Several streets in downtown Martinez closed on Wednesday to accommodate filming for the second season of Netflix's hit show "13 Reasons Why."
The financial building at 625 Court St. and the Fightkore mixed martial arts business at 816 Main St. closed until 8 p.m. to accommodate the filming schedule.
Paramount Studios — which declined to comment for this article — sent a letter explaining the road closures to residents, tipping off young fans who showed up in force to watch the shoot.
Crew members asked that press and onlookers refrain from taking photographs that depict set pieces, fearing that sought-after spoilers would leak on the internet. Netflix has released few precious details about the show's much-anticipated second season.
At around 1:30 p.m., crews and extras were seen gathering on the steps of the financial building. A group of young girls became excited when they saw an extra holding a sign that read "Justice for Hannah," a character who died in the first season of the teen drama.
Extras filming on the steps of the finance building. Maybe it's doubling as a court house? Hmmm. pic.twitter.com/dyHducRqMV— Gillian Edevane (@GillianNBC) July 26, 2017
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"We're hoping to see if we can see any of the characters," said Kyra Togni, who came with her 10-year-old sister, Darby. "It just seems cool to watch them film in such a small town."
Togni said she enjoyed the show because it had an "emotional" and "positive message."
The show centers on the fictional town of Crestmont, where a 16-year-old girl — Hannah Baker — commits suicide after being sexually assaulted. The show's focus on suicide and depression has made it controversial among some parents, who fear that the show glorifies suicide and may be triggering to children grappling with trauma. Others have praised the series for its realistic approach to high school politics, and have said that its overarching anti-bullying theme is one of importance.
Pivotal scenes from the first season of the show — including the exterior shots of Baker's Pharmacy and Monet's Coffee Shop — were filmed in Vallejo and parts of the North Bay. You can take a virtual tour of the filming locations here.
