Damian Lewis and executive producer Michael Cuesta exchange views in front of a backdrop during a break in filming for "Q & A," the fifth episode of the second season. Cuesta, who is credited with creating Homeland's cinematic feel, is a constant on set in North Carolina.
Mandy Patinkin and makeup department head John R. Bayless wait out a rehearsal during filming. "I really feel like I have died and gone to heaven here," Patinkin says.
Mandy Patinkin, a musical theater actor known for his role in Evita, studies the Stephen Sondheim musical Assassins during a break in filming. When they aren't filming, the actors can be found rehearsing lines in their trailers or pacing about the set with a script in hand. The cast has gotten very close off screen, with many living in the same apartment complex.
Lewis is attended to by actors Peter Allende and Paul O'Connor during a rehearsal for an intense interrogation scene in the episode "Q & A." The scene culminates with an interrogator stabbing Lewis' hand with a switchblade. Shortly after, though, the actor was allowed to break for ice cream. "First, they stab you with a knife, and then they give you ice cream," Lewis quipped.
British actor David Harewood rehearses on the CIA headquarters "Ops Room" set. The writers rely on CIA consultants (past and present) and their own experiences to ensure accuracy and authenticity. Writer Henry Bromell (Homicide) is the son of a former CIA station chief.
Claire Danes was showrunners Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa's first choice to play the bipolar CIA agent Carrie Mathison. Danes was instantly drawn to the script. "The quality of the writing was so exciting, and this character was just so specific and compelling," Danes said.
"I feel as though Estes knows what his trajectory is," Harewood teases about his character in season 2. "By listening to [Carrie] and others, he has a real idea about how to get Abu Nazir for the first time." Harewood plays David Estes, the Director of the CIA's Counterterrorism Center.
Danes, who won the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, stands on the set of a smoky interrogation room. "In the first season, Carrie is working toward a climactic breakdown," Danes said. "Now it's Brody's turn for some fun." Gansa and Gordon thought Danes would be the first-year series' only Emmy winner, but Homeland took home four Emmys, including Best Drama.
Rupert Friend, who plays CIA analyst Peter Quinn, is the newest castmate of fellow Brit Damian Lewis. "I speak in an American accent from the moment I wake up until the moment they say wrap," says Lewis. He used the same immersion technique in his first American role on the HBO series Band of Brothers.
Damian Lewis makes his feelings clear — in character, at least — on the Charlotte set of Homeland.
Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin step off camera to watch special effects work being completed.
Rupert Friend takes position before production roles on the "Q & A" episode of Homeland.
Damian Lewis listens to instructions from episode director Leslie Linka Glatter in between scenes.
Damian Lewis and Claire Danes reunite on set for season two of Showtime's Homeland, which films in Charlotte, N.C.