Show Stars Nicole Kidman & Reece Witherspoon; Party Scheduled To Celebrate Debut
California’s Monterey County is providing the backdrop for the new HBO drama miniseries “Big Little Lies.”
“Big Little Lies,” which debuts on Sunday, Feb. 19, stars Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. It is based on the New York Times best-seller novel of the same name by author Liane Moriarty.
The seven-episode series, directed by Jen-Marc Vallée, follows the lives of three mothers – played by Kidman, Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley – whose seemingly perfect lives begin to unravel. The show was filmed for four weeks in January and May of 2016 at locations in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel Highlands and Big Sur.
“Although the novel is set in a little coastal town in Australia, the producers fell in love with Monterey County, and the beautiful views of the ocean,” says Karen Nordstrand, Director of Marketing and Film Production for the Monterey County Film Commission.
Nordstrand said the production team even left behind a few keepsakes, such as new stairs leading to Garrapata State Beach and a set prop, which is now the sign for Monterey City Hall.
To celebrate, a “Hollywood in Your Backyard: Big Little Lies Debut Celebration” will be held on Feb. 19 at the Carmel Mission Inn, starting at 5 p.m. The special event will include a screening of the first episode of “Big Little Lies” starting at 6 p.m.
“When a big budget television show or film is shot on location here in Monterey County, it not only has a positive impact on the local businesses and economy, but it also inspires people to want to visit,” says Tammy Blount, President and CEO of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We hope that travelers will want to come to our destination and visit the sites where scenes were filmed as well as everything our region has to offer.”
For a trailer and clips of the show, go to: hbo.com/big-little-lies. As the film commission celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the non-profit group is also raising funds to help enhance its efforts. It’s website is: FilmMonterey.org.
More than 200 movies have been filmed in Monterey County since the late 19th century. Notable titles include “Basic Instinct,” “Turner & Hooch,” “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,” “The Muppet Movie” and “We Were Soldiers.”
And, of course, “Cannery Row” is about the canning industry in Monterey.
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