency archive.

Directions

City Hall is located downtown on Spring Street, between Temple and 1st. It is a block away from the 101 (Hollywood) Freeway.

While getting to City Hall is relatively easy, finding parking is not. Particularly during the work week. My suggestion is to visit the site on the weekends, but be aware of the rather large and sometimes aggressive homeless population in the area, particularly in the park south of City Hall.

City Hall East

The second addition to LA City Hall (there are three main buildings on the campus), City Hall East features a large plaza and backdrop used by production companies over the years for scenes involving protests and events at an official-looking building. Torchwood Miracle Day: The New World was no exception, filming the scene in which Jack Harkness describes Torchwood to Esther (for the first time) in the courtyard section of the CH East complex.

Directions

As with City Hall proper, finding City Hall East is relatively easy. It's the large building across the street on the east side of City Hall. But visitors unfamiliar with LA should exercise reasonable caution due to the large and sometimes aggressive homeless population in the area.

Linda Vista Hospital

Like many older buildings in LA, The Linda Vista Hospital, used for hospitals sets in both Cardiff and LA story lines in Torchwood Miracle Day: The New World, has subsequently been repurposed into low income housing.

Directions

Located at 610 S St Louis Ave in the East LA neighborhood of Boyle Heights, the site is easily accessed from several freeways. From the 5 Freeway coming up from Long Beach and Orange County you'll want the Soto Street exit. From the 101 Freeway from downtown and Hollywood take the 4th Street offramp. Best to use GPS to avoid wandering too far afield.

There is a large well-maintained park, Hollenbeck Regional, located directly across the street which features an unusual view of downtown. Caution is recommended during evening and night-time hours.

650 S Spring St

A former Bank of America branch, 650 S Spring Street is in an area of Downtown LA undergoing significant gentrification. Boarded-up storefronts sit adjacent to expensive security apartments and crowded Starbuck's. The scenes filmed at this location served as stand-ins for the CIA archive.

Directions

650 S Spring is relatively easy to find, but parking can be problematic depending upon the planned length of your stay. Metered street slots are a rare commodity, and there is a relatively inexpensive parking lot just north of the building. Spring is one-way, as are most streets downtown. It runs southbound, so 650 S Spring is best approached on 6th Street. Summer 2016 saw much of the street torn up for construction.

Sybil Brand Institute  

Unlike the other buildings on this list The Sybil Brand Institute is locked away (you see what I did there?) from public view.

A former prison for women, it's now part of the greater Sheriff's Department compound a few miles east of Downtown Los Angeles. Closed to the public, it's in constant use as a prison shooting stage for numerous television and film productions. The site was used in Torchwood Miracle Day: The New World for scenes of Oswald Danes' incarceration and prison.

Footnote 

Steven is a travel writer, whose fabulous travels can be found here: http://thumbnailtraveler.blogspot.com

All photos courtesy of Steven Barber