Denzel Washington insisted on filming Training Day in some of Los Angeles’ most notorious neighborhoods, including Imperial Courts in Watts and Baldwin Village.
The production was famously granted unprecedented access to these areas only after seeking personal permission from local gang leaders.
Washington recalled a moment where the mother of a local gang leader invited him into her home for a meal, which served as a sign that he was “in” and protected.
To maintain the gritty atmosphere, many actual gang members were hired as background extras and technical advisors.
