Creators Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky always envisioned the finale of Hacks happening in Paris, specifically at the iconic Louvre. Filming at this renowned museum, home to the Mona Lisa, was essential for capturing the bond between Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder).
Cinematographer Adam Bricker shared how incredible it was to scout the Louvre, noting, “We were alone in the museum one afternoon—it was amazing. That scene was crucial for us!”
However, the journey to film at the Louvre was anything but smooth. Initially, everything seemed set. Then came a shocking news story on October 19: thieves brazenly stole French Crown Jewels from the museum, causing security protocols to tighten. As Aniello described, “Things were going fine, and then there was the heist.”
Production plans shifted quickly. The team had to consider alternatives, landing at the Palace of Versailles. But it was clear: it wasn’t quite the same as the Louvre. The hopes of shooting there rose and fell frequently, with a workers’ strike and management issues further complicating matters.
Bricker recalled the frustration during this period, saying, “It was a bummer, but production is always challenging. This show had its hurdles, yet things often broke in our favor.” The crew’s commitment shone through as they waited in Paris, even as their deadline loomed. They were dedicated to getting the perfect shot at the Louvre.
When the call finally came to film, it came with limitations. The crew had to drastically downsize, with only twelve members allowed inside. Everyone rolled up their sleeves, with even the producers helping carry equipment—an unusual but camaraderie-filled moment reminiscent of film school days.
Smart and Einbinder faced unique challenges during the shoot, primarily making the scene work despite the museum being open. They shot in a fenced-off area, creatively superimposing themselves in front of the Mona Lisa. Smart fondly recalled the emotional environment: “We cried and said, ‘I love you’—it was a special moment.”
In that moment, the bustling world surrounding them faded away, highlighting the deep connections forged throughout the show’s journey. Aniello reflected, “We began as just the three of us and ended with a small, tight crew. It felt like a natural way to wrap things up.”
Behind the scenes, the challenges reinforced the team’s dedication to their vision and each other. It was a fitting end for a show that explored comedic highs and emotional lows, marked by teamwork, creativity, and resilience.
A recent study shows that shows with well-planned final episodes, like Hacks, enjoyed a spike in viewer ratings. This illustrates the importance of a thoughtful conclusion in storytelling, resonating well beyond the screen.
As Hacks concludes, it reminds us of the art of collaboration, the chaos of production, and the beauty of storytelling—whether in Paris or any corner of the world.
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Hacks,Jean Smart,Jen Statsky,Lucia Aniello
