FBI: When a Lightning Strike Stopped Production In New York | Set Stories
John Boyd and Shantel VanSanten take us behind the scenes of CBS’ F.B.I., revealing how the hit procedural balances intense crime stories with a surprisingly light, family-like set atmosphere in New York City.
In this exclusive Collider interview, the co-stars open up about filming long 12-hour days across a 10-month shoot, rehearsing massive action sequences, and working with a real FBI expert who trains SWAT teams to perfect their tactical movements and decision-making. VanSanten also shares what it’s like playing an FBI agent in six-inch platform heels—and how director Alex Chapple and the stunt team helped make those high-stakes scenes work safely and efficiently.
Boyd and VanSanten discuss shooting a huge episode that required hours of rehearsal, filming in Times Square surrounded by crowds of fans, and even dealing with lightning storms that shut down production. They also tease how crossovers within the F.B.I. universe continue to evolve while maintaining each show’s distinct identity.
If you’re looking for an inside look at F.B.I. behind the scenes, on-set stories from John Boyd and Shantel VanSanten, and insight into how this franchise keeps raising the bar, this conversation delivers.
0:00 John Boyd & Shantel VanSanten Introduce F.B.I.
0:45 Keeping It Light Amid Intense Crime Scenes
1:35 Stunts, Heels & One-Take Action
2:50 Learning from a Real FBI SWAT Trainer
3:42 Building a Complex Action Sequence
4:25 Weather Delays & Lightning on Set
5:24 Filming in Times Square with Hundreds Watching
6:17 Avoiding Autopilot in a Long-Running Procedural
7:15 Crossovers & What Fans Can Expect
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Video By Michael Zimmermann & Rola Araya
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