how was adolescence filmed

The Netflix limited series "Adolescence" was filmed using a distinctive one- shot technique, where each of the four episodes was captured as a single continuous take without any hidden edits. This means the camera recorded uninterrupted footage from start to finish of each episode, amplifying the emotional tension and realism of the story about a 13-year-old boy accused of murder. The filming process was highly complex and required extensive preparation, including months of rehearsals and detailed planning of locations, camera movements, and script adjustments to suit the continuous shot format. The cinematographer Matthew Lewis worked closely with director Philip Barantini to execute this method, involving careful location scouting and the use of innovative camera equipment, such as handheld cameras and drones, to achieve fluid transitions among scenes and settings. Most of the filming took place in studios near Pontefract, West Yorkshire, where detailed sets like police stations and a young offenders institution were constructed to accommodate the long takes. The production required multiple takes (sometimes over 10 for a single episode) before capturing a satisfactory continuous shot. The team also remotely observed the takes to discuss and tweak as filming progressed. Overall, the one-shot filming style not only created a powerful immersive experience but also prompted a theatrical-like performance atmosphere for the cast, emphasizing spontaneity and continuous real-time storytelling.