The
Lamplighter
Lounge
Chosen for
TV Series
Netflix turns back time for the filming of “Mindhunter.”
BY NICOLE TAFE
I
n late summer, Delmont’s The Lamplighter was host to Hollywood
actors and crew as filming took place for the upcoming thriller TV
series “Mindhunter.”
“Mindhunter,” slated to debut on Netflix in 2017, is based on the
book “Mind Hunter: Inside FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit” written by
Mark Olshaker and John E. Douglas.
The series is set in 1979 and revolves around two FBI agents, Holden
Ford and Bill Tench, who interview imprisoned serial killers to solve
ongoing cases. Ford is played by Jonathan Groff and Tench by Holt
McCallany. Anna Torv and Cotter Smith wrap up the main characters
of the cast as Wendy, a psychologist, and Shepard, unit chief of the FBI
National Training Academy, respectively.
Film crews found The Lamplighter when scouts set out to find
various locations in the area for the film. Since there are several factors
when choosing a location, scouts check out a variety of places and take
photos back to the location manager. The location manager then goes
out to meet the owner of the desired location, takes more detailed
pictures and discusses whether the establishment is open to the idea of
closing shop for filming, setup, etc. Finally, the director makes a trip to
discuss what changes are needed in order to make the scene work, and
a contract is signed as details are explained to all parties involved.
“Our particular location was chosen because they were looking for
a steakhouse/restaurant that could be set in the 1970s,” says Andrew
Ferri, manager of The Lamplighter.
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Though there have been some small changes to the lounge over the
years, including the removal of the stainless steel disco dance floor,
most of the decor is original to a 1970s renovation.
“The scene filmed at The Lamplighter is actually very short, and will
be under two minutes after editing,” says Ferri. “I am told it will be a
part of Season One, Episode 7, as the scene takes place at a steakhouse
where the main character is having a disagreement with his wife over
dinner.”
“Mindhunter” is expected to run several seasons on Netflix and
although it’s not technically set in Pittsburgh, all of the filming will be
done in the area. In addition to The Lamplighter, several scenes were