A meticulously crafted fake homeless encampment set up for an upcoming Netflix film in San Francisco's Financial District on Friday caused alarm among residents, who mistook it for a surge in homelessness.
The elaborate set, featuring rows of tents along California and Battery streets, was for the production of "2034," a science-fiction mystery directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and starring Rachel McAdams and Jeff Daniels. The realistic appearance of the camp prompted numerous calls to the city's 311 service and reports filed through SolveSF, as concerned citizens reported what they believed to be a new, widespread homeless encampment.
One resident described seeing "a million tents everywhere, which seems more than normal for this area." Another noted that "to the trained eye, somehow they don’t look like regular homeless encampments."
The incident occurred months after San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed legislation aimed at revitalizing the city's film incentive program to attract more productions. The city's executive director of Film SF, Manijeh Fata, emphasized the importance of having productions based in San Francisco. This local effort aligns with broader initiatives across California, such as Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement of a $750 million film and TV tax credit program, designed to boost the state's entertainment industry and create jobs.
While set in San Francisco, significant portions of "2034" have been filmed internationally, with production expected to conclude later this month.