'Thuis' moves sets today: 2,400 square meters to be rebuilt exactly the same

After nearly three decades and over 6,000 episodes, the popular Belgian soap opera 'Thuis' is embarking on a major relocation. The production is moving its extensive sets from Studio Manhattan in Leuven to a new facility in Herent.

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The viewer should not notice that we are moving.

Peter Brouckaert, managing director of 'Het Thuishuis,' is overseeing the complex move, which involves transporting approximately 2,400 square meters of sets. These include meticulously recreated living rooms, businesses, and kitchens, all designed for maximum realism. Brouckaert described the operation as a "huge logistical puzzle," emphasizing the need to ensure the viewer experience remains unaffected.

To achieve this, the production team is adapting its filming schedule and employing a detailed strategy. "The viewer should not notice that we are moving," Brouckaert stated. This involves using 300 trucks and 800 large boxes, with every item carefully sorted and labeled. Detailed photographs of each set's original placement are being taken to ensure an identical reconstruction in the new studio.

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In total, it's about 2,400 m² of living rooms, catering establishments, and kitchens, among other things.

The entire moving process is expected to extend beyond the usual two-month summer break. To facilitate this, the show's storyline has already incorporated the dismantling of certain sets, such as the apartment belonging to characters Peter and Christine, which was written off as having burned down. This allows for the real-life removal and relocation of those set elements without disrupting current filming.

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It's a big logistical puzzle. A private move often takes a long time. This is times 100.

While Brouckaert remains tight-lipped about which specific living rooms and offices will be rebuilt, he assured that the show's commitment to reflecting real life, where change is constant, will continue. Filming is currently underway for episodes scheduled to air in November, highlighting the ongoing production despite the significant logistical challenge.

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We need 300 trucks and 800 large boxes to take everything with us. Everything must be sorted and labeled well. Detailed photos are taken of every location so that we can place everything back as it was here.