The film was shot using a split approach typical of major studio productions: tense exterior and crowd scenes were filmed on the real streets of Lower Manhattan, while most dialogue moments and dangerous edge work were recreated on meticulously built replicas and controlled sets in Hollywood. The production modified the facade of a real building and later relied on an expensive set to safely stage the prolonged standoff.

Filming Locations:

140 Broadway and Liberty Street

In the Movie

Scene where the real Manhattan streets are used to film the street 'circus' with crowds and press, where police, onlookers, and reporters gather under the building, and the escalation from day to night is emphasized by lighting and street control.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the Financial District at the corner of 140 Broadway tower and Liberty Street, a busy office corner with wide sidewalks and a plaza; matches the documented location of the replacement for the original building used in production.