The film was shot in New York over just 17 days. The majority (over 80%) was filmed on the 42nd floor of One Penn Plaza on West 34th Street in Manhattan. At the time of filming, the building was vacant of tenants, allowing the production to use its space to create the office atmosphere necessary to convey the tension and dynamics of the financial world. Another filming location was 144 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn. Although the main action takes place in the bank's office, Brooklyn also adds variety to the film's urban landscapes.

Filming Locations:

The Building Where the Bank Is Located

In the Movie

Scene where Eric Dale leaves the bank office building after being fired. During a mass layoff at the bank, the head of risk management, Eric Dale, is let go. Before leaving, he hands a USB drive with unfinished calculations to his subordinate Peter Sullivan, warning him: "Be careful." This event sets off a chain of events that leads to the disclosure of critical information about financial risks threatening the bank.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the One Penn Plaza skyscraper in Manhattan. This building was constructed in 1972 and is the tallest in the Pennsylvania Plaza complex, which includes office buildings, hotels, and entertainment venues: One Penn Plaza stands 229 meters tall with 57 floors. In the film, this location serves as the prototype for the famous investment bank Lehman Brothers, which became a symbol of the 2008 financial crisis—its bankruptcy was one of the catalysts of the global economic collapse. The filmmakers chose One Penn Plaza because it was partially vacant at the time, allowing them to use large office spaces and create the necessary setting. The architecture and design of the skyscraper perfectly match the style of large investment bank offices, adding realism to the story.

Eric Dale's Apartment

In the Movie

Scene where Will discusses the liquidation of the bank's positions with Eric Dale. After analyst Peter Sullivan discovers that the risk on mortgage-backed securities has reached a critical level, the bank's management decides to immediately start selling "toxic assets." During an emergency meeting held overnight, top managers discuss the situation and conclude that to save the bank, they must get rid of these assets before the market collapses. Will goes to Eric and persuades him to return to work and try to find another solution before the bank's asset sale begins.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the porch of a building at 144 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn. This location is in the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, known for its classic buildings and picturesque views of Manhattan. The area is bounded by Old Fulton Street to the north, Cadman Plaza West to the east, Atlantic Avenue to the south, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the west. It became the first bedroom community for Manhattan residents thanks to convenient ferry service, and to this day, it attracts high-income individuals and those who appreciate history and architecture, which matches Eric's image as an experienced professional in the financial sector.

The Road to Eric Dale's

In the Movie

Scene where Seth and Will drive to meet Eric Dale and discuss their likely layoffs. Seth actively participates in discussions with Will as everyone at the bank begins to realize the scale of the problem with the "toxic assets." As a junior analyst involved in financial data analysis, Seth understands that in the face of the impending financial crisis, his job and future are at risk. Seth realizes that the bank is on the verge of collapse.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Queensboro Bridge (also known as the 59th Street Bridge) in New York. This is one of New York's most iconic bridges, connecting Manhattan and Queens across the East River. Built in 1909, it is an example of early 20th-century engineering prowess and is distinguished by its cantilever design. The bridge has two levels: the upper level is used for vehicular traffic, while the lower level previously served streetcars and trains. Due to its location and architecture, the Queensboro Bridge has become not only an important transportation hub but also a symbol of connection between different parts of the city. Its use in the film adds visual variety, as most of the movie was shot inside the One Penn Plaza skyscraper.