While Beyond the Gates takes a short break from new episodes this week, the show’s executive producer is giving us something just as exciting, some juicy details about how it all began. Sheila Ducksworth posted on Instagram with fun throwback photos and information about the filming of that glamorous opening sequence we all know and love.
Why You’re Seeing Beyond the Gates Reruns This Week
In case you missed the news, CBS is re-airing BTG’s first week of episodes. It’s a rerun special all week long. This gives new viewers a chance to catch up and gives longtime fans a reason to rewatch how it all started. Let’s be honest, those first few episodes are still fantastic.
To accompany the rerun week, Sheila shared some fun memories from when they filmed the show’s opening montage. She mentioned they shot it during Week 2 of production; it was a full team effort. Sheila was out on location, Julie Carruthers managed things on the sound stages, and Michele Val Jean, the brilliant mind behind the show, was in the office preparing upcoming scripts. It sounds like chaos, but the good kind!
Filming Day Was an Adventure!
Sheila said they had exactly one day, from sunup to sundown, to film all the shots they needed. The fancy “Fairmont Crest” neighborhood you see in the opening, that’s actually two real Maryland country clubs edited together. Sheila admitted they scouted seven clubs, even uninvited, until they found the perfect look.
Like a good soap, the filming day had everything, drones flying overhead, golf carts zooming around, joggers and dog walkers crossing scenes, and even stunts happening. She praised Steven Williford and Yorel Francis for pulling it all together and thanked Albert Dickerson for keeping everything on track. Oh, and that opening song? Sheila chose “The Best of My Love” in post because she felt it fit perfectly.
A Show That’s Already Making History
Even during rerun week, Beyond The Gates isn’t lacking on audience attention. CBS describes it as a soap set in a wealthy Black suburban community just outside Washington, D.C. The powerful Dupree family is at the center of it all. The cast includes over 30 actors and features soap legends like Clifton Davis, Tamara Tunie, Karla Mosley, and Daphnée Duplaix.
Sure, we’re getting a little rewind this week, but there’s still so much to celebrate. Given the team behind Beyond The Gates, we know the best is yet to come. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest drama, spoilers, and behind-the-scenes goodies!