The series was filmed in Yaroslavl, Podolsk, Pokrov, and Moscow. The main action takes place in the fictional town of Sineozersk, which is a composite image of the Russian hinterland with communal apartments, a city hall, and natural landscapes. Yaroslavl became the central location for filming, where the set of a communal apartment was built and many important scenes were shot. Filming also took place in Podolsk and Pokrov, adding variety to the provincial atmosphere.

Filming Locations:

City Hall of Sineozersk

In the Movie

The scene where the mayor of Sineozersk, Arkady Anikeev, is in his office dealing with current city issues. The phone never stops ringing, meetings with local residents and deputies follow one after another. Anikeev, accustomed to a luxurious life and impunity, feels quite confident. However, this idyll is shattered when he is caught taking a bribe right at his workplace. This unpleasant situation drastically changes his life, sending him under house arrest not to his luxurious mansion, but to the old communal apartment where he was born and raised.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Government Building of Yaroslavl Oblast. This location was ideal for filming due to its architecture and atmosphere, reflecting the official and business aspects of city life. The building was constructed in 1981 and is a significant example of a modern public building in the historic part of Yaroslavl. Its strict facades, faced with white stone, harmoniously fit into the architectural ensemble of the square. Moreover, the building's central location makes it convenient for local residents and deputies to access, adding realism to the events.

Construction Site

In the Movie

The scene where Ivan Samsonov, a former classmate of Mayor Arkady Anikeev, works as a foreman on a construction site. He lives in an old communal apartment. On one ordinary workday, when a truck with radiators arrives at the construction site, the workers refuse to unload the cargo into the storage area. Frustrated but used to such treatment, Ivan takes on the work himself and carries the heating units. He does not yet suspect that circumstances will soon change dramatically, and he will become the mayor of Sineozersk.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a real construction site of a residential complex in Moscow. The choice of this location allowed for the creation of a maximally authentic atmosphere of workdays, thanks to the genuine setting and construction equipment. Ivan's hard labor on the construction site creates a visual contrast with the future comfort of the residential complex, highlighting the social themes of the series. Using an active construction site simplified the filming process, eliminating the need to build sets. The spectacular nature of the construction site adds cinematic quality to the scene, reflecting a typical picture of modern development.

House of Culture

In the Movie

The scene where Marina Bylinkina encounters Mayor Arkady Anikeev near the House of Culture. On that day, a protest is taking place at the House of Culture, organized by local activists, with posters and slogans concerning city issues. Noticing the mayor, Marina decides to seize the moment and express her concern about the situation with Sineozersk's cultural heritage. She speaks about the need to preserve historical buildings and the importance of supporting cultural initiatives. Anikeev, surprised and perhaps interested, listens attentively despite the noisy protest around them. This is their first meeting, and it takes place against a backdrop of public activism, giving it special significance.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Severny Cultural Center in Moscow. The architecture of the building in the Stalinist Empire style created a recognizable atmosphere of the Soviet era. Directly in front of the entrance is a small square, ideal for organizing a protest, which was reflected in the scene. This location perfectly conveys the spirit of community and cultural life in the district. The choice of this particular location added realism and visual appeal to the scene. The historical significance of the House of Culture, operating since 1953, emphasized the connection with traditions, which is important for the atmosphere of the series.