The Truman Show is a 1998 American comedy-drama film [ 2 ] directed by Peter Weir , and written and co-produced by Andrew Niccol . It stars Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who is unaware that he is living on a colossal soundstage , and that his life is the subject of a reality television show. The film's supporting cast includes Laura Linney , Ed Harris , Noah Emmerich , Natascha McElhone , Holland Taylor , and Paul Giamatti . Niccol's original spec script was more of a science-fiction thriller , with the story set in New York City. Producer Scott Rudin purchased the script and set up production at Paramount Pictures . Brian De Palma was to direct before Weir signed on as director, making the film for $60 million—$20 million less than the original estimate. Niccol rewrote the script while the crew was waiting for Carrey to sign. The majority of filming took place at Seaside, Florida , a master- planned community located in the Florida Panhandle