THE FILM INDUSTRY’S POST-PANDEMIC FUTURE
How the industry adapts and recovers
2021 EDITION
IN-DEPTH LOCATION PROFILES Discover mountain ranges and urban environments for your next film
NORTH AMERICAN FILM COMMISSION ROUNDUP
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Organizations across the continent that can make your vision an on-screen reality
Lights, Camera, Action!
2021 EDITION
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Hello! And thank you for reading the inaugural edition of Destination Film Guide. We’re excited to align the launch of this publication with an expansive era in film and television production. Streaming platforms' emergence as the dominant content distribution system has ushered in an unprecedented demand for content of all kinds: features, television series and reality TV. A unique backdrop can distinguish a show for a consumer bombarded with options, which makes location scouts and producers more valuable than ever. Destination Film Guide is designed as a resource for producers, directors and location scouts to discover new sites to tell an exciting new narrative. Instead of navigating unwieldly databases, look through our clean layouts for inspiration and insight from film commissions across the country that can accommodate productions of all sizes. Our deep industry connections across North America have resulted in a guide that combines engaging editorial and our easy-to-read Site InSpections. Created in cooperation with film commissions that span coast-to-coast, these Site InSpections highlight exceptional locations and financial benefits offered by the local government. We also help you maximize your production budget with insights into state-level tax incentives and the soft benefits of working with a film commission. 2020 was a tumultuous year for the industry, so we also investigate how COVID-19 protocols kept sets afloat throughout the pandemic and how storytellers thrived despite the circumstances. Want to stay updated on the latest industry news? Check out DestinationFilmGuide.com for frequent Hollywood updates and articles that highlight film commissions across the continent.
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CONTENTS FEATURES
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Keep Rolling!
How the industry adapts and recovers
10 5 Film Commission Tools
These government entities can prove invaluable to film and television productions
14 Tax Incentive Trends & Tips
Maximize savings on your next production using these tools
REGIONAL ROUNDUPS 18
Eastern United States
22 Mexico and the Caribbean 26 Western United States & Canada SITE INSPECTIONS 30 Film Liaisons in California Statewide 32
Atlantic City, NJ
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Montana Film Office
36 South Dakota Tourism 38 Missouri Film Office Photo courtesy of Meet AC
40 Hudson County, NJ 42 Kauaʻi, HI 44 Glacier Country, MT 46 Billings, MT 48 Missoula, MT 50 Marana, AZ
When you spot these QR codes at the end of every Site InSpection, take a picture with your mobile device to unlock expanded content from our Destination Film Guide website! Access exclusive interviews, trending destinations and industry news.
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Keep Rolling!
HOW THE INDUSTRY ADAPTS AND RECOVERS
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BY MILES DOBIS
he COVID-19 pandemic impacted nearly every global industry, and Hollywood was not an exception. Seemingly overnight, studio backlots in Los Angeles and Atlanta were shuttered indefinitely as stay-at-home orders were implemented across the world. The impact was immediate; No Time to Die, the James Bond film that eyed over a billion in grosses, was pushed back an entire calendar year. Daily talk shows and news programs were forced to quarantine and broadcast from home. And trade guilds and unions, the backbone of this collaborative industry, had to grapple with creating a safe work environment in unprecedented circumstances. But while the major studios downshifted to a near standstill, some independent productions across the country continued with the livelihood of their creative collaborators in mind. “We felt it was our obligation if we could get people a paycheck and get them working again because nobody else was really doing anything,” said Jordon Wayne Long, a director and producer with HCT Media. “To us, it was a big thing to get the people that we always depend on, we wanted them to depend on us.” Long’s Arkansas-set Gothic thriller Ghosts of the Ozarks became one of the first American films to resume production in the wake of the pandemic, and it was
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KEEP ROLLING!
unlike any set participants had seen before. All cast and crew received frequent COVID tests, makeup artists wore protective headgear, meals were provided in single servings and the crew was isolated in a Jonesboro Embassy Suites. “The Embassy Suites literally locked down everything,” notes Long. “They gave us our own rooms that no one else could go in but the makeup, costume and lighting departments could hang out in. So you weren’t alone, but you were in a small group in case an infection were to take hold so we could quarantine it very fast.” Unlike Universal’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, which spent nine million
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dollars on safety measures and rented out an entire hotel, Ghosts of the Ozarks quickly became a model for how productions could proceed safely on a limited budget— Long notes that they received hundreds of calls from producers about what they were doing. “We knew Jurassic World was going to be okay, they were going to figure it out,” says Long. “You see a huge building built just for the testing facility. You’re like, cool, that’s great, but what about indie films, smaller films, is it possible? For us it was very important to go after it. Yes, it is possible to keep people safe and not have that much money.”
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Photo courtesy of Kirk Zeller
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Photo courtesy of Kirk Zeller
Another production, #MyCorona, even integrated the COVID-19 outbreak into its plot. The story revolves around Zoe and Alex, two Angelinos forced to connect when they find their apartment complex in lockdown. “The inspiration struck in the middle of quarantine; these people that are laid off from their jobs and can’t go anywhere,” says writer and producer Kirk Zeller. “They suddenly find themselves at home and can hear everything without the noise and commuter traffic, and I wondered what if there was a couple that could eventually fall in love that way. That became the theme of the movie: that dynamic between them and over-hearing every phone call on each other’s lives. And through that, kind of getting integrated into each other’s lives.” Instead of filming in LA, which would be prohibitively expensive or impossible to film in due to lockdowns, the small cast and crew of #MyCorona re-grouped in Zeller’s hometown of Ravenna, Nebraska. The Silicon Prairie Center, a three-building campus that provided all interior shots for the film, became a self-contained set for the six-day shoot. Director Phil Gorn didn’t even leave California. Instead, he supervised the set via iPad. “Phil could see everything through the iPad that I was carrying everywhere, and he would communicate directly with the actors,” Zoller says. “I fed him the camera feeds through a Google meet connection, so he could see the A camera, the B camera, everything the camera crew was seeing he could see. And then we were just constantly in communication.” Many of these productions, from the $200 million flagship films to micro-indies, would be impossible without the guidelines created by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and Hollywood’s unions. Representatives from Amazon, Apple, CBS, Disney, HBO Max, NBC Universal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. undertook four months of negotiations to settle on return-to-work protocols that would benefit creative workers hit especially hard by the ongoing pandemic. All parties settled on a codified “zone” system that established tiers of access based on proximity to the cast, expanded sick leave for crew members that tested positive for COVID-19 and a mandatory compliance officer. Health safety supervisors like Emily O’Banion quickly became essential for a film set. “I supervise the studio, set and production office to make sure sanitation schedules are up-to-date and that everyone has been tested appropriately," she says. O’Banion noticed an immediate
The independent film #MyCorona integrated the COVID-19 pandemic into its plot and used iPads so that the director didn't need to be on set.
shift in creative energy with the new regulations. Thrillers set in one location and plots that didn’t rely on group shots or period costuming immediately became more appealing to producers. “When you start involving background extras, it immediately becomes a problem when you have to hold people in a six-foot-by-six-foot cubic area when the cameras aren’t rolling, and they all have to be tested knowing that they might be in close contact with the rest of the cast,” O’Banion says. COVID compliance officers’ role also shifted to managing personalities. “Actors and directors aren’t used to working like this, and our role is just to make telling their story more difficult,” she says. “This work really took some finesse, learning how to interact with the cast and crew when they’re having a bad day." While those stressful days mostly seem to be in the rearview mirror due to plunging positivity rates and loosening restrictions in production hubs, the pandemic has left an unmistakable mark on the industry. Billions of viewers suddenly stuck at home accelerated the shift to online streaming platforms, necessitating even more content and a re-evaluation of the theatrical experience. Warner Bros. is debuting its entire 2021 feature slate simultaneously on the HBO Max platform and theaters, perhaps forever blurring the line between TV and film consumption. DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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5 Film Commission Tools THESE GOVERNMENT ENTITIES CAN PROVE INVALUABLE TO FILM AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS BY MILES DOBIS
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re you a location scout on the hunt for a new backdrop, have an area in mind but are unsure of sites that lend a distinct local sensibility? Are you a producer looking for cooperation with local government but don’t know the proper connections to make? A film commission is the perfect ally for the production process and can become a key relationship as you tell your cinematic story. From funding and local permits to tax breaks and local labor laws,
these government-funded entities are a necessity for a production looking to maximize its budget. Film commissions are responsible for marketing and developing sales strategies that attract creative media industries unfamiliar to the region. The commission welcomes films, television shows, documentaries, commercials and corporate videos that can utilize the cityscape, historic buildings or surrounding landscape, and they’re frequently staffed with knowledgeable locals to indicate fascinating sites a cursory scouting mission might not find. Nearly every major North American city, state and province funds a film commission for creatives to utilize, so let’s dive into these helpful entries that can help bring your vision to the screen.
iStock.com/ Guzaliia Filimonova
1: Location Directories
Scouting missions to a city or area you’re unfamiliar with may lead to your production selecting sites that have been previously used or visually bland. Film commissions, staffed by local film experts, often stock their website with comprehensive location directories that serve as interactive galleries you can explore from the safety of your production office. High-definition images are often accompanied by addresses, local jurisdictions and the types of productions that can take advantage of the site. Looking for a historic theater to host a game show or musical sequence in? These inventories can cut down your search time and scouting budget.
2: Incentives and Tax Breaks
Tax breaks (cost reductions for equipment, food and on-set supplies) and incentives (percentages of money granted back to the production for filming in certain areas) are crucial factors when selecting areas to shoot in. Film commission employees are well-versed in local tax laws and can help your team navigate the sometimes opaque world of film financing. Reach out, and a team member can outline important information regarding expenditures and requirements for sales tax discount qualifications.
3: Union Connections and Talent Acquisition
If your production is staffed with too many belowthe-line employees from another state, your budget may become unwieldily and your cinematic vision
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5 FILM COMMISSION TOOLS
compromised. Fortunately, local creatives and film industry craftspeople are often eager to support your vision. Film commissions have close relationships with state guilds and unions, and they can outline how to staff an exceptional creative team while adhering to local rules and regulations. They also often have data concerning local freelancers and consultants who can bring authenticity to your film.
Tax breaks (cost reductions for equipment, food and on-set supplies) and incentives (percentages of money granted back to the production for filming in certain ares) are crucial factors when selecting areas to shoot in.
4: Community Liaison
You selected this location for a reason: it’s the setting your screenwriter envisioned, the tax incentives were particularly appealing, or local talent was too promising to pass up. No matter the reason, your audience will sense inauthenticity if your team doesn’t capture the ineffable feel of the region or city. Fortunately, the film commission can connect you with accent coaches or local
historians to grant a lived-in sense of place to your story. Film commissions also work with local historical societies and might have access to primary documents that need to be recreated on-screen or photographs of building that have since been dismantled or altered. They can also explain the proper permits you need to obtain work with local police and fire departments that assist with road closures.
5: Production Equipment
Bringing too many cameras, sound equipment and costumes from Los Angeles or New York can prove unwieldy. Instead, consult the film commission for their contacts with local equipment rental outfitters, catering companies, costumers and hardware stores. This not only supports the local economy, but several states and municipalities offer rebates for productions that compile a certain spend at qualifying businesses.
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Tax Incentive Trends & Tips MAXIMIZE SAVINGS ON YOUR NEXT PRODUCTION USING THESE TOOLS
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BY MILES DOBIS
hile the perfect location is a crucial element to a film production, your team will also need to keep the budget in mind. For decades, films and television shows have taken advantage of tax incentives and rebates to maximize value of a shoot and reallocate funds for future expenses. The COVID-19 pandemic and leadership changeover in several U.S. states have altered how these benefits are applied, and we’ve observed the following trends in film financing.
Independent Productions are Gaining an Advantage With SAG-AFTRA, the DGA and IATSE all agreeing to COVID safety protocols, independent productions have been the fastest sets to resume filming. A smaller crew ensures an easier bubble to maintain and minimizes
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expenses if enough cast and crew become sick. Since most states consider PPE a qualified expenditure for their production incentives and COVID insurance can be purchased from a local broker, nimble independent productions can take advantage of a state’s designated funds while the major studios deal with protocol logistics.
Producers are Gravitating Towards Cash Rebates
Case rebates are when a state repays an amount of qualifying production expenditure according to a predetermined formula, and it’s applied after taxes. This pool of money generally comes from a grant, and several western states (including Texas, Utah and Oklahoma) have welcomed productions that seek areas with available funds. If enough projects flock to these states, there can be legislative pressure to increase the grants for these cash rebates.
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Keywords If you’re establishing yourself as a producer, the language can sometimes be opaque when you’re establishing a budget and project timeline. Below are the terms most frequently found when working with film commissions. TAX CREDIT: After you submit your state taxes for your production, this is the amount you are able to subtract from your line items. Tax credits are generally awarded as either refundable or transferable. If a credit is refundable, the production doesn’t need tax liability for the credit to be issued, while a transferable credit can be sold or brokered to another company that has liability in the state. REBATE: Another popular incentive option, this is a payment issued to your production company from the state or local government (typically from a grant). FILM GRANT: A direct payment to a production company by the government of a particular locale for a specific project. Unlike tax credits, film grants require no tax liability, so they are easy to use for productions coming from outside the state on a temporary basis.
Georgia is Undergoing Major Incentive Changes
Dubbed the “Hollywood of the South” for its generous rebates and incentives, Georgia has challenged southern California and New York City for filmmaking dominance with its numerous major studio productions. However, changes are coming to the Peach State. The famous Georgia Entertainment Promotion, which grants a 10% uplift on the base tax credit for approved projects that include an embedded Georgia logo in its credits, is now only available to productions with proof of distribution, not just a plan. This also means that with some of your tax credit delayed until distribution, you’ll need to consider that the distribution might be spread out over two years, depending on how long post-production takes. This could have a major impact on financing, so establish a project timeline before you approach the state.
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SALES TAX & LODGING EXEMPTION: Many states offer “soft benefits” that aren’t grants, but rather discounts to draw your production to their area. This can include reduced prices for room blocks when making hotel reservations and sales tax exemptions when purchasing items for set dressing or set construction. SPEND: The minimum amount that must be spent in the locality to qualify for the incentive. LOAN OUT COMPANY: This personal service company “loans” the services of an actor or other highly paid production member (usually someone who earns over $100,000 annually from short-term engagements). There are special considerations regarding loan outs for certain state tax credit qualifications, so check with your local film commission for their up-to-date terms.
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TAX INCENTIVES TRENDS & TIPS
Top 10 States & Their Incentives California Incentive Type: Non-Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 20-30% Minimum Spend: $1 million Bonus: Local hires who reside in California outside the Los Angeles zone must provide two forms of residency—a photo ID and 3 months of utility bills prior to working on project
Audit Requirements: Review by a California CPA is required Application Process: Must be submitted online, and allocation windows vary for feature, television series Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
District of Columbia Incentive Type: Rebate Incentive Amount: 30% (residents), 10% (non-residents) Minimum Spend: $250,000 Bonus: N/A
Audit Requirements: Independent CPA review is required Application Process: Film office can provide application forms upon request Sales Use Tax Relief: No Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: No
Georgia Incentive Type: Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 20-30% Minimum Spend: $500,000 Bonus: 10% additional Georgia Entertainment Promotion for embedded Georgia logo and link to Georgia Film Office on promotional website
Audit Requirements: Audit is required Application: Submit application no more than 90 days prior to principal photography (30 days before commercials). Certification review takes 7-14 days Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Illinois Incentive Type: Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 30-45% (Residents) Minimum Spend: $100,000 Bonus: 15% on salaries of individuals that live in economically disadvantaged area
Audit Requirements: Audit by CPA approved by Illinois Film Office is required Application: Must submit application 5 days prior to principal photography Sales Use Tax Relief: No Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Louisiana Incentive Type: Non-Transferable, Partially Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 40-45% (residents), 25-30% (nonresidents) Minimum Spend: $300,000 Bonus: State-certified productions with at least 60% of principal photography taking place outside the New Orleans Metropolitan Area receive an additional 5% credit on base investment
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Audit Requirements: All applicants will receive an audit from Louisiana Entertainment by a CPA Application: Productions apply online Sales Use Tax Relief: No Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: No
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New Jersey Incentive Type: Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit Above the Line Residents: 30-32% Minimum Spend: 60% of expenses incurred in-state for projects over $1 million Bonus: 2% awarded if over 15% of hires are minority persons or women
Audit Requirements: Tax credit verification report must be prepared by licensed New Jersey CPA Application Process: Principal photography must begin within 180 days of initial application Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: No
New Mexico Incentive Type: Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 25-35% (15-20% for below-the-line nonresidents) Minimum Spend: None Bonus: 5% increase for productions in rural areas outside Albuquerque and Santa Fe
Audit Requirements: Required by New Mexico CPA for tax credits over $5 million Application: Application must be submitted within one year of direct production expenditures in New Mexico Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
New York Incentive Type: Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 25-35% (below the line) Minimum Spend: $1 million in New York City and surrounding counties, $250,000 elsewhere Bonus: Budgets over $500,000 may receive an additional 10% credit in certain counties
Audit Requirements: All audits performed by state Application: Must be submitted before principal photography Sales Use Tax Relief: Yes Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: No
Ohio Incentive Type: Non-Transferable Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 30% Minimum Spend: $300,000 Bonus: N/A
Audit Requirements: An independent CPA must issue a report to the Director of the Ohio Development Service Agency certifying your eligible production expenditures Application: Productions must apply online with a signed tax disclosure form, budget and shooting script Sales Use Tax Relief: No Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
Pennsylvania Incentive Type: Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit Incentive Amount: 25-30% Minimum Spend: 60% of production must occur in-state Bonus: 5% of expenses incurred for certain production facilities
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Audit Requirements: CPA audit required for projects over $100,000 Application: Must be submitted 90 days before principal photography Sales Use Tax Relief: No Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief: Yes
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Thriving Film Production Locations in the
Eastern United States EXCEPTIONAL SITES FOR YOUR NEXT FILM PRODUCTION EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Photos courtesy of Maine Film Office
BY FRANKIE DAUPHIN
Portland Head Light (left), Acadia National Park (upper right), Wire Bridge New Portland (lower right)
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Mississippi Gulf Coast
Mississippi may not be the first place that comes to mind when shooting your film, although, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the state is only one of many different entities across the Eastern United States that have stayed devoted to hosting film productions through the past year. Specifically, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has hosted film productions into 2021, being the location of upcoming films The Legitimate Wise Guy and The Yacht. With 62 miles of scenic shoreline that includes 26 miles of white sandy beaches, filmmakers can also take advantage of a NASA complex and five pristine barrier islands along the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. The website also hosts four alternative regions that cover different areas of the state. Additional resources on the website include ways of transportation, a director for crew & resources and 24-hour live weather and agriculture charts.
Greater Portland and Casco Bay
Maine hasn’t hosted any film productions since the year before the pandemic, though the last decade has seen a massive increase in film business and production. Notably, Greater Portland and Casco Bay has been the chosen location for a few of its productions in the last several years, including Holly Star, Neptune and Five Nights in Maine starring David Oyelowo. While the city of Portland serves as the center of the region complete with amazing views from the Casco Bay Islands, Cape Elizabeth and South Portland have equally captivating sights of lighthouses, parks, ocean views and shoreways. The state of Maine offers up to 17% in rebates (a combination of between 10 - 12% wage rebate depending on state residency plus a 5% production spend
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Photo courtesy of Orlando Film Commission
T
he COVID-19 pandemic was one few saw coming, though the effect it would have on the filmmaking industry was expected. With safety guidelines requiring masks, social distancing and the immediate shutdown of many public spaces, creating films had become nearly impossible. Still, some film productions persisted despite the pandemic, with some in the Eastern United States performing particularly strong. Of course, these productions followed the guidelines necessary to create a safe environment for filmmakers and crew to collaborate, allowing them to excel in the face of the pandemic. For those looking to get a head start on their next production, here’s a list of thriving film production locations in the Eastern United States, as well as a few that have done well in the last decade.
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tax credit). There’s also an accommodations tax exemption if you plan to stay for 28 continuous days or longer.
Orlando
Central Florida has mostly shut down filming, though two films were recently shot and filmed there. The first, Because of Charley, followed all COVID guidelines while the second, Harvey, was cleared by the Screen Actors Guild. The city of Orlando is well-known as a premier tourist destination, and the same can be said for its film production. Its website features a robust location library that contains all of what the region has to offer, from wild swamps, lush jungles and intricate networks of lakes and springs to cityscapes and architecture that fits almost any location. Filming permits range from $25 to $500 depending on location and number of permits.
Chicago
Illinois has a rich and long film history dating back to the 1890s, and it hardly slowed down production during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps one of the most iconic locations that filmmakers and productions return to is its most populous city, Chicago. Although the region offers small towns, farmland and wetlands, its biggest advantages are its inner-city grittiness and nighttime noir qualities that have made it the home of recent productions such as upcoming films The Batman and Candyman. Chicago’s iconic skyline has appeared as a stand-in for numerous locales both fictional and non-fictional and as one of America’s most sophisticated cities, its gritty back alleys and famous architecture make it a great location for any film. The state offers a tax credit of 30% of production spending, 30% on Illinois salaries up to $100,000 per worker and can be carried forward for up to 5 years. DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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Photo courtesy of Alex Lopez
EASTERN U.S. PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
Good Morning America set
Wilmington
New York City is universally known as “The City That Never Sleeps,” which is why it isn’t too surprising that New York in particular has all but slowed down production over the past year. The city recently hosted the upcoming Denzel Washington film Journal for Jordan as well as The Woman in the Window with Amy Adams. The city features several boroughs familiar to many, such as Manhattan, Staten Island, the Bronx and Queens, and locations range from lush park views of the city skyline to gritty industrial neighborhoods and even the chilling Rikers Island Jail itself. Additionally, New York City provides dozens of stages and production
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Southeastern Massachusetts
Housing 351 cities and towns and home to hundreds of miles of coastline, Massachusetts offers a wide plethora of locations ranging from periods as old as the 1600s to ultra-modern settings. Southeastern Massachusetts is the state's most popular film region, as its most populous city and the state capital, Boston, has served as a double for numerous locales, including New York City, Hollywood and England. Featuring a mix of seasides, beach communities and mountains, the region is currently New York City is hosting the newest season of universally known as American Horror Story as well as the “The City That Never Sleeps,” upcoming satire disaster comedy which is why it isn’t too Don’t Look Up. The state provides surprising that New York in filmmakers with a competitive particular has all but slowed tax package that includes a 25% down production production credit, a 25% payroll credit over the past year. and a sales tax exemption.
The North Carolina Film Office serves as the centerpiece for the three main regional film commissions in the state. The Wilmington region is particularly established in film productions, having hosted them among television and commercial productions for close to 40 years. Familiar franchises like Halloween and Scream have recently completed productions here, with the latter extending into the pandemic alongside other, smaller film productions. Although the locale is known for its small-town charm and beaches, it also has a reputation for being nondescript, allowing for it to appear as other locations entirely. The commission offers a 25% rebate on qualified expenses of productions as well as an accommodations tax exemption. As a plus, the region also offers a 150,000-square-foot lot of film studios and stages that can accommodate up to five productions at a time. The website also has a 30-year average for weather conditions in the area.
New York City
studios with a ton of equipment and props available for use. Whether you're producing a talk show or commercial, there is a space for you. The state provides a 30% credit for qualified production expenditures as well as 30% savings on qualified post-production expenses.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is only a mere 48 miles long and 40 miles wide, but that hasn’t left it behind at all in terms of film production. Features shot in the incredibly small state only go back as far as 2005, although they’ve ramped up production to include films like Moonrise Kingdom and The Purge: Election Year among its filmography. Despite the small size, the state isn’t short of many robust lighthouses, antique homes, old country stores and parks near the water or with its sea of green. In less than 20 minutes, you can transport your crew from one of the scenic ocean drives across one of the many historic bridges and find yourself in one of the many open spaces and farmlands. The state offers a production tax credit of 30% of state-certified production costs incurred, which includes pre-and post-production costs.
TRENDING ONLINE:
7 North American Locations for Your Science Fiction Film! Visit DestinationFilmGuide.com for fresh digital content on trending North American film destinations.
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Popular and Upcoming Film Locations in
Mexico and the Caribbean GIVE YOUR NEXT PRODUCTION A STUNNING TROPICAL BACKDROP IN THESE BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENTS BY FRANKIE DAUPHIN
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Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, Puerto Rico
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Chad Sparkes
exico and the Caribbean are often the first places that come to mind when thinking of taking a vacation to an exotic locale. However, some of those same tropical islands have been utilized throughout the years in various Hollywood productions, even substituting for more popular destinations. Filming in these locations not only grants jobs and opportunities for local crews to help your production, but it also can allow for some breathtaking moments captured on film. Whether for establishing shots only or as a substitute for a different extravagant paradise, here are a few popular and upcoming film commissions in Mexico and the Caribbean.
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MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN FILM LOCATIONS
Mexico City’s immense history and architecture solidify it as an amazing location for your next film. The country’s capital, known to some from the adventurous Legend of Zorro films, has also been the filming site of more recent popular productions like the Academy Award-winning Roma in 2018, which filmed in a small house, and Elysium in 2013, which utilized the Huixquilucan-Interlomas suburbs. Mexico City is home to public places, streets and avenues that would invoke awe-inspiring moments when seen on the silver screen, such as the expansive Zócalo-Plaza or the historic Torre Latinoamericana, one of the city's important landmarks. The surrounding area includes fields and forests of green alongside numerous interior spaces. Mexico’s incentives mainly depend on the type of production.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
This isn’t a household name by any means, although a few of its past film productions will definitely spark memories in addition to some great shots on screen. The swashbuckler Pirate of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl shot scenes in the beautiful blue waters of Wallilabou Bay in St. Vincent, as well as taking advantage of The Grenadines. The popular film utilized the second-largest island of Bequia, a popular destination known for its lush hillsides and paradise beaches. St. Vincent serves as the home of an active volcano, and the capital of Kingstown is a destination known for its cobbled streets and colonial buildings. Most public locations are free of charge and easy to permit, although there aren’t any tax incentives currently.
Puerto Rico
The island, complete with lush rain forests and sugarwhite beaches, was also utilized by the Pirates franchise in its fourth sequel, On Stranger Tides. In addition to
Eclectic Yaya
Mexico City
Puerto Rico film set
the swashbuckler, the U.S. territory served as the main shooting location of 2018’s Driven, doubling as San Diego, and representing Rio de Janeiro for Fast Five in 2011. Since the filming of Pirates, Puerto Rico has offered a lucrative package of film incentives, which includes a 40% production tax credit to local companies and individuals and a 25% tax credit on the development or expansion cost of eligible infrastructure projects.
Dominican Republic
It makes perfect sense that the most visited destination in the Caribbean would be an iconic choice for your film production. The geographical diversity of the Dominican Republic gives production crews access to various locales across four regions, including its lush tropical rainforests and sandy beaches, the latter of which is serving as the filming site for the upcoming M. Night Shyamalan film Old in mid-2021. Before that, the location served as the location for films like xXx: Return of Xander Cage in 2017 and both films in the 47 Meters Down series. The country offers a 25% transferable tax credit on all eligible expenses directly related to pre-production, production and post-production stages along with value-added tax exemption on eligible goods, services and leases.
Dominican Republic Film Commission
Bahamas
Altos de Chavón Amphitheater, Dominican Republic
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The best-kept secret of The Bahamas is that its 16 major islands have been the source of the most amazing backdrops in some popular films. Of course, the Pirates franchise most notably used a small island called White Cay as well as Grand Bahama Island. New Providence, the country’s most populous island, also served as the location for a few scenes in the action-packed Casino Royale. The tropical getaway is home to a number of quaint colonial island towns, serene islands and breathtaking blue holes. Filming here is incredibly straightforward as a request for permits usually takes no longer than one week, although there are currently no known tax incentives.
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Production Locations and Film Commissions in the
Western United States & Canada INCREDIBLE VISTAS AND UNFORGETTABLE LANDSCAPES WILL MAKE YOUR NEXT PRODUCTION POP BY FRANKIE DAUPHIN
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Kōkeʻe State Park, Kauaʻi
T
he American West has become synonymous with the Western film genre for nearly a century, with wide swaths of open desert and grassy plains that boast an immense diversity of animal and plant life. However, as the appetite for new and different genres have emerged, these landscapes have served as the backdrop for all variety of film and television productions. A few locations on this list may appear unconventional at first, though the pay-off enables some filmmakers to truly take advantage of the atmosphere and craft thrilling on-screen moments. Altogether, this region does everything but discriminate against any particular genre or setting for a film, so here’s a list of some production locations and film commissions in the Western United States and Canada. While the frozen wilderness of Alaska is less welcoming to fans of warm weather, production crews may find that the atmosphere is perfect for their next film. Particularly, Anchorage has served as the filming location of the biographical drama Into The Wild and thriller The Frozen Ground. Shooting in the state requires a permit depending on the specific region, and its size gives you a wide range of locations to choose from.
Visit Anchorage
Hawai‘i Film Office
Anchorage, Alaska
Downtown Anchorage
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Visit Las Vegas
WESTERN UNITED STATES & CANADA
Las Vegas Strip
If not New Mexico or Nevada, Colorado serves as the state that effortlessly captures the image of the American West. The Telluride region has served as the site of countless film productions that feature its stunning locations. The area hosted Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight back in 2015 and made use of its majestic mountains while taking advantage of the average snowfall of 26 feet. Its mountain ranges and beautiful greenery were also featured in 2018’s The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. Additionally, the region is known for having pristine lakes and waterfalls, with the Bridal Veil Falls featured back in 2005’s The Prestige. Per the Colorado Film Commission, filmmakers and production companies receive a tax rebate of up to 20% of the total expenses. The Telluride Film Commission also offers its own set of incentives. The website offers more information on how to utilize them.
Oahu, Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i is known as an unequivocal vacation spot, and the state has done well to hone its reputation as a location for filming productions over the last decade. The island of Oahu is among the most referenced, with tons of scenery visible in the MonsterVerse film Kong: Skull Island as well as the Jurassic World franchise. When the stunning
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Visit Telluride
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride
backdrop isn’t overrun by giant monsters and dinosaurs, its natural beauty is enough to appear on screen as other exotic locales such as Africa, Asia and South America, like Ecuador in 2017’s Snatched. The exotic location is home to an astounding 11 out of 13 climates in the world, allowing for tons of variety in where you want your film to take place. The Hawai‘i Film Office offers filmmakers a solid 20 - 25% in refundable production tax credit.
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Teton Country, WY
The Grand Tetons
Clark County serves as the home of the state's most populous city, Las Vegas. The gambling epicenter is featured heavily in 2016’s Jason Bourne as well as in Godzilla back in 2014. The monster flick also contains shots of the Greater Mojave Desert, which is heavily featured throughout the 2015 crime thriller Mojave. The filming locations in Nevada are some of the most diverse in the world, and that’s reflected in the various locales within Clark County. The area is known for the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign and surrounding desert, but the region also houses a number of residential locations, schools and parks, namely the Wetlands Nature Preserve. The Nevada Film Office offers three levels of transferable tax credits. The first grants 15% of the cumulative production costs. The second grants 15% on wages, salaries and fringe benefits for residents, which drops down to 12% for non-residents.
Teton County, Wyoming
Wyoming is commonly referred to as “The Cowboy State,” and given the overwhelming number of locales available to filmmakers, it makes sense why. Home to a number of mountains, prairies and farmlands, Teton County in particular has been utilized by filmmakers recently. Notably, it was featured in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, giving a great aerial view of the massive Bridger-Teton National Forest covered in snow. Nearby, the Grand Teton National Park was utilized by Tarantino in Django Unchained during a dream sequence, featuring wintery views of the Grand Tetons in the background and shots of elk herds at the National Elk Refuge. Wyoming has no state income tax and only has a sales tax of 6%. A lodging tax is also possible up to 4%, although it can be waived depending on the length of your stay. More information can be found from the Wyoming Film Office.
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Nevada Film Office
Clark County, Nevada
Virginia City, Nevada
Fortress Mountain Resort, Alberta
Vancouver, British Columbia is a common go-to spot for film production crews, and the Fortress Mountain Resort has also been the location of some major film projects. Alberta hosts 16-hour summer days and more hours annually than other territories in Canada, even during the winter months. Advantages like that allowed for 2015’s The Revenant to film entirely using natural light sources. 2010’s Inception utilized the same area during its finale sequence, even taking advantage of a local snowstorm for added effect. Shots of the resort most recently popped up in 2019’s Jumanji: The Next Level. In addition to depicting frozen arctic tundra, the region is capable of appearing as various time periods and landscapes, including war-torn deserts, western town sites and inner-city streets with graffiti. The Alberta Film Office offers a 22% and a 30% tax credit, with the 30% favoring Alberta-based resources. Information regarding eligibility requirements can be found on the website.
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ADVERTORIAL
FLICS:
Collaborate with Us!
P
lan your next production in the heart of the American entertainment industry: California. Ever since Centaur Film Company moved from New Jersey to the modest citrus groves of Hollywood in 1911, the Golden State has become the headquarters for America’s premier film studios and production companies, as well as one the largest collection of creatives on Earth. The state receives an average of 315 sunny days, a diverse collection of locations (from vast coastlines to arid deserts) and a creative infrastructure formed from a century of innovation. While other American states have become hotbeds for productions in recent decades, California continues to host more projects than anywhere in North America and
constantly attracts talent through the dedicated work of the California Regional Film Office Partnership. This one-stop resource is essential for any film, TV or commercial producer across the Golden State. Our vast array of tools and resources will help you navigate all sorts of production issues, from work permits to on-set safety. Our team can help put you in touch with relevant government agencies, industry associations and union contacts. Productions can also work with the Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), a network of nearly 60 film offices across the state that provides localized support and assistance with location searches, permitting and other services. Our website also contains comprehensive production directories, entertainment job listings and useful charts for studio zones. Read more to learn about a few of our members and how they can provide unforgettable locations for your next project.
Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood
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City of West Hollywood Film Office
BRING YOUR NEXT FILM, TELEVISION OR REALITY PRODUCTION TO THE GOLDEN STATE
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Berkeley
Berkeley Film Office
Berkeley offers a superb variety of historic homes and buildings, magnificent parks and eclectic neighborhoods. Please contact the film office if you would like additional information or visit our website at filmberkeley.com. Barbara Hillman Berkeley Film Office 510-549-7040 bhillman@visitberkeley.com www.VisitBerkeley.com/film
Monterey County Film Commission
Monterey County
It’s been called the “Greatest Meeting of Land and Sea.” Monterey County’s beautiful, diverse locations have drawn filmmakers for decades. Dramatic coastal settings include Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and Monterey, and there’s rural and agricultural looks in the Salinas Valley. From famous films to Big Little Lies, the best locations are here. Karen Nordstrand Monterey County Film Commission 831-646-0910 karen@filmmontereyc.com www.FilmMonterey.org
City of West Hollywood Film Office
West Hollywood
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The City of West Hollywood is here to support your production from scout to strike. Home to iconic locations such as the Sunset Strip and Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood also can double as Anywhere, USA with our many unique residential and commercial areas — all within 1.9 square miles. Eddie Robinson City of West Hollywood Film Office 323-848-6489 wehofilm@weho.org www.WeHo.org
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“
Steel Pier
I had the pleasure of filming in Atlantic City in 2019 on a Netflix feature film. When I arrived, the film was foundering a bit due to production issues. Realizing we had a lot of catching up to do to make our filming date we called upon Heather Colache, Tourism Account and Film Commission Director, for assistance. Heather helped us in innumerable ways - she coordinated film permits, fire permits, police support, neighborhood coordination and more - and without her assistance, we would have had a very difficult time making our schedule.” – Mike Fantasia, Executive Director, Location Managers Guild and Lead Location Manager, Netflix’s "Army of the Dead"
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ With a big city feel from the tall buildings and nightlife, Atlantic City offers so many possibilities for a wide array of genres and plotlines. The Steel Pier and boardwalk give off a summertime aesthetic that can bring you back in time or keep you in modern times. The natural surroundings of sandy beaches, ocean waves and greenery will give you a wellrounded area to work with for your production.
Atlantic City is a “Film-Friendly Community,” that can accommodate a smooth and enjoyable filmmaking process. Our four miles of white sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean offer a variety of amazing looks – from our historic Steel Pier, America’s first boardwalk and nine casino resorts to the back bays and marshes with all their flora and fauna. We allow cars and trucks on the beach and Boardwalk for driving shots, have ample free parking, and we’re the perfect spot to film a surf scene. FEATURED LOCATIONS Atlantic City Boardwalk The five-mile-long promenade along the Atlantic Ocean was the
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first of its kind and remains the most famous boardwalk on the East Coast. and it has developed into a major tourist hub. Whether your project’s setting is based in today’s era or one of the distant past, the classic boardwalk feel will give you stunning ocean views and charming storefront shots. Steel Pier The Steel Pier has been a location for entertainment and amusement for generations. Originally built in 1898 and remodeled in 1904, the pier quickly became an exciting location for vacations. The carnival feel of the pier is the perfect location to capture summer activity DestinationFilmGuide.com
and energy. The opportunity to incorporate the miles of beach and boardwalk all while sticking to one location is possible at the Steel Pier. Historic Boardwalk Hall Listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the Boardwalk Hall has been the host of countless events throughout the 1900s. The beautiful arches and stonework give a unique and grandeur impression that will only continue when you step into the giant hall. Showboat Hotel This hotel gives you views of the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean while being minutes from popular tourist locations. The New Orleansthemed hotel is a great spot to find yourself in when trying to capture the feel of Atlantic City. The distinguished shape of the building will sell the big city feel you’re looking for and establish the tone of your project. Atlantic City Casinos Our casinos bring excitement at every turn, all while having that boardwalk charm right outside. With nine popular casinos in the area, there is plenty of space to create the setting for a high-stakes gambling scene or a fun night out on the town that will hook your audience. The casinos offer a variety of flash and exuberance to your project.
Boardwalk Hall
Showboat Hotel
FILM CREDITS Bruised, Army of the Dead, Warrior, The Bounty, Atlantic City, The Color of Money, Snake Eyes, Rounders ATLANTIC CITY FILM COMMISSION Heather Colache 609-226-5035 hcolache@meetac.com www.atlanticcityfilm.com
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Atlantic City Boardwalk
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES Atlantic City offers a tax incentive program of up to 42% in tax credit that allows them to open the door to filmmakers and create opportunities for productions. Qualifying productions that spend up to 60% on in-state expenditures or spend more than $1 million in qualified production expenses can receive a 35% tax credit for filming in Atlantic City. An additional 5% tax incentive can be given when going through Atlantic City Film Commission. Productions that meet New Jersey’s diversity requirement are able to receive an additional 2% tax credit.
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Butte
“
Montana is more than meets the eye. Beyond beautiful exterior locations, the state also offers a variety of urban and unique town looks. The crew is fantastic and the film community is strong. I would highly recommend filming in Montana and shooting wide!” – Jeri Rafter Line Producer
MONTANA Montana certainly lives up to its nickname as the Big Sky State. Spectacular national parks— Yellowstone and Glacier—are the highlights of an incredible landscape of roaring rivers, dramatic mountain ranges and serene prairies. Montana has been the site of historical battles, prehistoric dinosaurs and unforgettable vacations, and its blend of landscapes will appeal to productions who seek an epic scope.
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Established in 1974, the Montana Film Office markets Montana as a business destination for production companies and provides technical assistance to productions that choose Montana. Producers have come to depend on the MFO to help navigate permitting, understand regulation processes, and assist in location nuances. FEATURED LOCATIONS Yellowstone Film Ranch This Western backlot is styled after 1800s gold rush towns and uses five fully functional interior/exterior sets with support buildings to create 28 unique structures against the backdrop of Emigrant Peak. Buildings include a church, saloon, general store and SITE INSPECTION
barn in addition to a main street for shootouts and establishing shots. Productions can also utilize a cabin and village sets, and the nearby city of Livingston offers ample lodging and dining options. Butte The Highland Mountains and east-ridge of the Continental Divide surround the city of Butte, which offers authentic Western locations, contemporary buildings and access to the national forests. Productions can utilize the stately mansions and Victorian architecture of the uptown business district as well as the numerous ghost towns and abandoned towns in outlying areas. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Yellowstone Film Ranch
Virginia City/Nevada City These neighboring gold rush towns grew rapidly in the 1860s when prospectors traveled West seeking riches in Alder Gulch. Today, they are home to over 150 preserved 19th century buildings that lend authenticity to Westernthemed films and TV shows. Locations include the Nevada City Railroad Station, a stagecoach building and several saloons. Old Montana Prison The oldest Territorial Prison in the Western United States dates back to 1870 and features immense grey sandstone walls that were buried four feet deep to prevent convicts from escaping. The prison was decommissioned in 1979, but the facility still houses cells, wardens quarters, a yard, a chapel and gates for your next prison-set production. Billings Montana’s largest city offers easy access to the Yellowstone River, Crow Indian Reservation and local talent. Popular locations include the Billings Depot (a massive passenger station that can accommodate hundreds of extras), the Moss Mansion (a 28-room building with original furnishings) and the Rimrocks (an environment of ancient sandstone cliffs and hiking trails).
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Virginia City
Billings
FILM CREDITS Yellowstone, Wildlife, The Revenant, Certain Women, A River Runs Through It, The Shining, Far and Away
MONTANA FILM OFFICE Allison Whitmer 406-841-2881 allison.whitmer@mt.gov MONTANAFILM.COM
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Montana offers a 20% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state with additional amounts that can increase the credit up to 35% of the production company’s base investment in the tax year. These per production, additional incentives include 25% of compensation for Montana resident crew members, 15% of compensation for out-of-state crew and 20% of above-the-line compensation (actor, director, producer, writer).
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial
“
South Dakota is the definition of a hidden gem. To witness its sunsets is to stand face-to-face with the story of Earth itself. There is a purity to the natural light that lends each image a fairytale realness that personifies the idea of escapism. South Dakota is also replete with industry professionals with unrivaled work ethic and creative drive. The filmmakers I know who have shot here want to keep the secret for themselves, but some treasure must be shared. South Dakota is America’s best kept filmmaking secret.” – Andrew Kightlinger, writer-director, "Tater Tot & Patton"
SOUTH DAKOTA South Dakota’s breathtaking landscapes include sprawling prairies, glacial lakes, dramatic mountains and striking geological formations. The state welcomes millions of annual visitors who come to experience iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial and Badlands National Park. The state is steeped in Native American culture, iconic small-town living and real-life cowboys. Westerns, thrillers and contemporary dramas have all utilized South Dakota’s diverse backdrops.
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South Dakota offers filmmakers and producers excellent – and economical – ways to achieve their cinematic vision. With room to work and beauty to work with, South Dakota’s legendary rock formations, wildlife and open prairies make it the perfect location for iconic backdrops or intimate interiors. In South Dakota, you'll find experienced crews, a low cost of doing business and incredible locations for your next film.
including prairie dogs, bighorn sheep and buffalo. Skeletons of three-toed horses and sabertoothed cats may also be found amid the park’s rocky terrain. From narrow pathways to open land, the Badlands possess a rare combination of landscapes guaranteed to captivate any audience. The park was most recently featured in the Academy Award-winning film Nomadland (2020).
FEATURED LOCATIONS Badlands National Park Badlands National Park boasts 244,000 acres of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. The park is home to a variety of wildlife,
Historic Deadwood This 1870s gold rush town became a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and has since been the pinnacle of Old West history and culture. Surrounded by the Black
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Hills National Forest, the town includes historic buildings with unique architecture inside and out in addition to a variety of casino interiors. Must-see outdoor spots include Mount Moriah Cemetery and Mount Roosevelt, also known as the Friendship Tower. Custer State Park Few truly wild places remain in the American frontier. Custer State Park is one of them. Located in the Black Hills, the park is home to various wildlife and magnificent scenery spanning 71,000 acres. Past its granite pinnacles that reach the sky and forest of ponderosa pine lies the famous Needles Highway. Custer State Park is overflowing with wildlife and scenic offerings with a variety of trails and undisturbed nature. The Missouri River The Missouri River gives South Dakota more miles of shoreline than Florida, meaning that filmmakers will have access to various shoreside landscapes and open-water filming opportunities. The river has islands and four reservoirs — Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case and Lewis & Clark Lake — that all offer perfect opportunities for diversified shots along the waters of the Mighty Mo'.
Historic Deadwood
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Badlands National Park
When you film in South Dakota, your crew can enjoy no personal or corporate income tax. South Dakota also offers its resources and assistance to help you secure locations, special permissions and permits and connect you with the best local experts to make your dream shoot a reality.
Custer State Park
FILM CREDITS Nomadland, Dances with Wolves, Into the Wild, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, The Rider, Starship Troopers
Scan to discover more of what the South Dakota Department of Tourism offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com
SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM Rebecca Cruse 605-773-3301 filmsd@state.sd.us FilmSD.com
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Lake of the Ozarks
“
The stuff we shot in the [Missouri] Ozarks looks stunning…When we were planning to shoot our first episode of “Ozark,” the film office served as our guide on a number of trips. They showed incredible hospitality and offered a superb glimpse of the world we were about to portray.” – Chris Mundy, Showrunner, "Ozark"
MISSOURI Missouri has three major Midwest cities and hundreds of charming small towns. St. Louis is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and is the home of the iconic Gateway Arch, while Kansas City boasts more than 200 beautiful European fountains and some of the country's best barbecue, and Springfield is the founding home of Route 66. Whether you need a sun-drenched setting, spectacular fall foliage or are storyboarding a snowball fight, you can film it in Missouri sometimes in the same day!
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Missouri Film Office is a great resource when looking for a variety of locations in one spot. Step back in time at well-preserved historic buildings and districts across the state, fabulous sites ready to recreate the industrialization period, the prohibition era, or mid-century life. And if nature is what you need, explore Missouri’s 59 accessible rivers and streams, six major lake destinations, more than 7,000 natural caves and awardwinning outdoor trails. FEATURED LOCATIONS Missouri State Penitentiary (Jefferson City) The Missouri State Penitentiary is a historic building that brings SITE INSPECTION
a rich history and sits along the Missouri River. After opening in 1836, the prison housed inmates for 168 years, making it the longest operating prison west of the Mississippi River until 2004 when it was decommissioned. The large stone brick building and walls, long hallways and barred cells will give you a sinister feeling that old jails portray, making it the perfect location to film a prison movie. America’s Center & The Dome (St. Louis) This large three-level convention center can host anything from concerts and trade shows to monster truck rallies. The massive center can DestinationFilmGuide.com
seat up to 67,000 spectators and is particularly suited for filmed TV competitions (the complex recently hosted American Ninja Warrior). With so much space and venue versatility, it makes for a great spot for large event filming. Union Station (Kansas City) This restored Gothic Revival landmark offers a location that shows off beautiful architecture with plenty of space. The spacious rooms, sunlit corridors, extravagant fountain and elaborate light fixtures offer elegance and early 20th century charm that will add period accuracy to your production. Missouri Mine State Historic Site (Park Hills) This mine, built in 1907, provides an authentic industrial environment. The structure of the building, rusted walls, broken windows and railroad tracks all provide diverse set-ups for filmmakers. If your project seeks a factory setting or working-class backdrop, this facility can serve your needs.
Union Station
Missouri Mine State Historic Site
REBATES AND INCENTIVES We work with communities to help you save money on location in Missouri. Sometimes production offices can be donated or lodging allowances negotiated at the community level. Currently, the Kansas City Film Office offers a 10% rebate. We can keep you posted on the status of state film tax incentives pending legislation.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Beautiful views, scenic hiking trails and a sparkling lake aren’t the only things you’ll be getting at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. This location offers two swimming beaches, boating and an active lake environment, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, a variety of natural features like overlooks, sunny glades and wooded areas. FILM CREDITS American Honey, Gone Girl, Up in the Air, Winter's Bone, You’re Next, Ride With the Devil, Escape From New York, Tom Sawyer, Paper Moon MISSOURI FILM OFFICE Andrea Sporcic 573-526-3566 andrea.sporcic@ded.mo.gov MoFilm.org
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Missouri State Penitentiary
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“
Statue of Liberty
Hudson County really is a terrific place to shoot everything from commercials to features. The vistas are second to none, the on location opportunities are endless and we strive to be ‘film friendly’ because we understand how important the television and film industry is and the vigorous economic activity it creates for our region and state.” – Joe Waks, Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs
HUDSON COUNTY, NJ Hudson County, New Jersey is a rich cultural mosaic that combines art, music, history and theater and diverse cuisine minutes from Manhattan. Visitors can enjoy trendy outdoor restaurants, welcoming city parks and distinct neighborhoods that host incredible festivals. The county’s signature attractions include the Liberty Science Center, Ellis Island and Frank Sinatra’s childhood home, and places like Jersey City and Hoboken offer dining and nightlife to rival neighboring New York City.
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Hudson County’s diverse urban environments and city parks have served as the backdrop for dozens of film and television productions. Combining access to New York City’s deep creative pool and a generous 35% tax credit for New Jersey productions, we are the ideal location for your next project. FEATURED LOCATIONS Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Two of America’s most iconic landmarks are easily accessible by ferry and have provided their unique backdrop to many productions. Surrounding Liberty Island can host productions that seek shots of the incredible Manhattan skyline. SITE INSPECTION
Hoboken Terminal One of the busiest railroad stations in North America, this beautiful Beaux-Arts complex makes for a compelling setting. The large waiting room (which is defined by floral and Greek Revival motifs in addition to tiled stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany) allows generous sunlight for compelling interior shots, while the bustling exterior has provided authentic bustle to iconic films like Funny Girl and Three Days to the Condor. Hoboken Hoboken, whose working-class roots and docks were immortalized in the Oscar-winning film On the DestinationFilmGuide.com
Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
Waterfront, can supply a variety of urban setting for your project. The cafes and preserved brownstones along Washington Street offer excellent urban backdrops. Productions can also take advantage of numerous Manhattan and Hudson River shots in scenic areas like Pier A Park and Maxwell Place Park. Jersey City Hudson County’s largest city recently transformed into Gotham for the acclaimed DC film Joker. Clowns marched down Newark Avenue and the county courthouse became Wayne Hall in a city that has welcomed dozens of productions. The Sopranos famously used 34 distinct locations during its eightseason run on HBO, and films such as The Royal Tenenbaums, A Perfect Murder and Annie have utilized the area’s dense streets to replicate New York City.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Manhattan Skyline
Cinelease Studios Set to become New Jersey’s largest studio space, this immense complex near Liberty State Park will include three state-of-the-art soundstages that total 124,106 square feet. Productions will also have access to office space, loading zones and easy access to public transportation for local crew members. FILM CREDITS Joker, The Godfather, On the Waterfront, Funny Girl, Men in Black, Working Girl, The Karate Kid, A Beautiful Mind, On the Town, Coyote Ugly, Belly, Godzilla (1998), Analyze This, Fools Rush In
Hoboken Terminal
HUDSON COUNTY OFFICE OF CULTURAL & HERITAGE AFFAIRS Joe Waks 201-459-2070 Ext. 6429 jwaks@hcnj.us www.visithudson.org/film
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Productions in Hudson County can qualify for a transferable tax credit from the state of New Jersey equal to 30%. The project must incur at least 60% of total film production expenses in-state (exclusive of postproduction costs) or incur more than $1 million in qualified production expenses. Production companies can receive an additional credit equal to 2 percent of the qualified film production expenses provided that the application is accompanied by a diversity plan. Productions should also enquire about sales tax exemptions that can include supplies purchased in-state such as cameras, sound equipment, vehicles and construction materials.
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“
We shot scenes for two films on Kaua‘i and both times we had great support and cooperation from the people of the island and the Film Commission. The first was Raiders of the Lost Ark and the second was Jurassic Park, so Kaua‘i rightfully played a role in two of the best filmmaking results we ever had.” – Steven Spielberg
Na Pali Coast
KAUA‘I, HAWAI‘I Known as the “Garden Island,” Kaua‘i is home to emerald valleys, tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls. The Kaua‘i Film Commission is a great resource for producers and location managers who seek to capture the dramatic beauty that the island offers. The Kaua‘i Film Commission offers an abundance of resources all at your production team’s disposal, including a diverse location library, access to local production services and accommodations, and guidance on film permits.
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The Kaua‘i Film Commission is ready to support all your production team’s needs. The Film Commission assists in permits, locations and local resources. It also provides decades worth of expertise and guidance. The Kaua‘i Film Commission is a division of the County of Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development. It is also a member of the Location Managers Guild International and the Association of Film Commissioners International. FEATURED LOCATIONS Na Pali Coast Spanning 17 miles along Kaua‘i’s North Shore, the Na Pali Coast bears the same natural beauty it SITE INSPECTION
did centuries ago when Hawai‘ian settlements flourished in its deep, narrow valleys. Past its emerald-hued cliffs and lush valley floors lie beautiful beaches surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. The Napali Coast has been a popular location for blockbusters such as Jurassic Park: The Lost World (1997) and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). Waimea Canyon Waimea Canyon spans the island’s west side and is often described as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The Waimea Canyon Lookout stretches 14 miles long, one mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. While it may not be as monumental DestinationFilmGuide.com
as its inland cousin, the Waimea Canyon provides panoramic shots of rugged crags and deep valley gorges unseen elsewhere in Hawai‘i. This location is perfect for indie films like Honeymoon in Vegas (1992). Wailua Falls Wailua Falls (located just north of Lihue at the south end of the Wailua River) cascades into two streams, dropping 80 feet below. Depending on the amount of rainfall farther up the mountains, the vistas where the morning sunlight meets the mist of the falls may feel neverending.
Wailua Falls
Kipu Ranch Kipu Ranch is a 3,000-acre, privately-owned cattle ranch extending from the Huleia River to the top of Mt. Haupu. The ranch has seen many changes throughout its nearly 200-year history, from a sugar plantation to the working cattle ranch it is today. What has not changed is its lush green pastures, breathtaking waterfalls and fascinating jungle wildlife. National Tropical Botanical Gardens The National Tropical Botanical Gardens’ network of five botanical gardens, preserves and research facilities encompasses nearly 2,000 acres with locations in Hawai‘i and Florida. Thousands of species from throughout the tropical world have been gathered within its sites.
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National Tropical Botanical Gardens
FILM CREDITS Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Descendants, Hook, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Honeymoon in Vegas
KAUA‘I FILM COMMISSION Sandy Kaauwai 808-241-4953 skaauwai@kauai.gov filmkauai.com
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Waimea Canyon
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Hawai‘i is dedicated to the promotion and support of Kaua‘i as an essential production location for all media. The state’s Film Tax Credit offers film, television and digital productions an attractive tax rebate up to 25% on expenditures made while filming on the island. To learn more about Hawai‘i’s Film Tax Credit, contact Kaua‘i Film or Hawai‘i Film Office.
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GLACIER COUNTRY, MT Western Montana’s cinematic landscapes, Old West charm, and rich history have long inspired film producers, setting the stage for films like The Revenant and bingeworthy TV shows like Yellowstone. In addition to unrivaled landscapes, Glacier Country boasts more than 75 charming communities where you’ll find historic, Western architecture and authentic, smalltown Americana. You’ll also find ease of access and unmatched hospitality while filming here.
Along with the Montana Film Office, Glacier Country Tourism is here to help you find your next show-stopping location. Discover the perfect setting among idyllic panoramas, towering mountain backdrops, lush forestland, glistening waterways like Flathead Lake and endless rivers and streams. Your next scene or full-feature film is waiting in Glacier Country, Montana. FEATURED LOCATIONS Missoula Halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks is the city
of Missoula, touted as Montana’s cultural hub. The state’s secondlargest city is home to nine historic districts and is surrounded by a vast mountain range that stretches far toward the horizon. The treasured locale has served as the setting for legendary classics in the Western genre, including the ongoing series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner. Libby Combining authentic mountain experiences and breathtaking scenery with abundant outdoor recreation, Libby sits at the base
Set the scene in a place where cinematic landscapes are a dime a dozen, idyllic small towns lay on the charm, and accessibility comes with ease.
Film.GlacierMT.com | #GlacierMT
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Fly-fishing the Blackfoot River
of the Cabinet Mountain Range in Kootenai River Valley. Here, some attractions include Libby Dam, Ross Creek Cedar Grove, the Kootenai River, and Kootenai Falls, seen in 2015’s The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio. The location is also notable for the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, located above Kootenai Falls.
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Darby Darby sits at the southern tip of the Bitterroot Valley and contains local antique shops and oldfashioned candy stores, with the surrounding area offering authentic lodges and cabins. Some highlights include Lake Como, Painted Rocks State Park and Alta Ranger Station. Kalispell Known as the “Soul of Montana,” Kalispell is a vibrant mountain town with a notable Old West charm located between Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. The bustling community sits among towering mountain ranges in a valley filled with crystal clear lakes and is known for its proximity to vast recreation areas. The town served as the shooting location for the 2004 film Hidalgo.
Montana’s I-90 Corridor
Photo courtesy of Andy Austin
FILM CREDITS The Shining, Hidalgo, Forrest Gump, The Revenant, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM Racene Friede 406-532-3234 racene@glaciermt.com film.glaciermt.com
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The state's MEDIA tax credit offers a 20% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state with additional amounts that can increase the credit up to 35% of the production company’s base investment. The Big Sky Film Grant builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies intending to create Montana film jobs. Filming in Montana also comes with a host of bonus incentives that include no sales tax, licensing exemptions and free location breakdowns.
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BILLINGS, MT Montana’s largest city is alive with urban growth and vibrancy, yet it maintains its Western heritage and accessibility to natural resources for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit an art museum, experience a Native American Pow-Wow at nearby Crow Indian Reservation, explore ancient fossil beds, relive the Battle of Little Bighorn, rappel down rimrock cliffs or navigate the mighty Yellowstone River. Here, city parks and urban landscapes rival the beauty of Mother Nature and surrounding natural wonders.
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The team at Visit Billings works closely with the Montana Film Office to ensure the state and destination are film-friendly. With Montana’s new and attractive tax incentives, Visit Billings also offers financial assistance (on a case-by-case basis) to provide perks for choosing this area to film your next production. And for off-day adventure ideas, they provide inside information on hidden gems and local favorites. Job one for Visit Billings is to be your local resource in facilitating seamless location-shooting and simplifying production logistics.
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FEATURED LOCATIONS The Billings Depot Built in 1909, just 20 years after statehood, this massive complex spans four city blocks. Sitting on a main east-to-west rail line corridor, this gorgeous building was a centerpiece for downtown Billings. The campus features an office building, passenger station (with a baggage room) and historic post office. Politicians, Hollywood celebrities and even royalty have made their arrival in Billings through these doors. Today, it is lovingly restored to period condition.
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Four Dances National Recreation Area With cliffs that drop 200-500 feet to the river, this area features spectacular views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding plains that are bordered by mountains on the horizon. One side showcases an undeveloped natural area while the other highlights an industrial cityscape. The crown jewel of the area is Pictograph Cave State Park.
Photo courtesy of Visit Billings
The Rimrocks Geologically and geographically iconic to the Billings landscape, these 70-million-year-old sandstone cliffs outline the northern border of the city, Several parking areas make it easily accessible, while historic Zimmerman Trail allows cars to zigzag up (or down) the “rims” amidst natural and wooded areas.
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Four Dances National Recreation Area
The Moss Mansion Built in 1903 and designed by the famed New York architect who also designed the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, this three-story, red-stone mansion has 28 rooms and stands 45 feet tall. It features unrivaled craftsmanship and exquisite décor such as marble fireplaces and a vintage intercom. FILM CREDITS Nebraska, We Burn Like This, Far and Away, American Idol, The Amazing Race, Hotel Impossible x 2, Undercover Boss (Kampgrounds of America), Wheel of Fortune VISIT BILLINGS Alex Tyson (406) 869-3726 Alex@VisitBillings.com www.visitbillings.com
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Billings Depot
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From assisting with site inspections and visits, to accommodating talent and crews with off day adventure ideas, the Visit Billings team is proud to assist every step of the way. From American Idol talent calls to assisting the director (Payne) and producers (Parra) of Nebraska, the community is ready and willing to help make sure filming is seamless and that execution is as simplified from a community standpoint as possible. There is financial assistance available on a case-bycase basis by Visit Billings that offer advantages to choosing the area.
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MISSOULA, MT Missoula is a premier destination with the scenery of a small mountain town and the amenities of a much larger city. Solitude, wilderness and adventure are only minutes away from gourmet restaurants, funky local shops and a thriving live music scene. Unparalleled natural beauty and cultural vibrancy make a visit to this Montana city unforgettable, and local hospitality makes every visitor feel welcome.
From hosting the annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival to accommodating high-profile television and movie productions, Missoula is an ideal film destination. The area’s natural beauty has served as the jaw-dropping backdrop for iconic films like A River Runs Through It and several nature documentaries. Destination Missoula can assist your production team with location scouting, Montana tax incentives, wildlife area permits, transportation contacts and lodging for your cast and crew.
FEATURED LOCATIONS Downtown Missoula Downtown Missoula is alive with trendy shops, restaurants, bars, breweries, live music, historic buildings and more—all surrounded by mountains in the near distance. The district’s main streets feature Romanesque Revival storefronts and Art Moderne hotels that lend period accuracy to your film. Missoula Midtown Missoula’s midtown district offers a variety of opportunities as new shops, restaurants and breweries
Missoula, Montana is many things—just choose your angle. It can be a rugged mountain town one moment, and an arts and culture hub the next. Filming in Missoula means taking advantage of upscale lodging and restaurants alongside rivers and mountains, with unmatched outdoor access in every direction.
THE SHOW IS JUST BEGINNING
Innovation and collaboration are always welcome in Missoula, with our warm and resourceful community and enticing state incentives. And when it comes to access, we can’t be beat—just hop on one of 16 direct flights into Missoula and find yourself among the mountains as soon as you step off the plane.
CLARK FORK RIVER, DOWNTOWN MISSOULA
Let us help you set the stage for your next adventure. Visit destinationmissoula.org to learn more about the benefits of filming in Missoula, Montana.
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Clark Fork River
continue to pop up, in addition to the historic fairgrounds and Fort Missoula. The Missoula County Fairgrounds was designated a historic district, with its Craftsman-style buildings and agricultural roots. Fort Missoula was established as a military post in 1877, and the grounds now serve as a 32-acre Historic Park with over 20 preserved buildings. River & Mountain Trails Missoula is surrounded by seven wilderness areas and sits at the confluence of three rivers, offering endless outdoor scenery. Popular spots include the Riverfront Trail (which passes by sights like the Clark Fork River and Washington Grizzly Stadium), the “M” Trail to the top of Mt. Sentinel and the valley views in the Blue Mountain Recreation Area. University of Montana The University of Montana was voted one of the most beautiful public college campuses in the U.S., with its historic brick buildings and sprawling green lawns at the base of Mt. Sentinel. Surrounding the campus, you’ll find the University Area Historic District full of tree-lined streets and Craftsman-style homes.
University of Montana
On top of our unbeatable scenery and top-notch amenities, filmmakers in Missoula can also take advantage of Montana film tax credits, grants and bonus incentives. Montana offers a 20% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state with additional amounts that can increase the credit up to 35% of the production company’s base investment in the tax year. These perproduction additional incentives include 25% of compensation for Montana resident crew members, 15% of compensation for out-of-state crew and 20% of above-the-line compensation (actor, director, producer, writer). The Big Sky Film Grant funds on qualified expenditures can be awarded if the project’s in-state spend exceeds $300,000 and shoots at least 50% of principal photography in-state.
FILM CREDITS A River Runs Through It, Yellowstone, Love Like Gold, Bella Vista, Wisconsin Project X, Pretty Ugly People, Under Siege 2 DESTINATION MISSOULA Barb Neilan 406-532-3250 director@destinationmissoula.com www.destinationmissoula.com
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES Upon registering with the Film Office Production Directory, verified users are automatically eligible for the benefits of “Reel Savings” discounts and rebates at a minimum of 10% off all costs. The Town of Marana’s film business community may provide special hotel rates and discounts in addition to the “Reel Savings” program, and the Marana Chamber of Commerce contains over 600 members who may also provide special rates for film projects.
Marana farmlands and view of Saguaro National Park West Photo: ©Jamie Williams/ThatGirlProductions.com
MARANA, AZ The Town of Marana, which shares a boundary with the City of Tucson, is as resourceful as it is stunning. All of our locations are within close proximity of professional production crew and support services, and there are numerous hotel and shortterm rental options. We have been a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International since 2018. Marana has an outstanding reputation as being a film-friendly business community with low production costs. FEATURED LOCATIONS Wild Burro Trailhead Carpeted with wildflowers and flowering trees, this trailhead encapsulates the iconic Sonoran Desert landscape. Visuals include saguaro cactus, mesquite, palo verde, barrel cactus and ruins of an early 20th century stone house, an
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east-west canyon, vertiginous trails, rock outcroppings and caves. The location has been used for awardwinning nature documentaries and a collaboration KIND Bar and Oscarwinning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. Marana Regional Airport Classified as a general reliever airport for Tucson International, the Marana Regional Airport (AVQ) is a premier location for filmmaking with its majestic Tucson Mountain Range views. The airport has a rich history as one of Arizona’s World War II Army Airfields and is home to more than 260 based aircraft. In 2020, Marana Regional Airport was accepted in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program and is authorized to install an air traffic control tower. SITE INSPECTION
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Town of Marana Roads and Vistas Marana’s roads feature rural landscapes framed by open space, farm lands, and the dramatic mountains of Saguaro National Park West located in the Tucson Mountain Range, giving filmmakers roads to nowhere and unobstructed sunrises and sunsets. The vistas are just as extraordinary for location scouts. FILM CREDITS Winchester ’73, Rio Bravo, The Wild Bunch, Flashpoint, The Quick and the Dead, Geronimo, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
MARANA FILM OFFICE Laura Funkhouser Cortelyou 1-520-382-1988 lcortelyou@maranaaz.gov www.MaranaFilmOffice.org
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There’s a reason features like Nomadland, Into the Wild and Dances with Wolves were shot in South Dakota — variety. Few places on Earth have our selection of landscapes. With the rolling plains in the east, the rocky Black Hills in the west, and the outlandish Badlands National Park somewhere in between, we’ve got a vast range of backdrops. South Dakota’s also a welcoming, right-to-work state, with one of the nation’s lowest business and labor costs. Drama. Western. Sci-fi. South Dakota’s award-winning landscapes are a little bit of a whole lot of everything. Get the picture?
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N E W J E R S E Y ’ S N E W 3 0 - 3 5 % F I L M TA X C R E D I T
THE REEL DEAL
Motion Picture & TV productions shooting in New Jersey qualify for a tax credit of up to 35%. Purchases, rentals and services acquired in Atlantic City qualify for 35%. Now, New Jersey has it all:
30-35% TAX CREDIT SPECTACULAR LOCATIONS GREAT TALENT POOL
PERMIT FREE FILMING FULL LOGISTICAL SUPPORT SALES TAX EXEMPTION
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NJ TAX CREDIT & FILMING IN NEW JERSEY: THE NEW JERSEY MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION COMMISSION p: 973.648.6279 e: njfilm@sos.nj.gov w: film.nj.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FILMING IN ATLANTIC CITY: ATLANTIC CITY FILM OFFICE Heather Colache, Film Commission Director p: 609.318.6097 e: hcolache@meetac.com w: atlanticcityfilm.com
