Where was StartUp filmed?
2016
City Locations
San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Location Types
Unusual, Modern Office
Location Styles
Beachfront, High Tech/Futuristic, Contemporary Modern, Modern Building
About StartUp
StartUp is an American crime drama television series created by Ben Ketai, which premiered on September 6, 2016, on Sony Crackle. The series stars Adam Brody, Martin Freeman, Otmara Marrero, Edi Gathegi, Ron Perlman, and Addison Timlin. Critical Content, Hollywood Gang Productions, and Vancouver Media produced the show.
The series follows the intertwining lives of ambitious individuals as they attempt to navigate the Miami crime scene. The story centers on Izzy Morales (Otmara Marrero), a Cuban-American hacker who hopes to revolutionize the global economy with her new idea.
Desperate banker Nick Talman (Martin Freeman) needs to conceal stolen money, while gang leader Ronald Dacey (Edi Gathegi) is trying to go legit. The unlikely trio work together and create their version of the American dream, blurring the lines between organized crime and legitimate business.
The series received mixed critical reception. The first season of StartUp has an average rating of 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, calculated from the reviews of 14 critics. The critical consensus on the site suggests that "StartUp is a LetDown." Metacritic assigns a weighted average score rated the series at 52 out of 100 based on 14 reviews, pointing towards "mixed or average reviews."
StartUp Locations
StartUp, a thrilling series aired from 2016 to 2018, is an intriguing exploration of digital currency and crime. The production of this gripping series was undertaken entirely in Puerto Rico, skillfully masquerading as present-day Miami, thanks to the careful selection of locations by the production team. Florida's sizeable immigrant population influenced the filming location, adding authenticity to the Miami setting.
The series predominantly features the narrow streets of Miami's Little Haiti. However, San Juan, Puerto Rico neighborhoods provided the backdrop for these scenes. With some clever set dressing and cosmetic changes, these locations convincingly represent Miami's cityscape. Additionally, the municipality of Rio Grande, in the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo metropolitan area, also served as a significant filming location.
The architecture of Puerto Rico's capital, inspired by vintage and contemporary Miami, blurs the line between the series' actual filming location and its intended setting. It makes it difficult for audiences to distinguish between the two, enhancing the immersive experience of the series.
A visit to these filming locations would be worthwhile. Not only would it offer fans of StartUp a chance to walk the same streets as their favorite characters, but it would also provide an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Puerto Rico. From the bustling neighborhoods of San Juan to the tranquil beaches of Isla Verde and Balneario del Escambrón, there's plenty to explore and enjoy.
The Little Haiti scenes in StartUp
San Juan, Puerto Rico
One memorable scene occurs in Season 1, Episode 2, where Ronald (Edi Gathegi) assigns Nick (Adam Brody) and Izzy (Otmara Marrero) with a challenging mission - to collect his $300,000 in cash within a 24-hour timeframe. They diligently work against time constraints, swiftly traversing between financial institutions, executing cash withdrawals, and amassing slightly more than half the total sum.
This intense sequence turns unexpectedly when a drive-by shooting in Little Haiti threatens Ronald's son, Touie (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). This incident compels Ronald to make a life-altering decision to become a partner in GenCoin, aiming to create a better future for his family and community.
Although the series depicts the narrow streets of Little Haiti, San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, served as the filming location. Through careful set dressing and minor cosmetic changes, various neighborhoods of San Juan transformed into a convincing stand-in for the Miami cityscape.
One can fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan to reach this filming location. From there, explore the city via public transportation, taxis, or car rentals.
Issues arising from the involvement of the Russian scene in StartUp
Río Grande, 00745, Puerto Rico
A particularly memorable scene is from Season 2, Episode 9. Araknet, the company around which the show revolves, is celebrating a significant victory. However, Ronald (Edi Gathegi) struggles to regain his life before it's too late.
The scenario becomes more complicated when the Russians extend a tainted olive branch that wreaks havoc in the company, throwing Izzy (Otmara Marrero) into turmoil. An unexpected enemy strikes as the company prepares to make a controversial move.
The municipality of Rio Grande, in the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo metropolitan area, provided the setting for the town and office scenes. Rio Grande is located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico and is known for its expansive, secluded areas with beach access, such as Coco Beach. Within a ten-minute drive, visitors can reach El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest within the United States National Forest System.
Transportation by private car from San Juan can get you to this location. The journey typically takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the destination. Additionally, if you visit in July, you can participate in the patron saint festival celebrated in Rio Grande.
The beach scenes in StartUp
Isla Verde Beach, Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico
The stunning beaches of Puerto Rico provided the backdrop for several scenes. In Season 2, Episode 1, fans can recall one such scene featuring Izzy (Otmara Marrero), who sleeps in her car before falling into the ocean. This poignant moment represents Izzy's struggle with her sister's death and her family's grief.
In another scene from the same episode, Nick (Adam Brody) makes a disturbing discovery while sitting in a restaurant. The restaurant setting offers a breathtaking ocean view, adding depth and beauty to an otherwise tense moment.
These captivating scenes came to life at the picturesque beaches of Isla Verde, located east of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Isla Verde is known for its affluent areas, home to many celebrities, including former members of the boy band Menudo, such as Ricky Martin. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Isla Verde was recognized globally for housing one of the world's trendiest discos. Fast forward to the present day, the vibrant Parque Isla Verde is the heart of Isla Verde Beach, famous for its posh resorts and towering hotels. Many vendors provide an array of water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat adventures.
Isla Verde is conveniently reachable from San Juan. Use public transportation, taxis, or car rentals to travel there, as it is just a short distance away. Moreover, it takes just a 6-minute drive from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport.
Conclusion
StartUp, the thrilling series that graced our screens from 2016 to 2018, has left a mark on viewers and critics. It earned praise for its suspenseful narrative and visionary tech concepts, with some moments of pure genius in editing and cinematography that enhance the viewing experience.
The show also successfully brings together diverse elements such as tech startups, mafia, and old-school investors, creating a unique blend of drama. The performances by the actors have received mixed reviews. Some critics argue that talents like Martin Freeman and Adam Brody are underutilized. However, the private stories of the characters manage to pull viewers in, contributing to the gripping pace.
The script and idea have received varying reactions. While some viewers found the story enjoyable, others deemed it another exploration of underground crime and shady dealings. The show faces criticism for its storytelling, particularly its tendency to over-explain rather than show.
Despite these criticisms, StartUp has significantly contributed to the movie industry. It explores themes like technology's untrustworthiness, government overreach, and toxic work environments, reflecting contemporary societal issues. A recurring theme is pursuing dreams, no matter the challenges faced, and striving to achieve them at all costs.
StartUp provides a unique viewing experience, blending drama, crime, and technology. Despite its freshman-season growing pains, it manages to captivate its audience and leave a lasting impression.