All Rise ‘virtual’ episode

An episode of US legal drama All Rise which has been filmed in lockdown will screen on FOX One in May.

Inspired by current events, the groundbreaking episodes will be shot abiding by social distancing rules and using FaceTime, WebEx, Zoom and other technology.

Virtual footage will be shot in cast member homes, and producers plan to use VFX to create necessary backgrounds. In addition, a cinematographer operating solo from a vehicle will capture exterior footage  on Los Angeles streets. Executive producer Michael Robin will direct.

Throughout the episode, characters will be shown managing their “new normal” of everyday reality at home, in order to continue their professional and personal lives, parallel to what America is currently confronting.

“It’s a unique chance for our All Rise family to band together – in our different homes, even cities – to tell a story about resilience, justice and the power of community,” says executive producer Greg Spottiswood.

All Rise is a courthouse drama that follows the chaotic, hopeful and sometimes absurd lives of its judges, prosecutors and public defenders, as they work with bailiffs, clerks and cops to get justice for the people of Los Angeles amidst a flawed legal process. Among them is newly appointed Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick), a highly regarded and impressive former deputy district attorney who doesn’t intend to sit back on the bench in her new role, but instead leans in, immediately pushing the boundaries and challenging the expectations of what a judge can be.

In the episode, after debating the merits of continuing their work during this time, Judge Benner (Marg Helgenberger) authorizes Lola to preside over a virtual trial that involves a dispute between brothers and a stolen car. Emily (Jessica Camacho) represents the defendant, a graffiti artist, and Mark (Wilson Bethel) prosecutes for the D.A.’s office, marking the first time he tries a case in Lola’s “court.” Also, Mark and Quinn (Lindsey Gort) continue to explore their romantic (and sexual) relationship while quarantined in separate homes; Judge Benner oversees court from afar and struggles to learn how to cook; and Sara (Lindsay Mendez) has to balance her day job with a new side hustle as a food delivery driver. Luke (J. Alex Brinson) and Emily’s relationship is taxed by separation, and germaphobe and type-A Sherri (Ruthie Ann Miles) contends with the new world (dis)order.

All Rise is produced by Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, and executive produced by Greg Spottiswood, Michael M. Robin, Len Goldstein, and Dee Harris-Lawrence.

Tuesday, May 5 at 8.30pm on FOX One.