American Crime Story (Impeachment): The White House is the Centerpiece of the Story

The story behind Bill Clinton's impeachment involves an investigation alleging that the President of the United States at the time lied about his relationship with then-public relations assistant Monica Lewinsky. President Clinton was accused of obstruction of justice, perjury, and abuse of power, and was impeached for these reasons in December 1998.

The limited series covers all the events from Clinton's first term, including his victory for a second term, and his relationship with his wife, Hillary Clinton, between speeches, events, and interactions with staff. This includes how his first contact with Monica Lewinsky, who had already admired him for some time, occurred.

The production also involves the viewer in the friendship between Monica Lewinsky and Linda Tripp, a former White House employee who was transferred to the Pentagon shortly after the death of presidential adviser Vince Foster.

It's interesting to note some details that are part of the history of the world's largest power, which put the moral ethics of the leaders of the United States even more under the spotlight.

The White House became one of the main characters of this plot. However, the series was filmed in the United States and Canada, with locations in the cities of Los Angeles, Toronto, and Vancouver. Production began in October 2018 and was completed in February 2019.

The cast includes Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp, Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky, Annaleigh Ashford as Paula Jones, Clive Owen as Bill Clinton, Billy Eichner as Sidney Blumenthal, and Bruce Greenwood as Kenneth Starr.

Los Angeles Studio

The studio was built to look like the White House and included replicas of the Oval Office, the Blue Room, the Presidents' Corridor, the War Room, the Diplomatic Dining Room, the Living Room, and the Press Room.

The producers used real photographs and references from the White House to build accurate replicas to make the experience even more realistic. They managed to acquire original furniture and objects used in the White House during Bill Clinton's presidency.

In addition to recreating the interior rooms of the White House, the production team also worked to reproduce the outdoor environment. The team used real photographs of the White House to recreate the gardens and surrounding areas, as well as the walls and security gates.

The team also created accurate replicas of vehicles used by Bill Clinton and his staff, including Air Force One and the Presidential Car. When filming outdoor scenes, the team used special lights to fill the set with the same glow as a night in Washington, DC.

The real White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Located at the northwest corner of Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., the White House was built in 1792 and has been the official residence of the presidents since 1800, when John Adams moved in. The White House is the most recognized government building in the world and one of the United States' most prominent symbols.

The building has 132 rooms, 28 acres of gardens, parks, courtyards, stables, and woods. It is surrounded by a 3.5-meter-high wall and is patrolled 24 hours a day by members of the United States Secret Service security team. The White House has witnessed many important events in American history and is also the site of numerous traditional ceremonies, cultural events, and official receptions.

The President and the First Lady often receive foreign dignitaries and notable American citizens on official visits to the White House. Each President has the right to personalize the White House according to their taste. Some redecorate the residence, while others add new elements to the gardens or sports facilities.

Visits to the White House

The White House is one of the main tourist attractions in Washington, D.C., attracting over 3 million visitors per year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the White House, which includes the Oval Office, the Diplomatic Room, the Work Room, the Red Room, the Dining Room, the Grand Hall, the Rose Garden, the Banquet Hall, the Green Room, and the Blue Room. During the tour, visitors can see the rooms where the President and the First Lady work and live, as well as other historic spaces.

Visiting the White House is free, and tours are conducted by the White House Visitor's Office. Visitors must apply in advance at least seven days to ensure availability.

Visitors must also go through a security process before entering the White House and present a passport or other photo identification. Tours are offered Monday through Friday during business hours, except on national holidays. Visitors will not have the opportunity to meet the President during the tour.

Where to watch: Star+