A fake homeless camp sprang up unexpectedly in San Francisco’s financial district on Friday, leaving local residents startled until they realized it was part of a Netflix film shoot.
Rows of tents were set up at the intersection of California and Battery streets as film crews transformed the area for the sci-fi mystery titled “2034,” which is directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and features stars like Rachel McAdams and Jeff Daniels.
The camp looked so realistic that it prompted many residents to flood the 311 phone line with concerns. I think some people weren’t sure what to make of it initially. Submit your report through SolveSF.
“We were walking around and there were so many tents everywhere, much more than usual for this area,” one resident noted, expressing surprise. he told ABC7.
Another resident added, “To an untrained eye, they might look like regular encampments, but somehow they don’t.” said a San Francisco resident.
This elaborate set emerged shortly after Mayor Daniel Lurie was reported at the filming site. He signed a bill intended to draw more film and television projects to the city.
In an official statement, it was mentioned that “Mayor Daniel Lurie today signed legislation sponsored by Board of Supervisors Chairman Raphael Mandelman to modernize and strengthen San Francisco’s film incentive program. This will help bring productions back to the city and support the creative community.” A statement released in February said:.
These efforts are part of a larger initiative across California to bring Hollywood productions back to the state.
Governor Gavin Newsom recently unveiled a $750 million film and television tax credit designed to boost the film industry, the local economy, and create jobs in Los Angeles, according to an office announcement. this was announced in July 2025.
“Producing work here is really important for us,” said Manije Fata, Executive Director of FilmSF.
Interestingly, even though “2034” is set in San Francisco, most of the filming is taking place in Serbia and Montenegro, with production expected to wrap up by the end of the month.
