Keeping tabs on the second season of FX’s “American Horror Story,” sources tell us shooting officially commences on July 17th in Los Angeles.

We’ve also discovered that Bradley Buecker will be returning to the series and will direct both episodes 201 and 202. Tim Minear scripted the season premiere, while Final Destination, Black Christmas and “X-Files”‘ James Wong takes on episode 202.

Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson and Lily Rabe — who in Season 1 played Constance, Chad, Tate, psychic Billie Dean and doctor’s wife Nora — are all set to return but as different characters. New cast members include Chloe Sevigny, Adam Levine, Lizzie Brochere, Joseph Fiennes and James Cromwell.

The new season takes place in a 1960’s mental hospital, said show creator Ryan Murphy back in May.