From using renewable energy in film production to reusing and recycling, these eco-friendly practices make a big difference
INNOVATIONS, IMPACTS AND ETHICS OF NEW FILM PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
A deep dive into the use of AR, VR and AI in the world of location filmmaking
NORTH AMERICAN FILM INCENTIVES
Maximize your next project’s budget with these tax credits and rebates
The Docville Wild West Movie Set, located in Newcastle, Ontario, is an 8-acre, frontier style property. Perfect for daytime and night shoots, with clearance for cranes and drones.
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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dive into the innovations, impacts and ethics of new film production technology in the world of location filmmaking
Filmmakers, TV show junkies and movie buffs mark your calendars for film festivals displaying inspiring stories
Recognizing the work and importance of location managers in film and how these geniuses help to create dazzling cinematic worlds
Numerous reality TV hotspots around the US attract droves of fans for a glimpse of the stars and reality TV filming locations
Learn about the economic impacts of film tourism and famous North American film locations, plus bonus set-jetting tips
Adventure Coast,
Photo courtesy of Steve Holliday, The Docville Western Park and Movie Studio
A Renaissance of Film and Television
Let’s face it: no matter what side of the actor’s strike you were on last year, everyone felt the impact. From venting about the absence of new blockbuster films and TV series to film productions coming to a screeching halt mid-scene, last year was literally lights out in Hollywood.
But after a groundbreaking agreement among industry leaders, our favorite stars, storytellers, and producers are back at it and hungry for new filmmaking opportunities. We decided to go big with this year’s Destination Film Guide by offering an abundance of thought-provoking, insightful film industry content.
One of the key discussions in this year's film guide is the Impact of AI on Location Scouting in Filmmaking . We delve into the question of whether AI will eventually take our jobs, and the good news is that the outlook isn’t as grim as some might imagine.
Sustainability is trending not only in how and why people travel, but also with Sustainability in Filmmaking and Eco-Friendly Practices in Production , which are finding their way into production offices worldwide.
We dive into the world of Reality TV Using Film Locations as a Home Base to uncover the economic benefits that reality TV filming has on the communities in which they film.
It’s high time the film industry recognizes the Unsung Heroes of Film with Academy Awards for Location Managers , the vital behind-the-scenes architects of mesmerizing cinematic worlds.
We also cover 8 Niche Film Festivals in North America from dynamic filmmakers featuring diverse and impactful topics, avantgarde cinema and celebrations of underrepresented communities that offer fresh filmmaking perspectives.
The ever-popular Set-Jetting Adventures trend is gaining popularity, now that the cast and crews are back to work. We explain how to set-jet and why you should consider this hot travel trend for your next adventure.
Stay inspired and keep the cameras rolling!
Heather Dale , Managing Editor
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Destination Film Guide is published annually by Premier Travel Media Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. This publication is distributed free of charge to producers, directors, location scouts and others involved in the film production industry.
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ON THE COVER: Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, CO Photo courtesy of Mountainfilm 2024 EDITION
The Impact of AR, VR and AI in Filmmaking
A DEEP DIVE INTO THE INNOVATIONS, IMPACTS AND ETHICS OF NEW FILM PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD OF LOCATION FILMMAKING
BY TINDER KIELY
If you’re concerned about AI in filmmaking, we’re here to help you navigate the innovation in the industry. In this ever-evolving landscape, film production technology plays a pivotal role in shaping creative processes and enhancing production
efficiency. We're diving into how technology—specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)—is currently transforming the world of filmmaking. These innovations aren't just buzzwords anymore; they're fundamentally changing how movies are made, especially when it comes to scouting locations and enhancing overall production.
AI in Filmmaking and Location Scouting
Let's start with AI in filmmaking, specifically when location scouting. Traditionally, finding the perfect location involves extensive research, site visits and negotiations; this process is extraordinarily timeconsuming. Imagine algorithms that can sift through heaps of data— like historical weather patterns, geographical details, and logistical considerations—to find the perfect filming spots. AI does just that. It saves filmmakers time and money by pinpointing locations that fit the script and production needs like a glove.
Major studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix are already harnessing AI to streamline their scouting processes, ensuring every location enhances the story seamlessly.
Virtual Reality (VR) in Location Scouting
Now, let's step into the world of virtual reality (VR). This technology offers filmmakers a unique and immersive way to scout potential filming locations. With VR headsets, directors can walk through digital
Image generated by aishazeyn via Freepik
Image generated by mteerapat via Freepik
With VR, directors can walk through digital replicas of real-world settings without physically being there, saving travel costs.
“
It's a dream combo for filmmakers—boosting efficiency and overall production quality. From planning to shooting, these film production technologies streamline every step, allowing for more imaginative storytelling and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in film.
replicas of real-world settings, getting a feel for the atmosphere and scale without leaving their desks. It's like being there without physically being there, which not only saves travel costs but also provides a more immersive scouting experience.
Companies like The Third Floor and Technicolor are leading the charge by offering VR tools tailored for filmmakers, making location scouting more cost- and time-efficient. While VR hasn’t yet become popular amongst film studios, its potential for
offering an engaging and immersive scouting experience is truly intriguing.
Augmented Reality (AR) Film Production Technology
Then there's augmented reality (AR), which takes things a step further during actual filming. AR overlays digital elements onto real-world environments in real time. Picture directors adjust virtual sets or add digital creatures seamlessly into live-action scenes. Shows like "The Mandalorian" have used this film
production technology extensively to create entire virtual worlds on set, enhancing both the visual impact and production efficiency.
Integrating VR, AR and AI in Filmmaking
Now, here's where it gets really exciting. When you combine VR, AR and AI in filmmaking, magic happens.
• AI helps analyze and choose locations
• VR lets you explore and scout locations virtually
• AR enhances what you can do on set
It's a dream combo for filmmakers—boosting efficiency and overall production quality. From planning to shooting, these film production technologies streamline every step, allowing for more imaginative storytelling and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in film.
Challenges and Considerations with AI in Filmmaking
Of course, adopting these new film production technologies isn't without its challenges. One of the biggest concerns is ensuring these tools don't overshadow the human touch and traditional filmmaking techniques. There is a risk of over-reliance on AI tools, potentially diminishing the role of human creativity and intuition in filmmaking. While AI, VR, and AR offer incredible benefits, they can also pose ethical dilemmas—like privacy concerns with AI data collection. Filmmakers need to strike a balance, leveraging technology while preserving the artistry and authenticity of their craft.
Will AI Take Our Jobs?
Janice Polley, the veteran location scout and manager behind numerous box office hits such as The Tenet, Heat, and Collateral, isn’t too concerned about the future of AI in film.
“About eight years ago, everybody thought that with advancements in visual effects, nobody's going to work again because they're just going to go to a stage and everything will be visual effects. And there were a lot of visual effects movies, but I never stopped working. So, I'm not really worried about AI either because people still want realism.”
Looking to the Future: Utilizing New Film Production Technology
Industry professionals should stay updated with rapid technological advancements. Networking with tech experts, attending industry conferences and exploring emerging tools are crucial steps. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation will keep filmmakers relevant and empower them to harness these technologies responsibly. These innovative film production technologies aren't just tools; they're transformative forces that enable filmmakers to push boundaries and tell stories in unprecedented ways. As we look to the future, the integration of VR, AR and AI in filmmaking promises to continue revolutionizing the industry, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. By embracing these innovations thoughtfully and creatively, filmmakers can unlock new realms of cinematic expression and audience engagement. DF
One of the biggest concerns is ensuring these tools don't overshadow the human touch and traditional filmmaking techniques. “
One easy, eco-friendly idea you can implement is retrofitting a set with LED lighting and rechargeable batteries for sound equipment and headsets.
Sustainable Filming: Eco-Friendly Film Production
FROM USING RENEWABLE ENERGY IN FILM PRODUCTION TO REUSING AND RECYCLING, THESE ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES ARE MAKING A BIG
BY MILES DOBIS
Implementing sustainable filming practices into your next movie or television show can significantly and immediately impact a planet that is increasingly pushed to its limit. It’s no surprise that producing a blockbuster film or television show can wreak havoc on the natural environment. But with waste reduction in filmmaking, green tax credits and using renewable energy in film production, conservation efforts in the industry are making a substantial change with sustainable filming.
Why is Sustainable Filming So Important?
Productions can be harsh on the natural environment. Establishing on-site office facilities requires clearing land and installing structures such as air conditioning units and temporary restrooms that utilize tremendous energy. Electrical wiring and loud noises disrupt natural
DIFFERENCE
ecosystems, and film productions often rely on one-use plastic water bottles and catering utensils to feed the cast and crew.
The most significant environmental damage comes from vehicle and heating emissions—massive productions such as Barbie or Oppenheimer can emit nearly 4,000 metric tons of CO 2 equivalents daily, the same as a car driving seven million miles. Thankfully, many innovative companies are actively working to minimize these damaging results by using renewable energy in film production.
What’s Being Done to Promote Sustainable Filming?
Major studios, including Disney, Netflix and NBC Universal, are leading the way toward sustainability in film and television production. Their collaboration has resulted in the Green Production Guide ,
Image generated by laskoart via Freepik
a comprehensive tool that assists production teams in creating sustainable film set designs.
This guide includes a carbon emissions calculator, a list of green vendors, and testimonials from previous crew heads about their sustainability action plans. NBC Universal’s ambitious goal of carbon neutrality for all film productions by 2035 is a beacon of hope, and HBO (now a subsidiary brand of Warner Bros.) is consistently striving to make its programming as environmentally friendly as possible. A sterling example is HBO’s hit 2024 series True Detective: Night Country, which we’ll use as an example below.
Steps to Become a Green Production Company
Your next project can achieve a high level of sustainability, just like True Detective: Night Country , by dividing production into three areas:
• On-site location shooting
• Indoor set construction
• Your production office
1. Practice Sustainable On-Site Location Shooting
After True Detective: Night Country’s scripting and preproduction process, the eight-episode show was predicted to use 150,000 single-use plastic bottles and 4,000 gallons of gasoline. The show earned a Gold Seal from the EMA (Environmental Media Association) by rigorously adhering to self-imposed guidelines before any on-site location shooting began and brought on PGA Green founder Mari Jo Winkler as a producer. Winkler guided HBO to formalize its sustainable filming practices after she worked on the Martin Scorsese-produced Vinyl in 2015, and her structure helped guide Night Country to become a success.
Winkler recommended moving production from Night Country ’s Alaska setting to Iceland, which could replicate the plot’s snowy environment but utilize the Norse country’s geothermal resources for 100% clean energy sets and studio spaces. This is a prime example of using renewable energy in film production.
Location shooting is the most difficult setting to eliminate waste and introduce sustainable practices, but here are some ways to lower your impact:
• Temporary structures such as trailers, video villages and catering tents should be plugged into a pre-existing electrical grid or solar-powered instead of relying on gasoline-fueled generators
• Rent a fleet of electrical or hybrid vehicles to eliminate emissions
• Ditch paper from all call sheets and timecards
• Make all sound and lighting equipment in a natural environment battery-powered to reduce insulated wiring that relies on materials such as plastic and rubber that are difficult to recycle or repurpose
2. Implement Sustainable Film Set Design
Indoor sets for True Detective: Night Country were constructed by using renewable energy in film production. In fact, the production rented 40 hybrid vehicles to save 15,000 gallons of gas, and the entire shoot used a rigorous waste management system that clearly marked every recycling and compost receptacle. There were also designated water refill stations so that the cast and crew
Faux walls can be made from recycled content materials.
Photo courtesy of Vectar Project
could drink from refillable canteens instead of single-use water bottles.
Here are easy eco-friendly ideas that you can implement for a sustainable film set design and green film production practices:
• Retrofit a set with LED lighting and rechargeable batteries for sound equipment and headsets
• Donate any unused items to local nonprofits for significant waste reduction in filmmaking
• Plywood and faux walls can be made from recycled content materials
• Switch from packing foam to paper for storage
• Itemize props so that they can be re-colored or redesigned rather than constructed from scratch, which also creates waste reduction in filmmaking
• Encourage sustainable filming practices among cast and crew by eliminating single-use water bottles and carpooling to work
3. Green Production Office
At your production office , you can implement sustainable architectural and supply policies that most corporations follow to minimize their environmental footprint. Some green film production practices include:
• Consider formalizing your trash and recycling receptacles with bold colors such as blue and green for easy recognition and to serve as a reminder to recycle
• Purchase recycled copy paper for scripts
• Collect batteries and expired fluorescent lightbulbs for proper disposal
• Eliminate single-use products from your kitchen such as plastic utensils and cups
• You can also encourage hybrid work schedules and consolidated meeting schedules to minimize internal combustion engine use by employees
Green Film Tax Credits
In addition to the obvious environmental impacts, your efforts to create a more sustainable movie production or television show also result in significant financial benefits. The film My Dead Friend Zoe, a dark comedy executive produced by NFL star Travis Kelce, was partially funded through transferable tax credits predicated on “green” film production practices. Introduced by the U.S. government in 2022 under the Inflation Reduction Act, these credits are granted to clean energy films that wish to diversify their portfolio and invest in other sectors such as film production.
My Dead Friend Zoe is a production of Radiant Media Studios, whose co-founder, Mike Field, is an investor in green energy projects. Field sold green energy tax credits to raise cash for the film, which in turn implemented several of the sustainable filming practices outlined earlier. This approach not only ensures more sustainable filming and production practices are introduced to film projects, but it points a way forward for a flagging independent film marketplace that often struggles to obtain funding for lowand medium-level projects lacking significant star power.
Of course, introducing eco-friendly film production practices to film sets and production offices will present challenges. However, the long-term benefits for the environment and potential financial rewards from green tax credits make sustainable filming an easy choice. DF
An example of a sustainable supply policy is using recycled copy paper for scripts.
Lower your impact by renting a fleet of electrical or hybrid vehicles to eliminate emissions.
Image generated by wendy2001 via Freepik
Image generated by Flowo via Freepik
Actor and executive producer
was presented with the Legend of Television Award at the SCAD TVfest. A Q&A with Grammer and the cast immediately followed the screening.
FILMMAKERS, TV SHOW JUNKIES AND MOVIE BUFFS MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR FILM FESTIVALS SHOWCASING DIVERSE GENRES AND INSPIRING STORIES
BY COURTNEY LIND
Kelsey Grammer
In the bustling world of film festivals, where several big names often dominate the headlines each year, a thriving network of niche festivals is making waves across North America. These specialized events, each with a distinctive focus and flair, provide platforms for diverse voices and recognizable genres that might otherwise be overlooked. From showcasing avant-garde cinema to celebrating underrepresented
communities, these festivals offer a fresh perspective on the art of filmmaking, each with its own unique twist and emphasis.
Annual Niche Film Festivals
For filmmakers, these niche festivals are not just platforms to showcase their work, but also transformative experiences. They provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with passionate audiences and
fellow creatives who share a deep appreciation for their specific genre or theme. The profound impact of these festivals on filmmakers, often inspiring and motivating them to continue their creative journey, underscores their significance in the film industry.
Here, we explore eight captivating niche film festivals taking place across the United States and Canada, each with its own remarkable qualities for truly unforgettable experiences. Will AI Take Our Jobs?
Photo courtesy of SCAD TVfest
Panelists: Kelsey Grammer, actor and executive producer; Jack Cutmore-Scott, actor; Toks Olagundoye, actor; Jess Salgueiro, actor; Anders Keith, actor
SCAD TVfest
Georgia
SCAD TVfest is Georgia's only TV- and university-run festival. It brings together professionals from all aspects of content production, including broadcast, cable, web, social media and advertising, to discuss current industry trends and showcase the best content airing and streaming today. This international festival focuses on design, creativity and innovation in television and media production. Invited guests and festival programming support students enrolled in SCAD’s top-ranked degree programs, including acting, animation, film and television, production design, sound design and more. www.scadtvfest.com
Socially Relevant Film Festival New York NYC
Founded in 2013 by actress/filmmaker Nora Armani as a response to the proliferation of violence and violent forms of storytelling, the Socially Relevant Film Festival (SRFF) is a beacon of hope in the film industry. It promotes films with socially relevant™ film content and filmmakers who tell human interest stories. Over 750 films from 40 countries have been screened, bringing meaningful entertainment and social awareness to the community. SRFF strives to raise awareness of social issues through cinema, promoting positive social change, peace, understanding and a clean environment, inspiring and motivating its audience. www.ratedsrfilms.org
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival Iowa
The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) is dedicated to bridging cultures through the education and promotion of arts through independent film. This weeklong event showcases the finest in independent features, documentaries, and short films from around the world to an audience of filmmakers and film lovers. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, on the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River, it’s the perfect location for attendees to come together for film screenings, panels, special events and filmmaker Q&A sessions.
www.julienfilmfest.com
Mountainfilm Colorado
Using the power of film, art and ideas, Mountainfilm in Telluride, Colorado, inspires audiences to create a better world and has been celebrating indomitable spirit since 1979. Held every Memorial Day weekend, the Mountainfilm festival brings together a community of filmmakers, change makers and world-class athletes, showcasing documentary films that celebrate adventure, activism, social justice, the environment and the human spirit. The festival’s mission is to inspire audiences to create a better world using film, art and ideas. www.mountainfilm.org
New Media Film Festival®
California
New Media Film Festival® is an innovative and award-winning festival created in 2009 in Los Angeles, celebrating global stories, technology and platforms. The festival continually implements new opportunities outside the norm to bolster creators in media. Moreover, it has become known as a place to both discover and cultivate highly creative work from emerging and seasoned content creators. Here, innovation does not go unnoticed, and with works seen by judges from Marvel, PBS, HBO, BBC, Rolling Stone, the Television Academy and more, this is a must-visit film festival. www.newmediafilmfestival.com
Concordia Film Festival
Canada
The Concordia Film Festival (CFF) is a student-organized, non-profit short film festival that runs in collaboration with the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema (MHSoC) in Montreal, Quebec. The MHSoC stands as the largest university-based center for the study of film in Canada, with a body of works that is also screened to great acclaim at festivals around the world. Through screenings and events, CFF displays the works produced by the diverse range of filmmakers at Concordia University and curated works from filmmakers around the world. To date, it stands as the longest-running student short film festival in North America. www.concordiafilmfestival.com
Waco Independent Film Festival
Texas
Waco Independent Film Festival in Texas emphasizes interpersonal experiences. Through an outstanding film program, industry masterclasses and fun activities, attendees are in for an event unlike any other. The festival even hosts tours that take filmmakers to film-friendly and picture-ready locations around the Waco community. By creating an atmosphere perfect for bonding over shared experiences, new collaborations and relationships are formed in the film community. If you come to Waco, you’re in for a great time and a festival to remember.
www.wacoindie.com
Sidewalk Film Festival
Alabama
Located in Birmingham, Alabama's Historic Theatre District, the annual Sidewalk Film Festival not only discovers and supports new talents but is also passionate about local film. The festival welcomes 15,000 attendees each year, and its alumni, including Greta Gerwig and Daniel Scheinert, have even gone on to win Academy Awards. Sidewalk is generous with travel and lodging, passionate about including educational panels from both local and international filmmakers, and known for throwing the biggest and best parties in town. www.sidewalkfest.com/tix DF
Unsung Heroes of Film
RECOGNIZING THE WORK AND IMPORTANCE OF LOCATION MANAGERS IN FILM AND HOW THESE GENIUSES HELP TO CREATE DAZZLING CINEMATIC WORLDS
BY TINDER KIELY
In the glittering world of Hollywood awards, where every aspect of filmmaking—from acting to hair and makeup—is celebrated, there exists a group of professionals who toil tirelessly behind the scenes: location managers in film. These unsung heroes play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity and narrative authenticity of films, yet their contributions to cinema are frequently overlooked when it comes to major awards. It’s time to shine a spotlight on why location managers deserve to be recognized with Academy Awards.
The Importance of Location Managers in Film
Imagine iconic movie moments: the haunting landscapes of The Revenant or the bustling streets of La La Land . Each of these scenes
owes its existence to the meticulous work of location managers. These professionals are not merely scouts; they are the invisible architects who find, negotiate, and transform real-world locations into cinematic magic. Location managers navigate complex logistical challenges, secure permits, and ensure that every location seamlessly integrates with the director’s vision and the story’s narrative arc.
The Importance of Film Locations
In the world of filmmaking, where every scene is a piece of a larger narrative puzzle, location managers are the hidden assets who ensure that the settings not only fit the script but also enhance the visual and emotional impact. The right location can evoke a specific era,
mood or cultural backdrop, enriching storytelling by immersing audiences in authentic and compelling environments.
Leanne Emmert, the location manager behind many notable films including Transformers , Kong: Skull Island , and The Fabelmans , puts it this way:
“A lot of work goes into finding and paving the way for companies to be in these places, whether it’s an incredibly busy city or a distant desert. What is seen on screen starts with us.”
What Are the Responsibilities of Location Managers in Film?
During production, location managers handle everything from managing local crews to maintaining good relationships with communities impacted by filming.
The job of a location manager in film goes far beyond picking pretty places.
Other responsibilities include:
• Deep understanding of architecture and geography, and recognizing how to align them with the film
• Understands cultural concepts
• Ensures understanding of local regulations
• Scouts film locations
• Secures and manages locations that bring scripts to life
• Bridges the gap between the creative vision of directors and the practical logistics of filming on-site
• Negotiates permits
• Coordinates seemingly unending logistics
• Significantly contributes to a film’s visual and emotional tones
Working closely with directors, producers, production designers and often a large team of their own, location managers contribute insights that shape a film's narrative coherence and visual and emotional style. Their expertise ensures that each location not only meets technical requirements but also enhances the director's artistic vision while adhering to all local regulations.
Epic Movies from Location Managers in Film
The Lord of the Rings : The expansive landscapes of New Zealand became Middle-earth, thanks to the efforts of location manager Jared Connan and his team. The magic of Middle-earth hasn’t left, with iconic places such as The Shire becoming major tourist attractions.
Heat : Janice Polley attributes this film to being the hardest she’s ever worked on as, in part due to the Unabomber. With just two weeks left of shooting at the Los Angeles Airport—and with De Niro and Pacino already committed to other movies— the Unabomber threatened to strike. Long story short: Polley convinced the FBI that the show must go on.
Inception : If you’ve watched this movie, then you likely remember the train scene. This was not a product of CGI but rather an incredible set design with six months of planning. Location manager Ilt Jones’ tireless efforts to shut down five blocks of downtown LA and convince the fire department and
local buildings to allow rainmaking equipment on their roof, was all worth it in the end.
And the Award Goes To…
Despite their crucial role, location managers in film currently lack recognition at major awards ceremonies like the Oscars. This oversight diminishes the knowledge of their pivotal role in the filmmaking process and the immense effort required to bring captivating locations to the silver screen.
It's time for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to introduce a dedicated award category acknowledging the individual contributions of location managers in film. By awarding location managers with the recognition they deserve, the Academy not only acknowledges the craft but also reaffirms its commitment to celebrating all facets of cinematic excellence. DF
St. Louis
the story starts here.
From iconic sights like the Gateway Arch and Route 66, to unique neighborhoods, parks and buildings, St. Louis has a wide variety of locations and spaces to choose from. Contact Kelley Hiatt at the St. Louis Film Office today to learn more about what this amazing destination has to offer.
explorestlouis.com/st-louis-film-office
How Reality TV Filming Locations Impact Local Tourism
NUMEROUS REALITY TV HOTSPOTS AROUND THE US ATTRACT DROVES OF FANS FOR A GLIMPSE OF THE STARS AND REALITY TV FILMING LOCATIONS
BY MILES DOBIS
Ever since The Real World emerged as a ratings juggernaut in 1992 and launched NYC into the reality TV hotspot category, reality programming has been a favorite of television producers for over 30 years. Reality TV filming locations play key roles in the show’s visual
and cultural appeal and its impact on the communities in which it is produced.
Reality shows typically utilize unknown performers, cheaper cameras and pre-existing locations that all reduce cost, and templates such as singing competitions
Photo courtesy of frimufilms via Freepik
How are Reality TV Filming Locations Different?
Reality TV filming locations vary from locations used to produce movies and scripted television series. You can clearly see the benefits of reality TV filming locations versus the cons of scripted television.
Scripted TV:
• Renewals and shifting locations can cause stress for cast and crew alike
• Moving around from location to location is not sustainable
Reality TV:
• These types of shows provide stability by allowing the entire production team to return to the same reality TV filming locations every day
and home improvement programs can be endlessly reused with minimal turnover for talent. In the age of uncertainty in the marketplace, reality television continues to be a winning viewership proposition. Netflix’s Love is Blind and Selling Sunset were some of the streamer’s most-watched programs in 2023. Additionally, staples like Survivor and The Amazing Race continue to dominate network television, showcasing diverse reality TV filming locations around the globe.
Reality TV Hotspots in the US
Los Angeles remains the center of reality TV filming locations for reality production. Its proximity to studio lots, glamorous Southern California homes and restaurants, and industry talent have sustained Vanderpump Rules and RuPaul’s Drag Race for decades.
Other reality location perennials include:
• Miami - for its photogenic beachfront mansions
• Atlanta - which boasts strong tax incentives and a thriving nightclub scene
Some shows are wedded to the character of their location, like:
• The Yukon wilderness of Gold Rush
• The Mediterranean coastlines of Below Deck
• They can create a sustainable production model that can benefit local hotels, restaurants and supply outlets that are frequented by production members
• Successful shows can attract visitors looking to catch a glimpse of their favorite reality stars and reality TV hotspots
• Location selection for reality programming is becoming increasingly democratic. The North American marketplace is progressively saturated with talent that can bring reality show success to practically any market
An alternative model to showcasing multiple reality TV filming locations is American Idol. While the singing competition films its climactic episodes at Red Studios in Hollywood, auditions are held throughout the country and utilize local crews and theatre staff (the most recent season shot everywhere from Tuskegee, Alabama, to Santa Barbara, California).
How Do Reality TV Filming Locations Impact Communities?
The most notable example of a reality TV hotspot boosting the local economy is the immense success of HGTV’s Fixer Upper . Premiering on HGTV in 2013, the show depicted the renovation and redecorating business of married Texas couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. Fixer Upper became an unprecedented phenomenon for the network by drawing millions of viewers per episode, and the couple’s signature architectural style of shiplap and wainscoting popularized the “farmhouse chic” style of the late 2010s that brought their Magnolia lifestyle brand national prominence.
Direct Community Impacts
Even more impressively, the show transformed the town of Waco, Texas, into a genuine reality TV hotspot and
Photo courtesy of andranik.h90 via Freepik
Photo courtesy of halalstock via Freepik
tourist destination with 1.6 million annual visitors coming to glimpse the couple’s renovated homes (crowds at the Magnolia Market shopping center draw more visitors than the Alamo during peak season). The Gaineses have coupled with the Waco Convention and Visitor Bureau to promote the city, which now competes with Dallas and Austin for young professionals along the I-35 corridor. HGTV has since replicated the model with shows like Good Bones in Indianapolis and Home Town in Laurel, Mississippi, with local CVBs creating a mutually beneficial promotion infrastructure.
What Benefits These Reality TV Hotspots?
Each of these reality TV filming locations benefitted from the assistance of a film commission. The benefits include: Staffed with knowledgeable locals and government employees, these organizations can point you to local areas of interest that will both distinguish your project and spotlight local businesses.
Whether you’re reserving a theater for local auditions or renting out a restaurant for a juicy gossip session from cast members, the film commission can help you acquire permits and develop relationships with local guilds to ensure the most efficient sets.
They will make sure you receive the most beneficial tax incentives, many of which can be applied specifically to reality programming.
For example, New Jersey’s tax credit can be applied to productions that utilize a space located in an Urban Enterprise Zone (which the state defines as an area suffering economic distress) and make at least $3 million in capital investment in the facility. This arrangement allows for the development of underserved areas and promotes new reality TV filming locations previously unseen on television.
Boost Your Local Community
Whether you want to increase revenue for local businesses or create replenishable filming initiatives for your city, reality television can bring a variety of positive developments. Collaborating with local film commissions can spotlight local talent and bring increased tax rebate benefits—all while promoting the local community to an international audience—and catapulting your area into reality TV hotspot status. When considering content for your next production, place reality programming at the top of the call sheet and think outside the box with unique reality TV filming locations in the U.S. DF
Photo courtesy of the Waco CVB
Fixer Upper’s Chip and Joanna Gaines turned Waco, Texas into a shopping destination.
Set-Jetting: A Travel Guide for Film Enthusiasts
LEARN ABOUT THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF FILM TOURISM AND FAMOUS NORTH AMERICAN FILM LOCATIONS, PLUS BONUS SET-JETTING TIPS
BY ASHLEY DALE
Set-jetting is a trend among film enthusiasts and involves traveling to locations where popular movies and TV shows were filmed. This type of film tourism has been gaining traction around the world, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite films and TV shows by exploring iconic movie sites. Set-jetting provides an exciting adventure for film enthusiasts and travelers alike and can also bring significant economic benefits to the local communities that host these famous filming locations.
Photo courtesy of shamaoonstudio via Freepik
New York City’s Central Park
Economic Impact of Film Tourism on Communities
Filming movies and television shows in a specific location can have a profound impact on the local economy, specifically in part due to the popular trend of set-jetting. Representatives from various Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) in numerous locations claim that the presence of a film crew typically leads to an increase in local tourism because fans are eager to visit the sites they've seen in movies and on TV.
An influx of visitors can potentially significantly boost the local economy and businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and tour operations. The flood of tourists creates jobs and generates revenue for the local community.
Must-Visit Set-Jetting Locations in North America
You don’t have to cross the ocean to find iconic film and TV locations with so many famous film destinations closer to home. If you’re looking to travel around North America on a set-jetting adventure, here are a few iconic places to visit.
Set-Jetting Tourism Stats
According to a report by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, set-jetting and film tourism led to $1 billion in visitor spending in 2022 alone. The report stated, "Approximately 12.7% of all visitors were motivated at least in part to visit Hawaii due to television programs and movies filmed in Hawaii or participated in a television program and movie filming location tour.” This adds up to a total of 4.5 million visitor days in 2022, leading to $1 billion in visitor spending. The report also stated that the results "support the importance of the film industry in promoting Hawaii as a tourist destination.”
Film tourism and set-jetting overall is a trend that has been on the rise since the end of the pandemic. According to Future Market Insights, the Film Tourism Sector - set-jetting - was estimated at US $66.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US $128.78 billion by 2032, which is a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.82% from 2022 to 2032.
• New York City’s Central Park: This is one of the most famous public parks and film locations for set-jetters on the East Coast of the United States. Set in the heart of Manhattan in New York City, Central Park has served as the backdrop for many films, including the holiday classics Elf and Home Alone 2
• Los Angeles, California’s Griffith Observatory: This iconic location offers stunning views of Los Angeles and has been featured in movies like La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause .
• Forks, Washington: Fans of the Twilight series can become intimately acquainted with the small town of Forks, Washington, where the series was filmed. This location has become a must-visit destination, with themed tours and a festival celebrating the vampire romance series.
• Arizona’s Monument Valley: This place, featuring stunning red rock formations, has been immortalized in films such as Forrest Gump and countless Westerns.
• Toronto, Canada: Toronto offers a chance to explore the city that brought the comic book, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” to life on the big screen. Other notable features filmed here include Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water , the television adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s classic novel, The Handmaid’s Tale , and the 1997 classic Good Will Hunting , which was filmed at the University of Toronto.
• Hawaiian Islands: Many iconic movies and television shows have been filmed in Hawaii, including Jurassic Park, The White Lotus, Kong: Skull Island and The Hunger Games. In fact, many tourists flock to the famous Kualoa Ranch to tour the area where dinosaurs roamed throughout the Jurassic World movie and battles played out in Kong: Skull Island.
Set-Jetting and Residual Effects on Local Tourism
One of the most beneficial aspects of the set-jetting trend is its long-term impact on local tourism and the communities in general. Even years after the production of a movie or television show has ended, fans continue to visit the locations featured on screen, providing a steady stream of tourists to
Photo courtesy of Alan Rodriguez via Unsplash
Jurassic World film set at Kualoa Ranch
the community. This has been the case for Sex and the City fans visiting New York City and Twilight buffs visiting the small town of Forks, Washington, all year long.
Another prime example is the small town of Senoia, Georgia, which was the filming location and backdrop for the smash hit television series The Walking Dead . The show began filming there in 2011; since then, the town has seen a significant increase in tourism. This massive increase has led to the opening of new businesses, job creation and a boost to the local economy that lasted long after the show ended.
Community Impacts from CVB Perspectives
Offering more than just economic benefits, set-jetting and film tourism can also have significant cultural and social impacts on local communities. Exposure to popular films and TV shows can help put smaller towns on the map, attracting visitors who may not have considered their travel destinations or even knew about them beforehand. An increase in local tourism can certainly help fund improvements to local infrastructure, foster new business growth and create a sense of pride among residents.
After the glow of film tourism wears off and the quieter off-season sets in, communities and businesses can shift their focus to other types of tourists and maybe even consider hosting online events, summits or other virtual experiences to sustain themselves. If you are considering set-jetting in the off-season, check local CVB and city websites for these types of events and experiences. Remember, some experiences are offered year-round depending on the location.
Why Should You Consider Set-Jetting?
Set-jetting is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. This unique form of tourism offers an exciting and experiential way for film enthusiasts to connect with their favorite movies and television shows while also supporting the local community economies. From the vibrant streets of New York City to the small towns of Georgia and Washington, there are countless iconic movie and television locations waiting to be explored across North America. DF
LEARN MORE
Interested in seeing what’s being filmed now and in the near future?
Visit our Who’s Shooting Where so you don’t miss a beat!
7 Practical Set-Jetting Tips
Our travel guide for film enthusiasts sets you up with tips for a successful trip. Before hopping on a plane for your next set-jetting adventure, here are some things to keep in mind:
TIP #1: Consider planning your visit during the offseason to avoid large crowds and potentially score better deals on lodging, transportation and activities.
TIP #2: Research all transportation options ahead of time, including car rental options, types of available and reliable public transit or joining an organized tour.
TIP #3: Calculate your trip budget by including expenses like lodging, meals, transportation and any special events or tours you want to experience.
TIP #4: Be respectful of the residents and be sure to adhere to any guidelines or rules applicable to the city or town, like curfews or noise ordinances.
TIP #5: Even though set-jetting is mostly about visiting iconic movie sites and television show sets, don’t forget to experience the local cuisine and shops, which also help support the local economy.
TIP #6: Many famous movie locations offer guided tours or host special events like festivals related to the films and TV shows shot there. CVB insights on tourism and more information about guided tours and special activities can typically be found on most CVB websites, so be sure to check the area you’ll be visiting and plan accordingly.
TIP #7: Remember to bring your camera because these iconic spots are perfect for capturing memorable photos to share with your family, friends and fellow film buffs.
Photo courtesy of Visit California/Hub
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Scan this QR code to learn more about the FLICS members mentioned in this article.
“California is a partner in the ever expanding global film industry.
The Film Liaisons In California Statewide (FLICS) doesn't take that for granted. Our members represent a variety of landscapes across the Golden State that can literally double for anywhere in the world and the FLICS are a valuable resource helping save productions time and money enabling them to maintain their focus on achieving a successful project."
– Sabrina Jurisich, FLICS President and Regional Film Commissioner for Upstate California
FLICS Thrives in the Filmmaking Landscape
CALIFORNIA STILL REIGNS SUPREME WHEN IT COMES TO THE HUB FOR FILM AND TV PRODUCTIONS
For over a century, California has been world-renowned for its films and television shows, and while still the most popular state to film in by far, more states have joined the competition. However, La La Land continues to be the go-to hub for productions, attracting aspiring actors, writers and creatives who hope for an opportunity to display their talent and stories. This success is only growing due to California’s Film and Television Tax Credit program, which was recently extended and revised by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The new bill focuses on creating economic opportunities for residents, having productions adhere to updated safety regulations, increasing diversity and job training, and introducing a new refundable tax credit that will last until 2030. This revised bill is estimated to be the most successful iteration
From baseball stadiums to open roads and historic architecture to unique urban settings, Lancaster, CA has everything filmmakers need to bring their vision to life.
Photo courtesy of City of Lancaster Film Liaison
since its initial launch over a decade ago. The expanded program aims to increase accessibility to more companies and boost state revenue while safeguarding jobs for locals. Productions can qualify for as much as a 25% tax credit depending on various factors, including if you are relocating, independent, or a feature film, new series or mini-series. Bringing your vision to light has never been easier, with the program offering incentives for any project. You can start your production in the Golden State with the help of the Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS) association and their devoted work. With nearly 60 film commissions and offices, FLICS is dedicated to serving you with location scouting, permitting, production assistance and consulting free of charge. Whether it’s for film, TV or commercials, FLICS has expert members across all jurisdictions of California to aid you with any production issues or questions. FLICS’ team can also assist in contacting appropriate agencies, industry associations, and unions. Visit their website for additional information, directories, job listings and contact forms. Continue reading to learn more about the perfect locations that will bring your production to life. DF
LANCASTER
Located in the heart of the Antelope Valley in Southern California, Lancaster has become a sought-after destination for filmmakers. Distinctive landscapes feature sprawling deserts, Joshua trees, and stunning sunsets for a variety of natural backdrops. A blend of modern and historic architecture, a vibrant arts scene, cinematic open skies and unique urban settings draw filmmakers here.
Monterey County’s beautiful and diverse locations have drawn filmmakers here for decades. We're picture-perfect with dramatic coastal settings including Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf, quaint Carmel-by-theSea, and Big Sur. Plus there are rural and agricultural looks in the Salinas Valley—"Steinbeck Country." From famous films to Big Little Lies, the best locations are found here.
Karen Nordstrand MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION
831-646-0910
Karen@filmmonterey.org www.FilmMonterey.org
Background photo courtesy of Monterey County Film Commission
Rugged shoreline in Big Sur, Monterey County
PLACER COUNTY-LAKE TAHOE
Placer County boasts stunning locations, including rich farmlands and industrial sites of the valley, rivers and forests of the foothills, and the sparkling blue lake and ski resorts of the mountains. We welcome all media productions to scout, film and enjoy our spectacular natural beauty year-round.
UPSTATE CALIFORNIA
Find your next location in Upstate California! We are here to help with pre-scouting, permits, local referrals, at no cost to you ! Our region encompasses four counties with diverse options: valleys, mountaintops, small towns, waterfalls, caverns, rivers, historic, modern, state and national parks, and more! Contact us today!
Juli Johnston, Film Program Liaison
PLACER-LAKE TAHOE
FILM OFFICE
530-889-4091
filmoffice@placer.ca.gov www.filmplacertahoe.com
Sabrina Jurisich, Regional Film Commissioner UPSTATE CALIFORNIA FILM COMMISSION • 530-690-1776
sabrina@upstatecafilm.com www.UpstateCAFilm.com
WEST HOLLYWOOD
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 the 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, Film Coordinator CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD FILM OFFICE
323-848-6489
wehofilm@weho.org www.weho.org/film
SITE InSpections
Showcasing film commissions with outstanding locations along with attractive financial incentives
Photo courtesy of
Spring Bay, located on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands
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 Missourisometimes in the same day!
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
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.
Fantastic Caverns
Missouri has the most caves per square mile in the United States, giving it the well-earned moniker of “The Cave State.” But Fantastic Caverns, located just north of
Springfield, Missouri, is the only ridethru cave, not just in the state, but in the whole country! The cave boasts gorgeous rock formations from the size of soda straws to massive columns that span floor to ceiling, and a crystal clear underground river.
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.
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
mofilm@ded.mo.gov MoFilm.org
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Missouri offers a 20% base transferable tax credit on qualified production expenses with additional potential increases to 42%. Get all the details at MoFilm. org. In addition, the Kansas City Film Office offers a 10% rebate for projects produced in the KC Metro area.
Union Station
Fantastic Caverns
Missouri Mine State Historic Site
ST. LOUIS, MO
Great location, easy access, a favorable economy, four distinct seasons, an eclectic music scene, cooperative city and county governments, and great transportation options are just a few of the advantages to filming in St. Louis. The St. Louis Film Office is here to help you find the best the city can provide.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
The Gateway Arch Riverfront
Founded by the National Park Service in 1935 to commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States, the Gateway Arch National Park (formerly known as the “Jefferson National Expansion Memorial”) stretches from the Old Courthouse to the steps overlooking the Mississippi River. Its riverfront stretches 1.5 miles. The landscape around the Gateway Arch reflects the monument’s curvilinear nature. Anchoring the west end of the park, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture.
Union Station
When it opened in 1894, the St. Louis Union Station was the world's largest and busiest railroad station and its train shed was the largest roof span in the world. The station was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 as an important surviving example of large-scale railroad architecture from the late 19th century. Today, Union Station is a beautiful balance of nostalgia and renovation. The stylish and sophisticated Grand Hall features elegant historic touches like the original terrazzo floor, green glazed terracotta bricks, stained glass windows and wooden carpentry detailing.
Historic Laclede's Landing
Located just north of Gateway Arch National Park on the Mississippi Riverfront, the Landing is a multiblock collection of cobblestone streets and vintage brick-and-castiron warehouses dating from 1850 through 1900. The district is the only remaining section of St. Louis’ 19th century commercial riverfront.
Lemp Brewery
Originally a beer brewery established in 1840, the Lemp Brewery complex currently consists of 27 buildings on a 13.7-acre site bounded by Cherokee Street on the north, Lemp Avenue on the west and South Broadway on the southeast. The original complex buildings were designed in the Italian Renaissance style, with a wealth of brick detailing, arched openings and multi-light windows.
FILM CREDITS
Up in the Air, Escape From New York, On Fire
ADDITIONAL REASONS
PRODUCTION COMPANIES
CHOOSE ST. LOUIS:
• Diverse shooting locations
• Impressive production crew base
• Professional, diverse talent pool
• State-of-the-art post-production facilities
• 38,000+ hotel rooms with over 7,000 in downtown St. Louis
• Non-stop flights from L.A., New York, Chicago and more than 60 major U.S. cities
• Extensive equipment rental
• Stage space, soundstages, unique venues and theaters
• Easy permitting system
ST. LOUIS FILM OFFICE
Kelley Hiatt
Film Office Manager
314-992-0625
khiatt@explorestlouis.com explorestlouis.com
Learn how you can benefit from the MO Motion Media Production Tax Credit.
St. Louis Union Station
Lemp Brewery
Historic Laclede's Landing
ST. JOSEPH, MO
St. Joseph has historically been known for the start of the Pony Express and the end of Jesse James, as you can visit the original headquarters of the Pony Express, the stable grounds of its first rider, and the house where Jesse James was shot and killed (all within a couple blocks of each other). It has also grown in popularity among Kansas City Chiefs fans, as it has been the summer home of Chiefs Training Camp since 2010.
St. Joseph is easily accessible in a variety of ways, as it is the crossing location of Highway 36 and I-29. It has its own airport (Rosecrans Memorial Airport) but is also conveniently located a short drive north of Kansas City International Airport.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Corner of Eighth & Felix St.
A "welcome" sign arches over the popular downtown intersection of Eighth and Felix St. It's a perfect location to showcase the charming, friendly downtown district of a smaller city while evoking
a nostalgic atmosphere for an unmistakable bygone era scene. Additionally, it neighbors a nice restaurant on the corner with patio seating and a very picturesque rooftop bar.
Shakespeare Chateau
The Shakespeare Chateau Inn and Gardens showcases a historic mansion with stunning woodwork, opulent stained glass and wallpapering, and other unique features rarely found anywhere else in the U.S. when compared to its overall aesthetic. It was the feature
location for the plot of Christmas at the Chateau (2019) and today, it operates as a successful bed and breakfast. Its location perfectly represents the high-class lifestyle of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Downtown Banks
St. Joseph’s multiple banks have made appearances in numerous feature films. Whether it's something similar to what Jesse James would have robbed, like the one featured in Paper Moon (1973), or something larger that represents multiple decades of styles and architectural choices, St. Jo has it. Location scouts downtown will find red brick facades and ornate architecture to artfully and authentically capture your period shots.
Missouri River & Parks
St. Joseph sits just on the east side of the Missouri River, making it an ideal location with bluff lookouts for sunsets and river scenes. St. Joseph also has one of the most elaborate park systems in the region, with a 26-mile parkway and boulevard system that spans 53 parks and related facilities comprising over 1,500 acres. The St. Joseph Parks system is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
FILM CREDITS
Paper Moon (1973), Christmas at the Chateau (2019), 25 Miles to Normal (2024)
ST. JOSEPH, MO CVB
Christian Mengel 816-233-8866
cmengel@stjomo.com stjomo.com
period-appropriate
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Filming in St. Joseph, MO (Buchanan County), can qualify for up to a 40% tax incentive through the Missouri Motion Media Production Tax Credit Program.
Overlooking the Missouri River at sunset.
A
car drives by one of the best preserved banks in the region, the Missouri Valley Trust Bank Building.
Photos courtesy of St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau
KENTUCKY
Home to rolling hills, bustling cityscapes and friendly small towns, Kentucky offers a diverse array of settings while maintaining its distinct Bluegrass State charm. Whether your team is looking for a rugged Appalachian backdrop, a quintessential small town main street or city backdrops that can double for New York City, you can find them in the state that also offers four distinct seasons and more navigable waterways than any other state in the U.S. other than Alaska. With generous incentives and large pool of local talent, Kentucky is the ideal choice for your next project.
The Kentucky Office of Film and Development was created to encourage the film and entertainment industry to choose locations in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for filming of motion picture or entertainment productions. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development administers the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive program and is a resource to producers and filmmakers who have questions about filming in Kentucky.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Louisville Kentucky’s largest city is home to famous sites like Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Factory and
the Ohio River shoreline. Filmmakers can also take advantage of Old Louisville, a gorgeous historic district that contains more restored Victorian homes than anywhere in the United States and is an excellent setting for period pieces. Productions will have easy access to experienced crew, gear rentals and expansive studio space.
Lexington
Home to the University of Kentucky and famed statesman Henry Clay, Lexington features academic buildings, horse racing courses and thriving downtown districts for your next project. Coming in 2023 is the state-of-
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Covington
the-art, 52,000-square foot studio facility overseen by the Lexingtonbased Wrigley Media Group.
Danville
Danville’s downtown has earned the coveted Great American Main Street Award, and its perfect backdrop for projects set in an allAmerican small town. Buildings in the area such as the Willis Russell House (which dates back to 1837) and the Fisher Ford House (a two-story log cabin) and several antebellum mansions also can lend historic authenticity.
Keeneland Racecourse
Founded in 1935 and designated a National Historic Site in 1986, this 147-acre facility in Lexington is one of the most famous horse racing venues in the world. The films Seabiscuit and Secretariat both used the track for their racing sequences, and the venue’s grandstand design lends it a timeless quality.
Covington
Located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, this city’s waterside views can be seen in The Killing of a Sacred Deer and The Ides of March . The downtown area is brimming with Italianate brick buildings and expansive murals, while the St. Anne Convent in nearby Melbourne was featured in the Oscar-winning Rain Man .
FILM CREDITS
Above Suspicion, The Asphalt Jungle, Elizabethtown, Goldfinger, The Kentuckian, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Rain Man, Seabiscuit
KENTUCKY CABINET FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Timothy Bates
502-564-7670
tbates@ky.gov
ced.ky.gov
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program offers up to $75 million in annual tax credits to qualified projects. A refundable income tax credit of up to 30% of approved expenditures in nonenhanced incentive counties and 35% in enhanced incentive counties can be applied for by reaching out to the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. The state offers an additional 5% incentive for Kentuckyresident crew members. A minimum Kentucky spend for narrative films is $250,000 ($125,000 for Kentucky residents) and $20,000 for documentaries ($10,000 for Kentucky residents).
Danville
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Lexington
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.
The setting of beautiful Montana added such depth to our film. The filmmaker and producers always knew that Montana itself would be its own character in the story, but we never could have imagined what an incredible impact Montana had not only on the film, but, also on all the cast and crew. We have filmed in many states, but this was by far the best experience.”
– God’s Country
Established in 1974, the Montana Film Office at the Montana Department of Commerce markets Montana as a business destination for production companies and provides technical assistance to productions that choose Montana. It is the responsibility of our office to ensure the state is film friendly. We work with producers to find locations that fit their script and serve as their liaison through every phase of their production. Producers have come to depend on the Montana Film Office to help navigate permitting, understand regulation processes, and assist in location nuances. In the film industry, time really is money. A state’s willingness and ability to facilitate film productions often becomes a factor in choosing their location.
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 barn, in addition to a main street for shootouts and establishing shots.
Butte
The largest historic district in the country was transformed for the location shoot of 1923 starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. The Highland Mountains and east-ridge of the Continental Divide surround the city of Butte. Productions can
utilize the stately mansions and Victorian architecture of the uptown business district as well as the numerous ghost towns in outlying areas.
Gunslinger Gulch
This unique old west Montana town is located on 52 acres ringed by mountains reaching 10,400 feet high and features a brothel, jailhouse, log cabin, boarding house, and on-site guest ranch that lend authenticity to Western-themed films and TV shows.
Old Montana Prison
The oldest Territorial Prison in the Western United States dates back to 1870 and features immense grey sandstone walls. The prison was decommissioned in 1979, but the facility still houses cells, warden's quarters, yards, 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).
FILM CREDITS
Butcher's Crossing, Outlaw Posse, Yellowstone, 1923, The Revenant, Certain Women, A River Runs Through It, Far and Away, God's Country, Mending the Line
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
406-841-2876
montanafilm@mt.gov
montanafilm.com
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).
Butte
Billings Virginia City
GLACIER COUNTRY, MT
Western Montana’s cinematic landscapes, Old West allure, and rich history have long inspired film producers, setting the stage for films like The Revenant and binge-worthy TV shows like "Yellowstone." In addition to unrivaled landscapes, Glacier Country features more than 75 vibrant communities where you’ll find historic Western architecture and authentic, small-town Americana. You’ll also find ease of access and unmatched hospitality while filming here.
Along with the Montana Film Office, Western Montana's Glacier Country is here to help you find your next showstopping location. Discover the perfect setting among idyllic panoramas, towering mountain backdrops, lush forestland, glistening waterways—like Flathead Lake—and endless rivers and streams. Set the scene in Western Montana's Glacier Country.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Missoula
Halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks is the city of Missoula, Montana’s cultural hub.
The state’s second-largest city is home to nine historic districts and is surrounded by a vast mountain range that stretches far toward the horizon. This treasured locale has served as the setting for legendary classics in the Western genre, including the ongoing series "Yellowstone," starring Kevin Costner.
Libby
Libby sits at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range in the Kootenai River Valley and combines authentic mountain experiences and breathtaking scenery with abundant
Set the scene.
outdoor recreation. Area attractions include Libby Dam, Ross Creek Cedar Grove, the Kootenai River and Kootenai Falls, seen in 2015’s The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio. This location is also notable for the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge, located above Kootenai Falls.
Darby
Darby sits at the southern tip of the Bitterroot Valley and is home to 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. Darby is also a primary filming location for the "Yellowstone" series, as the Dutton Ranch is located there.
Kalispell
Kalispell is a vibrant mountain town with a notable Western allure located between Flathead Lake, Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. This 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.
FILM CREDITS
The Shining, Hidalgo, Forrest Gump, The Revenant, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
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.
Montana’s I-90 Corridor
Blackfoot River
Photo courtesy of Andy Austin
MONTANA’S YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
With dramatic mountains, rushing rivers and picturesque towns that offer modern-day amenities and historic charm — all under a renowned big sky — Montana’s Yellowstone Country can fill a variety of roles.
Comprising five southern counties, Montana’s Yellowstone Country provides filmmakers with a wild paradise brimming with diverse landscapes for one-of-a-kind cinematic opportunities.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Yellowstone Film Ranch
Located in the cinematically beautiful Paradise Valley, the Yellowstone Film Ranch features a western backlot modeled after a late 1800s gold rush town, prairie and forest land and medieval sets.
The ranch also has a production office in Livingston available for rent that includes studio space and a costume and prop house.
Livingston
Livingston sits at the north end of the spectacular Paradise Valley, where the Yellowstone River runs between the Gallatin Mountains and the Absaroka Mountains to the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park. The town, which features many buildings from the 1890s, a healthy dose of neon and a lively
arts and culture scene, has long beckoned outdoor enthusiasts with its easy access to adventures like fly fishing, horseback riding and rafting as well as creative types with its breathtaking — and endlessly inspiring — scenery.
Bozeman
Bozeman is a modern western town that retains its historic character, as evidenced by its attractive, bustling main street. With the Bridger Mountains to the north and the Spanish Peaks to the south, Bozeman’s urban arts, culture and dining scene is balanced by the staggering natural beauty and incredible opportunities for recreation nearby. The city’s international airport provides easy access.
Big Timber
The dramatic Crazy Mountains serve as the filmworthy backdrop to Big Timber, a quaint Montana town — complete with historic buildings on its charming main street — set amid farms and ranches in the Yellowstone River valley.
FILM CREDITS
Murder at Yellowstone City, The Old Way, Terror on the Prairie, Yellowstone, A River Runs Through It, 1883, Broken Arrow, Certain Women, Cowboys vs. Dinosaurs, Rancho Deluxe, Montana Story, God’s Country, Far and Away, The Horse Whisperer, Candy Land, “Crying in the Rain” A-ha music video
MONTANA'S YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
Robin Hoover, Executive Director robin@yellowstonecountry.net (406) 556-8680 visityellowstonecountry.com
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Montana’s Big Sky Film Grant program builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies with the intention of creating Montana film industry jobs. In addition to providing grant funding, the program elevates and supports Montana filmmakers, crew and those businesses and individuals providing the products, services and locations to the film industry. To qualify, a production must film 50% or more of the principal photography days in Montana.
Montana offers a 20% transferable income tax credit on production expenditures in the state.
Yellowstone Film Ranch Livingston
Keelia
Isaly
Yellowstone Productions
SOUTHWEST MONTANA
Southwest Montana is a prime film destination that offers a variety of historic small towns, ranches, wideopen spaces, mountains, lakes and rivers, ghost towns and more. Nestled between two of America's most beautiful parks, Yellowstone and Glacier, Southwest Montana offers the best of Big Sky Country.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Butte
Established in 1864 as a mining camp in the northern Rocky Mountains on the Continental Divide, Butte was one of the largest copper boomtowns in the American West. The city’s Uptown Historic District is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S., with nearly 6,000 contributing properties. Located on a hillside on the northwestern edge of town, this area is noted for its abundance of lavish Victorian homes and Queen Anne-style cottages built in the late 19th century. Throughout Uptown and
western Butte are 14 headframes, remnants of hoist houses accessing 10,000 miles of underground mine tunnels honeycombing the Butte hill. In 2002, Butte was one of only 12 towns in America named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Helena
Montana’s capital city, Helena was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush. The city became wealthy, with some 50 millionaires inhabiting the area by 1888. The concentration of wealth contributed to the city’s prominent, elaborate
Victorian architecture. All across Helena, you can experience historic roots that reach back hundreds of years—from Carroll College and the Mansion District to the Montana State Capitol building. Surrounding features include the Continental Divide, Mount Helena City Park, Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Lake Helena, Helena National Forest, the Missouri River and Elkhorn Mountains.
Anaconda and Philipsburg Area
Nestled in a mile-high valley in the Deer Lodge National Forest, Anaconda sprang up when the giant Anaconda Copper Mining Company of Butte needed a smelter for its vast amount of copper ore. While smelting operations were suspended in 1980, “The Stack” remains an important landmark and state park. Anaconda is characterized by densely timbered forestlands, lakes, mountains and recreation grounds. The county has common borders with Beaverhead, Butte-Silver Bow, Granite, Jefferson and Powell counties. On the main street is the Washoe Theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the last theater constructed in the U.S. in the Nuevo Deco style.
FILM CREDITS
Father Stu, Yellowstone, 1923, Call of the Wild, Heaven's Gate, Mickey and the Bear
VISIT SOUTHWEST MONTANA
Sarah Bannon
406-846-1943
info@southwestmt.com film.southwestmt.com
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Montana offers a number of competitive incentives to bring productions to Big Sky Country, including a media tax credit and the Big Sky Film Grant. The Montana Film Office works closely with the advertising, film and television industries to bring productions to the state in a partnership that is beneficial to your crew as well as Montana.
BIG SKY FILM GRANT
This grant program builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies with the intention to create Montana film industry jobs. It enhances the marketing efforts of Montana’s tourism regions and advocates for the state’s people, history and overall quality of life.
Butte
Nevada City
Photo by Andy Austin
Photo by Donnie Sexton, Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development
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.
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 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 adventures, they provide information on hidden gems. Job one for Visit Billings is to be your local resource in facilitating seamless location-shooting and simplifying production logistics.
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.
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
Billings lives up to Montana's Big Sky Country moniker.
the other highlights an industrial cityscape. The crown jewel of the area is Pictograph Cave State Park.
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.
Western Heritage Center
Known today as the Western Heritage Center, this historic building along Montana Avenue in downtown Billings is a celebrated landmark sitting along the railroad. In 1901, this building opened as Parmly Billings Library and aimed to increase the quality of life in Billings. Architect C.S. Haire used native sandstone from the Rimrocks and today, it's accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Pryor Mountains
The type of terrain that makes up the Pryors consist of flat benches, high deserts, mesas, buttes and deep limestone canyons, and it is partially forested. The Pryor Mountain Range is also host to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, which is home to 120 wild mustangs.
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
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
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.
Billings Depot
Western Heritage Center
Rimrocks
UTICA, NY
No matter the size or type of production that you are interested in filming, know that Film Utica and its partners are here to make your production, life and working experience in our area are as enjoyable, simple and exciting as possible.
The Mohawk Valley region’s diverse landscape gives filmmakers a wide array of locations for cinematography. From inner city, medical, office, correctional, time-period, suburban, natural and rural farmlands, we have the ability to create or replicate any type of location your production team is seeking. Check back with us on a regular basis as we are continuing to grow our resources daily.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
The Stanley Theatre and Sound Stage
A Baroque movie palace in Utica, The Stanley Theatre and Sound Stage is located on the expanding southern edge of downtown, some
four blocks away from Utica's theater district. The design motif of The Stanley Theatre is dubbed “Mexican Baroque” because of its unique blend of styles. The terra cotta and tiled mosaic exterior shows its Mexican influence, while Habsburg lions, Indian faces and a multitude of angels and cherubs grace the lavish gold leaf Baroque theater’s interior. Legend has it that the grand entry staircase was designed to resemble the main staircase on the Titanic.
Fort Schuyler Club
Located in the heart of downtown Utica, kitty-corner to The Stanley Theatre, the Fort Schuyler Club was
founded in 1883 and is the area’s only private club of its kind. It is significant as a rare and substantially intact example of a late 19th-20thcentury social club. It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Saranac/FX Matt Brewery
The Saranac/FX Matt Brewery in Utica, New York, epitomizes picturesque beauty and historic charm, with its red-brick facade, vintage signage and well-preserved industrial architecture that evoke a timeless elegance. Inside, rustic brewing equipment and tasting rooms adorned with historical artifacts offer versatile settings for a range of scenes while the newly designed Biergarten provides a picturesque outdoor oasis.
Village of Clinton
Nestled in the heart of Upstate New York, the village of Clinton exudes a timeless charm captivating visitors with its quaint tree-lined streets, inviting storefronts, a village square and historic 19th-century architecture. Strolling along Clinton's charming streets, one can't help but feel transported to a bygone era.
FILM CREDITS
The Good Shepherd, Sterile Cuckoo, Severance, Clean, rainwreck: Woodstock ’99, Utica: The Last Refuge, As Long As We Both Shall Live, The Mountain, On the Road, Slap Shot
FILM UTICA
Lisa Wilsey 315-724-4000
filmutica315@gmail.com www.filmutica.com
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
To encourage film companies to film in New York, productions that comply with the requirements may be eligible for a tax credit of 30% percent of qualified production expenses. Qualified expenses include certain above-theline wages subject to specific caps, belowthe-line wages, and production costs directly related to the production of a qualified film. This tax credit is funded at $700 million a year through 2034.
FX Matt Brewery
The Stanley Theatre
CITY CRUISES NEW YORK
While City Cruises is traditionally known for hosting public dining cruises and private events, the company’s fleet of yachts are also sought-after production venues for TV and movie producers looking for flexible spaces that offer a blank canvas for capturing scenes that include iconic NYC sights as the backdrop. City Cruises yachts range in size, with capacity for 120 to 1,000 passengers. Each yacht has its own unique style ranging from traditional to modern in design.
FILM ON THE WATER WITH CITY CRUISES
All yachts have interior climatecontrolled decks with large windows and large outer decks offering unparalleled views of iconic sights from a variety of angles, creating alluring backdrops.
While routes are completely customizable, classic iconic New York City sights seen from yacht routes along the Hudson and East Rivers include the Empire State Building, Vessel at Hudson Yards, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, Battery
Park City, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Governors Island, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Iconic New Jersey sights viewed from yacht routes are Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the Colgate Clock and Erie Lackawanna Railroad Terminal.
CUSTOMIZABLE SPACES
All yachts can be used in traditional dining, sightseeing, private party cruise set-ups. Additionally, they can be cleared out, functioning as a blank, customizable space with
Set the Scene with Stunning Views You Won’t Find on Land
City Cruises yachts are sought-after production venues, offering versatile filming space with breathtaking views of NYC landmarks. (Capacity ranges from 120 to 1,000).
external furniture, lighting, sound and finishings bringing each production’s vision to fruition. Each yacht has full electricity, running water and HVAC. Yachts have a combination of polished wood flooring and carpeted interiors. Most furniture can be removed except for some built-in bar counters. An accommodating team of expert captains and deck hands are equipped to handle various set-ups and can work closely to support a film crew in all their on-site needs.
YACHT DETAILS
• Infinity is 45’ wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 1,000
• Spirit of New York is 36’ wide x 197’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600
• Spirit of New Jersey is 33’ wide x 185’ long and has a passenger capacity of 600
• Celestial (Bateaux New York) is 37' wide x 210’ long and has a passenger capacity of 300
• Atlantica is 34' wide x 150' long and has a passenger capacity of 400
• Serenity is 31’ wide x 145’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425
• Sensation is 39” wide x 114’ long and has a passenger capacity of 425
• Lexington is 24' wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120
• Manhattan Elite is 20' wide x 96’ long and has a passenger capacity of 120
FILM CREDITS
Succession, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Million Dollar Listing, Side Effects, CSI: Miami, Entourage, Dexter, Hells Kitchen, The Bachelor
City Cruises has two easy-to-access port locations in Manhattan and one in New Jersey where their nine New York-based yachts can depart from:
• Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers in NYC: West 23rd and 12th Avenue, NYC
• Pier 15 at the Seaport in NYC: 78 South Street, NYC
• Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken: 1500 Harbor Blvd, Weehawken, NJ
Manhattan Elite has a passenger capacity of 120.
Spirit of New York has a passenger capacity of 600.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
From experienced crews and knowledgeable and connected local production managers (LPMs) to rolling green hills and seemingly never-ending white powdery sandy beaches, the BVI can match any tropical storyboard you can imagine.
Known for our sunsets and sunrises that create "out of body" experiences, dive sites and underwater locations filled with ancient relics, naval wreckage and bright tropical fish, and handsomely weathered structures that have stood the test of time and witnessed over 200 years of history, there is no shortage of Nature’s Little Secrets to bring your project to life.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
The Baths Visitors to Virgin Gorda, regarded as one of the BVI's most stunning,
will discover vegetation-lined walking trails, several nature sanctuaries, awe-inspiring views from Gorda Point and its mesmerizing natural rock and cave formations.
The Copper Mine
The rustic charm and location of The Copper Mine beckons filmmakers seeking a touch of authenticity and a glimpse into the bygone era of mining. Discover the historic allure and captivating rich beauty of The Copper Mine on Virgin Gorda, which was constructed in 1837.
Mt. Healthy Ruins
The Mt. Healthy windmill is a striking ruined landmark nestled on the picturesque Tortola. This historic site holds a rich past. Mt. Healthy windmill is perfect for filmmakers seeking a unique and evocative backdrop, offering a captivating setting rich in history and character.
The Anegada Conch Shell Mound
Thousands of conch shells intricately form a massive mound, serving as a testament to the Arawak people who once inhabited Anegada thousands of years ago. The mound's striking appearance against the backdrop of the crystal-clear waters and azure skies offers a visually stunning setting for filmmakers.
Main Street
Along Main Street, the historic landmarks include the old Post Office, the Folk Museum, Britannic Hall and St. George’s Anglican Church. Immerse yourself in the colorful jumble of lively street stalls and markets selling everything under the sun. Main Street is home to a colorful crafts market and a selection of shops.
FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
The Old Man & The Sea, The Fixers, Below Deck, The Deep, Nick & Vanessa's Dream Wedding, Abilene, Virgin Island, Road House 2024 (scene).
BVI TOURIST BOARD & FILM COMMISSION
Natalie Hodge (284) 496-8299
nhodge@bvitourism.com bvitourism.com
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
• No film permit fees applicable
• One-day film permit turn-around (dependent on submission of all required documents)
• Assistance with work permit applications (varies)
• No fees for equipment importation
• No drone permit fees (acts as a liaison between Air Safety Support International, UK)
• Liaison between Immigration and Customs departments
• Endless Opportunities Beyond Your Imagination
Main Street in Road Town, located on Tortola
The Baths, Virgin Gorda
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi has a diversity of locations: the white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, the panoramic agricultural expanse of the Delta along the Mississippi River, the rolling hills of the historic Natchez Trace, and the grandeur of the many pre-Civil War mansions throughout the state. River communities, town squares and railroad cities reach from the early 1800s to the 1920s and ’30s, while modern cities, industrial complexes and universities reach toward the future.
FEATURED LOCATIONS Hills
In addition to rolling hills and secluded lakes, northern Mississippi features an interesting blend of the midcentury Americana of town squares and modern, bustling small cities. Unique landmarks include Rowan Oak (the 1848 home of William Faulkner) and the University of Mississippi in Oxford, and the birthplace of Elvis Presley and Buffalo Park in Tupelo.
Delta
The Delta features vast farmlands, including acres of white cotton,
hundreds of catfish ponds and a variety of agricultural communities. Greenville, Clarksdale, Carrollton and Greenwood are the historical jewels of the region that embrace music, literature and agriculture. The area also features the cultural influence of vibrant Chinese, Lebanese and Italian communities. Tunica is a top-10 gaming destination while Victorian homes and a magnificent, well-preserved main street are found in Yazoo City.
Pines
The eastern-central pines are an unspoiled wilderness blending with
19th-century homes and main streets, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and abundant lakes, streams and swamps. Unique backdrops include the magnificent Riley Center/Opera House in Meridian and Mississippi State University’s iconic quad campus in Starkville.
Capital/River
The capital/river region is rich in history, featuring a blend of contemporary architecture intermingled with turn-of-the-century buildings. The Barnett Reservoir is a 33,000-acre man-made lake with swamps and small marinas. Natchez boasts over 500 pre-Civil War structures while the Vicksburg National Military Park displays Civil War earthworks.
Coastal
Mississippi’s coast features 26 miles of white sand beaches, five pristine barrier islands, an array of casinos and vacation destinations, culturally rich Vietnamese, Chinese and Yugoslavian communities, a NASA complex and one of the largest shipbuilding facilities in the United States—all along the sparkling Gulf of Mexico.
FILM CREDITS
A Time to Kill, The Help, O Brother Where Art Thou?, Home Town (HGTV TV series), My Dog Skip, The Card Counter, The Inspection, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt
The city of Laurel, where the hit HGTV series Home Town
a
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
For detailed information on the Mississippi Motion Picture Incentive Program, which offers a 25-35% cash rebate on eligible expenditures and payroll, as well as our new Mississippi Episodic Television Incentive Program, visit filmmississippi.org/ incentive.
Natchez, one of the oldest settlements along the Mississippi River that was established in 1716, features an array of stunning antebellum architecture like Dunleith Historic Inn, built in 1855.
is filmed, features
downtown area with plenty of small town charm and eclectic storefronts.
Courtesy of Chandler Griffin/Mississippi Film Office
Courtesy of Visit Mississippi
"As a longtime Location Scout and Manager that has worked in several film markets, I can say that Atlantic City has been one of the best-kept surprises I've found upon returning to the area. The generous support offered by Heather Colache and local public safety systems allow Productions to meet deadlines on budget and with virtually no red tape. The City's landscape has so much to offer, including it's fabulous entertainment backdrops, historical Prohibition-era architecture, a thriving small business community, diverse neighborhoods, vibrant network of mural art installations, and general can-do spirit have me coming back for more.”
– Suzanne Koneful, Local Location Manager, Location Managers Guild International member
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 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 and energy. The opportunity to incorporate the miles of beach and
boardwalk all while sticking to one location is possible at the Steel Pier.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Formerly known as the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall, the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall has been the host of countless events throughout the 1900s. The beautiful arches and stonework give a unique and grand impression that will only continue when you step into the giant hall.
Iconic Beaches and Landmarks
Atlantic City boasts beautiful seaside beach town landscapes, including Ventnor City and Atlantic City beaches where you'll find an array of attractions right on the sand. The Absecon Lighthouse offers a unique backdrop or setting for your shoot just steps from the boardwalk. The famous Caesars Palace Pier offers one-of-a-kind restaurants, luxury stores like Burberry and Gucci, and dancing fountains with interactive water, light and sound elements for unrivaled scene settings.
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.
FILM CREDITS
Frances, Bruised, Army of the Dead, Warrior, The Bounty, The Color of Money, Snake Eyes, Rounders, So Fly Christmas, The Atlantic City Story, Margate Memories
New Jersey offers productions that shoot in Atlantic City a tax incentive program of up to 35% in tax credit that allows them to open the door to filmmakers and create opportunities for productions who qualify with a spend up to 60% on in-state expenditures or spend more than $1 million in qualified production expenses. Productions that meet New Jersey’s diversity requirement can receive an additional 2% tax credit totaling 37%.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Atlantic City Beach
Showboat Hotel
and
SIMI VALLEY, CA
Brilliant, breathtaking landscapes are Simi Valley’s specialty, but the location offers so much more.
Simi Valley features over 70,000 sq. ft. of soundstage space, plus post-production facilities, standing sets, backlots, and production infrastructure. Featuring lightningfast permitting turnarounds, Simi Valley is near Los Angeles and within the Thirty Mile Zone, so productions can save money on taxes, fees, lodging and per diems.
Tucked between Simi Hills and the gorgeous Santa Susana Mountains, Simi Valley is a wide-open expanse of brilliant scenery, including natural craggy rock formations, untamed hills, and breathtaking sunsets. Filmmakers come from all over for the area's diverse natural panoramas and dynamic film sets equipped with state-of-the-art film production technology.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Big Sky Movie Ranch
Big Sky Movie Ranch is a more than 7,000-acre ranch located within a 30-mile radius in the hills surrounding Simi Valley. Big Sky provides a vast variety of
backgrounds and diverse locations that are easily accessible for filming. Versatile locations include a pond and waterfall, an old ranch house and western church sets, mature oak trees, grassy meadows, valleys, rocky outcroppings, over 20 miles of roads, trails and incredible views.
Allied Studios & 76 Ranch
Allied Studios offers a huge studio/ backlot campus, including more than 78,000 square feet of fully finished stages, an 8,000-square-foot stage with cyc, over 12,000 square feet of office space, a business district backlot, a 10-acre open backlot and a 1,000-acre movie ranch only minutes from campus. Parking for
The lush valleys
sun-kissed hills of Simi Valley
crews and trucks is abundant, and Allied has the capability to host multiple base camps. With studio rental comes a full complement of optional production support and services, including offering 24/7 onsite security.
Arroyo West Studios
Arroyo West Studios features two certified sound stages, making it a popular choice for many television and film productions. Innovation is key for Arroyo West: benefits include a De Sisti motorized lighting hoist system, power and dimmers on the grid, 208V power adapters, laser-leveled floors and silent air conditioning. Count on lots of free ample parking, a loading dock and warehouse space. Grip and lighting support are also available.
Corriganville Park
Operated by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District since 1998, Corriganville Park is famous for the dozens of classic Western films and television shows that were produced here. Steeped in history, Corriganville offers scenic trails, rolling hills and beautiful vistas perfect for creating a natural setting.
FILM CREDITS
Little House on the Prairie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Captain America: The First Avenger, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Men in Black, The Big Lebowski, Transformers, Coming to America, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Fort Apache, The Lone Ranger
FILM SIMI VALLEY
Anthony Angelini (805) 526-3900 anthony@simichamber.org www.filmsimivalley.com
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
The City of Simi Valley makes film permitting easy and straightforward.
Strathearn Historical Park
Hiking the rocky peaks of Simi Valley
Natural craggy rock formations
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
The Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit (OFTTC) is a refundable tax credit available to eligible Ontariobased Canadian corporations of 35% of qualified Ontario labor expenditures. The Ontario Producer Services Tax Credit (OPSTC) is a refundable tax credit to eligible Ontariobased Canadian and foreigncontrolled corporations of 21.5% of qualified Ontario production expenditures.
Ultra-modern house in Pickering
DURHAM REGION, ONTARIO
Durham Region plays a key role in Ontario’s film and television industry as a premier filming destination, offering excellent location choices just a 40-minute drive from downtown Toronto. Production companies enjoy the convenience of filming here with its production services, basecamp parking and hotel cast and crew rates. Its remarkably diverse geography has a unique urban/rural mix representing a variety of time periods including Parkwood Estate, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Oshawa Executive Airport, Trafalgar Castle, tank museum and a deep-water harbour.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Docville Wild West Movie Set
This 8-acre wild west movie set is a frontier style property, which has been newly updated in 2023 with additional town sets on both sides of the street. Property includes main street with hotel, two saloons, cabins, sheriff’s office,
barn, general store, undertakers’ shop, and livery. Set has diverse collection of period buggies, carts and various props.
Deer Creek Golf Club
Exceptionally large upscale golf course with modern event facility in north Ajax. The 240-acre property features 45 golf holes, contemporary banquet rooms of various sizes with outdoor patios overlooking the golf course, two wedding gazebos, several boardrooms, a large industrial kitchen, bistro style restaurant, bar and a pro shop.
Ultra-modern Pickering Home
An ultra-modern house in Pickering built in 2012 features a newly finished backyard and walkout wtih a high-end pool, hot tub and ultra-modern pool house. All black and white interior decor feature spacious open concept main floor with lots of natural light and a second-floor home theatre.
The Jackson House
This late Victorian-era house, circa 1880, is a fully-restored, 4-bedroom home with a modern white kitchen, wrap around porch and an attached modern nanny suite/bed and breakfast suite located near the Port Perry business district.
FILM CREDITS
Reacher, Ginny and Georgia, The Way Home, Fubar, Schitt's Creek, Nightmare Alley, The Umbrella Academy, Cross, Orphan Black Echoes, Matlock, Murdoch Mysteries, Luckiest Girl Alive, The Boys, Marilyn
Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville-Weeki Wachee, also known as Hernando County, on the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, provides lush landscapes and coastal scenery reminiscent of an untamed Florida. Combined with modern aesthetics and iconic natural elements, Florida's Adventure Coast is a dynamic filming destination.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Weeki Wachee Springs
Stunning turquoise waters in Weeki Wachee Springs provides unique scenery for exotic shots. For natural aspects, capture schools of vibrant tropical fish and manatees swimming freely. The park also offers a variety of other cinematic elements, including river cruises, native wildlife, a natural spring-fed waterpark and numerous palmstudded backdrops.
The Springs have been featured on The Travel Channel, Dateline and in Larry the Cable Guy's film, Only in America .
Chinsegut Hill Historic Site
This stately two-story manor, perched atop one of Central Florida’s tallest hilltops, is a sprawling 114acre estate enveloped in Spanish moss-draped oak trees and verdant landscapes that captivate filmmakers. Chinsegut, Brooksville's frontier outpost and progressive-era gathering spot, will add authenticity to any production. Historic artifacts adorn the 1845 mansion, where the likes of Helen Keller and Thomas Edison were once guests during the 1920s and 1930s.
Bayport Pier
The newly renovated Bayport Pier in Bayport Park, a 7-acre tropical
expanse on the Gulf of Mexico, provides exciting filmmaking opportunities. Surrounded by authentic coastal scenery, Gulf waters and unobstructed panoramic views, productions have numerous options to film aquatic shots. Picnic pavilions and a lighted dock with two boat ramps that can also inspire diverse scenes for your project.
Our comprehensive Film Incentives pages review financial benefits of working in various states, provinces and countries across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.
Photo courtesy of Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development (MOTBD)
UNITED STATES
FILM INCENTIVES
SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS AND BONUSES ALLOW PRODUCTIONS THE GAMUT OF FILMING LOCATIONS
Lights, camera, action! The United States rolls out the red carpet for filmmakers with attractive incentives like hefty tax credits, cash rebates and grants. Imagine up to 30% savings in filming hotspots like California, Georgia and New York, plus smooth permitting and diverse scenery. Not only do the savings make filming in the U.S. more affordable but also enhance the overall experience, making the country an irresistible destination for filmmakers. The possibilities are endless and we break it all down for you.
NEW ENGLAND FILM INCENTIVES
QUAINT VILLAGES AND DRAMATIC COASTLINES MAKE FOR UNFORGETTABLE BACKGROUNDS
New England’s visually dazzling fall foliage, charming coastal villages and winding, European-inspired streets are appealing to a variety of productions. The region's diverse landscapes and well-preserved historic architecture provide a rich tapestry of settings, making it an ideal canvas for capturing a wide range of cinematic stories and moods. Whether you want an authentic period piece or vibrant outdoor adventure, New England offers the backdrop for you.
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
10%-30% Incentive Amount
CONNECTICUT
There has been a recent influx of filmmakers and producers flocking to Connecticut to take advantage of the Constitution State’s diverse landscapes and colorful seasons. Its close proximity to New York City and shared film crew workforce with New York City and New Jersey makes this state extremely appealing to producers. Not only do the state’s tax incentives cover motion picture productions but digital animation as well.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: An audit by a Connecticut-licensed CPA is required.
APPLICATION: Submit a hard copy
Eligibility Application to the Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) no later than 90 days after the first qualified production expense or cost has been incurred in Connecticut. Include administration fee and any other required information to be considered complete.
5%-17% Incentive Amount
MAINE
aine offers attractive film perks including two production incentives. The Wage Rebate offers 10% (nonresidents) and 12% (residents) reimbursement for wages paid to employees during production. The Expense Tax Credit offers a 5% non-refundable/non-transferable tax credit for non-wage production expenses incurred in The Pine Tree State. Maine also does not require sales tax on purchases of most fuel and electricity for film productions.
INCENTIVE: Credit/Rebate combo
MINIMUM SPEND: $75K
Maine offers two production incentives:
• A 5% non-refundable/non-transferable tax credit for production expenses incurred in Maine.
• A Wage Rebate of 10% for non-residents and 12% for residents.
BONUS: None
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: None
APPLICATION: Must provide a projected schedule for pre-production, production and postproduction reflecting production will begin 60 days after certification. Applications must be authentic from the department; provide names of principals involved, certificate of insurance, information demonstrating the production is fully financed and follow all other legislative guidelines.
Revolutionary Road
Shutter Island
25% Incentive Amount
MASSACHUSETTS
Thanks to tax incentives paired with iconic New England charm and the state’s popularity among cinematographers, Massachusetts is known as “Hollywood East.” The brownstones and old brick pathways of Boston and the sleepy coastal magic of Cape Cod beguile producers with authentic New England backdrops oozing with old-world character.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: For projects over $250K, an independent audit from a Massachusetts-certified CPA is required. Or an Agreed-Upon Procedures form can be completed by the production’s CPA.
APPLICATION: Massachusetts has three tax incentives: Payroll expense credit, Productions expense tax credit and Sales tax exemption. Apply to the Department of Revenue for a sales tax exemption prior to making any purchases in Massachusetts.
30% Incentive Amount
RHODE ISLAND
icturesque seaside locations throughout the Ocean State offer prime shooting environments used by revered RISD students and well-known producers alike. The school of design encourages experimental film and photography, so it’s no surprise that the state offers a 30% Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit program to those who qualify as an incentive.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: An audit by an independent Rhode Island certified CPA is required.
APPLICATION: Submit the Initial Application prior to the start of production; begin principal photography no more than 180 days from the start date listed on the initial certification letter.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2027
CODA
Hocus Pocus 2
MIDWEST FILM INCENTIVES
MAXIMIZE YOUR NEXT PROJECT’S BUDGET WITH BEAUTIFUL WATER VIEWS AND CITY SKYLINES
The Great Lakes region offers a variety of visuals to suit your next project. From dense forests and coastlines to bustling cityscapes, there is a landscape in this area to match your creative vision.
INCENTIVE SYMBOL KEY
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
30%-45%
ILLINOIS
While the city of Chicago is managed by its own film office, the state of Illinois promotes the unique array of locations available. Urban sprawls can also be found in the likes of Springfield and Bloomington, while just an hour south of the Windy City are mile after mile of farmlands and historic farmhouses. With an eye for diversity, inclusion and opportunity, the state of Illinois provides a plethora of resources to ensure the success of every production.
MINIMUM SPEND: Tax credit eligibility is $50K in Illinois production spend for a project less than 30 minutes, $100K in Illinois production spend for a project 30 minutes or more.
BONUS: 15% on salaries of individuals that live in an economically disadvantaged area (at least 13.8% unemployment).
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: CPA must be approved by Illinois Film Office.
APPLICATION: Applications must be at least 5 business days before the first day of photography. Applications must include a plan outlining goals for diversity in hiring.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2032
20%-30% Incentive Amount
INDIANA
here is a plethora of reasons why Indiana is the perfect location for your next project. The northwest region of the state is home to some of the rarest shorelines of Lake Michigan. The Indiana Caverns is an underground cave system located at the southern tip of the state. Indiana is also home to cities big and small, each with a unique flair. Throughout the state, you don’t have to travel far to come across some of the most charming small towns in midwestern America.
MINIMUM SPEND: Credit is a case-by-case credit that is to be approved by the Director of the Film Office.
BONUS: None
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: In-office audit will be required.
APPLICATION: A qualified applicant may apply to the Film office for a tax credit. Application can only be submitted during specific application window.
Dark Knight
MMINNESOTA
innesota's location guarantees four distinct seasons all marked with their own grandeur. On top of its statewide incentive programs, Minnesota also offers a number of regional film production incentives that can be compounded. In whatever city you chose to film in, there is no shortage of union and non-union crews and actors with one of the largest and most diverse professional theatre communities in the nation.
20%-25% Incentive Amount 20%-42% Incentive Amount
MISSOURI
From the vibrant streets of St. Louis and Kansas City to the serene beauty of the Ozarks, the diverse landscapes of Missouri have been used as backdrops for a wide variety of film genres. Filmmakers are drawn to Missouri for its unique blend of urban and rural scenery, supportive local communities and attractive production incentives. Notable films such as Gone Girl , which captures the idyllic town of Cape Girardeau, and Winter's Bone , set in the rugged Ozark Mountains, showcase Missouri's rich cinematic potential.
INCENTIVE: Credit/Rebate Combo
MINIMUM SPEND: Minimum spend varies between the two offered incentives:
• Rebate: $100K
• Tax Credit: $1M
BONUS: None
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Projects with expenditures of $1M or more require a CPA review, paid for my Minnesota Film and TV. Must show proof of 75% of financing is in place.
APPLICATION: Sumbit completed rebate application no earlier than 90 days prior to the start of Minnesota principal photography or post production. All certified projects must schedule a rebate processing procedures meeting with the incentives specialist prior to beginning production.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2030
INCENTIVE TYPE: Fully Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND:
• $50K (commercial/under 30 minutes);
• $100K (Feature/TV/over 30 minutes)
BONUS: A slew of bonuses are available including 5% extra for the following: if 50% of the budget is in MO, if 15% of spending is in a rural area, if the project paints MO in a positive manner, or if three depts advance a resident.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit a preliminary application and all supplemental documents to the Missouri Film Office before the first day of principal photography or, if stand-alone postproduction, before the first day of post. Once production/post has wrapped, the production company must submit the final application along with supplemental documents within 90 days of the date the final qualified expense was incurred.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2029
Dear White People
Winter’s Bone
20% Incentive Amount
NEBRASKA
Nebraska’s wide-open landscapes and vibrant communities lend to its iconic Midwestern charm. provide an authentic and versatile setting for a variety of film genres. A number of notable films have used the state’s landscapes to tell their story, including Nebraska, which captures the stark beauty of the state’s countryside, and Up in the Air, featuring scenes shot in Omaha. The state’s grant program further rewards productions that tell a story about the state through the art of film.
S30%
Incentive Amount
OHIO
ince 2009, Ohio has made significant efforts to attract the film and TV industry with a comprehensive tax incentive and the development of multiple regional film offices. Each regional commission boasts unique filming locations and easy access to welltrained local crew members. The sky is the limit when it comes to locations in the birthplace of aviation. Of course, Ohio has an abundance of open fields, farms and corn silos but the state’s location databases are full of historic landmarks, amusement parks and urban sprawl.
INCENTIVE: Grant (This case-by-case grant applies only to feature films shot in the state, which tell a story about Nebraska.)
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M
BONUS: None
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: None
APPLICATION: For consideration of an award, applications must be submitted more than 30 days prior to the start of filming in Nebraska. Applications will not be accepted more than 180 days prior to the start of filming in Nebraska.
Applications are accepted on an open cycle until funds are exhausted. Contact DED directly to determine the status of funding.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: An independent CPA must issue a report to the Director of the Ohio Development Service Agency certifying the production company’s expenditures.
APPLICATION: Applications are reviewed in two rounds: (1) April 15 through June 1 and approved by July 31. (2) October 15 through December 1 and approved by January 31. Applications are only accepted online, time-stamped, and held in order in which they were received.
SOUTHWEST FILM INCENTIVES
SWEEPING VISTAS AND PRODUCTION FRIENDLY METROS MAKE THE SOUTHWEST AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
From the John Ford Westerns of the 1930s to eager vacationers on summer break, the mythic qualities of the American Southwest have inspired stories and memories for generations. The mountains, valleys and vast rivers of the region can replicate the 19th century or the 23rd, and immense horizon lines make for stunning compositions no matter your subject mater.
INCENTIVE SYMBOL KEY
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
NEW
ARIZONA
OKLAHOMA TEXAS
15%-27.5% Incentive Amount
ARIZONA
Arizona has enacted the Arizona Motion Picture Production Program, an annual film and TV tax incentive that will offer qualified productions up to $100M in 2024 and $125M in 2025 and thereafter. Under the new structure, productions that spend up to $10M can get a 15% tax credit, with productions spending $10M-$35M eligible for 17.5%. Productions over $35M are eligible for a 20% tax credit. The law also calls for an additional 2.5% for a production company’s production labor costs related to positions that are held by Arizona residents.
MINIMUM SPEND: Less than $10M (15%), $10M-$35M (17.5%), $35M+ (20%)
BONUS: An extra bump on all qualified expenditures if you utilize a local Arizonaqualified production facility and an extra bump if you prep, shoot and post everything in Arizona.
APPLICATION: This is a case-by-case program. Application and supporting documents must be submitted through the authority's electronic application system. Some documents to include but are not limited to: budget, amount of residents vs. non-residents, filming locations, etc. Productions must begin principal photography within 9 months of notice of pre-qualification status.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2043
25%-40% Incentive Amount
NEW MEXICO
ew Mexico has emerged as a thriving hub for the film production industry, attracting directors and producers with its unique blend of diverse landscapes, favorable weather conditions and a generous film incentive program. Additionally, the state boasts a skilled local workforce, top-notch production facilities and a supportive community that understands the intricacies of the film industry.
• (RURAL) 5% increase for productions that shoot in rural areas, defined as 60 miles outside the counties of Bernalillo (home to Albuquerque) and Santa Fe.
• (FEATURES) 5% bump on direct cost incurred at the facility when a qualified production facility is used for a minimum number of principal photography days.
• (TV) 5% for series television productions intended for commercial distribution of at least 6 episodes in a single season in New Mexico. 5% bonus for standalone pilots intended for TV series in New Mexico.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Audit by a New Mexicolicensed CPA is required for credits over $5M.
APPLICATION: Productions must file initial application materials with the New Mexico Film Office at least 30 days prior to the start of principal photography.
Netflix
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
HBO Entertainment Westworld
20%-30% Incentive Amount
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma is in the spotlight thanks to blockbuster films like Twister (1996), the much-anticipated Twisters (2024) and Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon (2024). Filming in Oklahoma is possible due to the Oklahoma City Film Incentive Program, which provides filmmakers on certain projects rebates of up to 10% of qualified expenses like set building, catering, editing and more.
TINCENTIVE TYPE: Rebate
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K (total budget)
BONUS: Up to a 3% uplift for post production expenses that are at least 3% of Qualified Production Expenditures (includes music).
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: An audit by a precertified Oklahoma CPA is required.
APPLICATION: Apply no more than 1 year prior to preproduction and no less than 45 days prior to preproduction. Include required docs, current version of the shooting script, production budget and proof of 50% of funding.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2031
5%-22.5% Incentive Amount
TEXAS
he Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) provides opportunities to produce various projects, including film, TV, commercial, video game, animation, visual effects and extended reality (AR, VR, MR) in the Lone Star State. The Texas Film Commission's Film Friendly Texas program gives statewide assistance and production support to those filming in one of the 175 Film Friendly Certified Communities throughout Texas.
BONUS: 2.5% for projects that complete at least 25% of their total filming days in Underutilized or Economically Distressed Areas (UEDAs).
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: A CPA audit is required if the estimated grant is $300K or more.
APPLICATION: Applications will not be accepted earlier than 120 calendar days and no later than 5 p.m. Central Time, five business days prior to a project’s production start date.
Chip and Joanna Gaines
Twisters
MOUNTAIN WEST FILM INCENTIVES
UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPES AND AUTHENTIC SMALL TOWNS WILL LEND UNFORGETTABLE IMAGERY TO YOUR NEXT PROJECT
The Mountain West region of the United States is a veritable treasure trove for filmmakers. Known for its dramatic landscapes, diverse environments and unique cultural heritage, this area has become an increasingly popular backdrop for film production. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the vast expanses of high desert, the Mountain West offers a stunning variety of settings that can stand in for almost any part of the world. Filmmakers are also drawn to the enticing incentives offered.
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
MONTANA
WYOMING
IDAHO
UTAH
COLORADO
20% Incentive Amount
COLORADO
Between Denver and the Rockies, Colorado holds the best of both worlds for your production. Its enchanting landscape will aid your talents in content creation. Film lovers from everywhere come here to attend film festivals such as the Telluride Film Festival, where past guest directors Peter Sellers ( The Pink Panther ) and Peter Bogdanovich ( The Sopranos ), have offered up their expertise.
WINCENTIVE: Rebate
MINIMUM SPEND: $100K – $1M
BONUS: None
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: An audit by a Connecticut-licensed CPA is required.
APPLICATION: Submit the Statement of Intent and Application for Conditional Approval and all supporting documents prior to production activities in Colorado. Submit application prior to beginning production activities in the state in which the production company is seeking incentives. Include a statement of intent by the production company to produce a film in Colorado. Submit any documentation stating the projected qualified local expenditures.
Companies seeking the CO-based incentives must provide appropriate documentation.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2034
20-35% Incentive Amount
MONTANA
hile filming What Dreams May Come (1998), Robin Williams reportedly said, “If it isn’t God’s backyard, He certainly lives near by” when looking at the stunning Montana scenery. He’s talking about the landscape, like the opening scenes in The Shining (1980) shot in Glacier National Park, the beautiful yet suspenseful scenes in The River Wild shot in the Kootenai River, and the scenes of Paradise Valley in Montana Story (2021).
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 25% (residents above the line) – 15% (nonresidents above the line); 25% (residents below the line) – 15% (nonresidents below the line).
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K-$300K
BONUS: An additional 10% of all in-studio facility and equipment rental expenditures incurred in the state for a production that rents a studio for 20 days or more and a 5% bonus for expenditures incurred in an underserved area.
APPLICATION:
$500 for projects spending less than $350K; $1K for projects spending $350K or more in MT; $1K for any post production company utilizing the post credit. The department of commerce shall notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application as to whether the production qualifies as a state-certified production.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2024
The Hateful Eight
Yellowstone
20-25% (residents) Incentive Amount
UTAH
Utah’s diverse terrain has been used to create fictional towns and described as a different, existing place. Famous films shot in Utah include Footloose (1984), 127 Hours (2010) and National Treasure (2004). Between the red rocks, the snow-capped mountains and desert, this state holds worlds within it. You can check out films in Utah productions coming soon on the Utah Film Commission resource site.
INCENTIVE: Credit/Rebate Combination
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
BONUS: 5%-25% if the production company: 1) verifies $1M or more of expenditures were made in the state; and 2) meets the definition of ‘significant % of cast and crew from Utah’ which shall be no less than 75% of the total in state hires of cast and crew.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Independent CPA audit is required.
APPLICATION: Prior to production, submit the application via e-mail to the Utah Film Commission Director; it will be reviewed by the UFC for completion and submitted to the Motion Picture Advisory Committee for review and recommendation. Companies must have proof of 100% of financing of anticipated dollars left in state for the project. Applications are accepted on the 15th of each month.
Pathé
127 Hours
Photo courtesy of Neal Herbert, NPS
Delicate Arch in Arches National Park
MID-ATLANTIC FILM INCENTIVES
UTILIZE RECOGNIZABLE CITYSCAPES, ROLLING APPALACHIAN LANDSCAPES AND PLENTIFUL WATER LOCALES IN THIS REGION
Home to New York City (one of the densest creative hubs in the world), charming coastal towns and everything in between, the MidAtlantic region can accommodate projects with any setting. Whether you need to utilize the iconic skyline of Manhattan or Washington, D.C., or if you seek an underutilized main street or waterfront dock, this area will be able to accommodate. Many of the states here offer comprehensive tax incentives and large pools of local talent, so read below to determine which state best suites your vision and budget.
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
NEW
PENNSYLVANIA
VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA
0%-30% Incentive Amount
DELAWARE
Delaware is a natural state that experiences all four seasons (and is tax-free). With picturesque locations like the breathtaking Wilmington skyline, Brandywine Park and DuPont mansions in the rolling Chateau Country, Delaware is a great filming location for many scripts. Towering lighthouses, pristine sandy beaches, the Wilmington cityscape and many state parks and wildlife refuges make Delaware worth a shot.
DINCENTIVE: Refund
MINIMUM SPEND: $100K
Projects between $100K-$500K can receive up to 20% of approved costs.
Projects of $500K or more can receive up to 30% of preproduction, production or postproduction expenditures incurred in Delaware that are directly used for a production or digital entertainment activity.
BONUS: Contact the Film Office for potential bonuses.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes, an internal audit will be performed.
APPLICATION: In order to gain acceptance into this case-by-case program, an application and meetings with the Film Office must be complete prior to the start of production.
28-30% Incentive Amount
MARYLAND
electable fresh crabs and the picturesque Chesapeake Bay comprise the east. Sprawling horse farms and Baltimore and D.C. are situated to the west. Maryland boasts prime filming locations throughout the Free State for any project. Maryland’s close proximity to Washington, D.C. is incentive enough for some, as the district has strict filming laws. If popping over to Washington for a few shots isn’t feasible, the city of Baltimore makes for a great stand-in.
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K ($25K for small films)
BONUS: 2% for qualified TV series, including pilots or miniseries.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an Application for Qualification (and all required materials) before beginning any film production activity in the state. Productions must submit an Application for Final Tax Credit Certification within 180 days of completion of all film production activity in the state.
Failure to Launch
The Social Network
30-37% Incentive Amount
NEW JERSEY
It’s “lights, camera, action!” in the Garden State thanks to its diverse culture and landscape, and close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. New Jersey offers all four seasons for filming any setting, whether down at the shore surrounded by lighthouses and expansive beaches or by the duck-covered lake and Old Mill in historic Allentown. Atlantic City is a favored stand-in for scenes in Las Vegas. Competitive tax incentives draw producers and filmmakers alike.
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M (or $60% of total production expenses in-state)
BONUS: 5% of qualified film production expenses incurred for services rendered and property purchased. 2% added bonus awarded for the hire of minorities and women
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Submit a tax credit verification report by a New Jersey licensed CPA
APPLICATION: A production company must begin principal photography within 180 days of the original application date or 150 days from the date of approval of the application by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
APPLICATION FEE: $500 ($1M tax credit or less), $2,500 (tax credit in excess of $1M)
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2034
30%-40% Incentive Amount
NEW YORK
ew York State offers incredible tax incentives to filmmakers. The unique and multifaceted state has a cornucopia of diverse filming locations that can double as almost any recognizable geographic locale. From the rugged Adirondack Mountains and Finger Lakes wine country region to the vibrant Big Apple and beyond, New York can suit all scripts of any flavor.
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M (in NYC, Westchester, Rockland, Suffolk and Nassau); $250K (rest of the state; excluding pilots)
BONUS: Productions with budgets over $500K may receive an additional 10% tax credit on qualified labor expenses in certain upstate N.Y. counties.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: None
APPLICATION: Applicants complete and submit the Project Summary Form online. All other documents which comprise a complete application are submitted through the secure file transfer system. It is highly recommended that applications be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the start of principal photography. Submit a complete application with required materials prior to the beginning of principal photography and begin production within 365 days.
SUNSET DATE: January 1, 2029
West Side Story
25%-30% Incentive Amount
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania’s impeccably versatile environment provides myriad backdrops for Oscar-worthy results including famous churches, diners and theaters. Enticing tax incentives draw producers and filmmakers here for another good reason: fee-free filming locations on state-owned land. Another motivation is that visitors staying more than 30 days do not have to pay state and local taxes on hotel accommodations.
MINIMUM SPEND: 60% of total production expenditures must be incurred in PA
BONUS: 5% of the qualified film production expenses incurred by the tax payer if the taxpayer films a feature film, TV film or TV series in a qualified production facility.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: CPA audit required for projects approved for a Film Tax Credit of $100K or more. CPA Report on agreedupon-procedures required for projects with a Film Tax Credit of less than $100K.
APPLICATION: Submit a complete application package with fee no sooner than 90 days prior to the start date of principal photography in the commonwealth; application packages consist of a completed Film Tax Credit Application, Budget Top Sheet, verifiable documentation that 70% of financing has been secured, and the remaining 30% will be in place prior to principal photography, script copy, and a complete ‘Single Application’ available at newPA.com.
VIRGINIA
irginia, with its rich historical heritage, diverse landscapes and picturesque towns, has become a sought-after location for filmmakers. The state’s blend of colonial history, rolling countryside and vibrant urban centers offers a versatile and captivating backdrop for various film genres. Filmmakers are drawn to Virginia for its unique historical settings and enticing production incentives.
INCENTIVE: Fully Refundable Tax Credit/Grant
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K (tax credit); None (grant)
BONUS: 10% bonus is given to residents if filming in the Commonwealth and spending between $250K and under $1M
20% bonus to resident payroll if filming in the Commonwealth and spending at least $1M
Qualified expenditure for production incentives includes expenses made in Virginia in the form of services or products, including leased products.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an application to the VFO no later than 30 days prior to the planned beginning of production. Productions must begin within 90 days of the application approval. All projects must be fully funded and ready to begin production within 90 days of receiving confirmation of funding.
SUNSET DATE: Tax Credit: December 31, 2026; Grant: None
A Man Called Otto
27%-31% Incentive Amount
WEST VIRGINIA
Across West Virginia you’ll find a wealth of breathtaking Appalachian landscapes and charming small towns, all of which offer settings for filmmakers that are both unique and compelling. Rugged mountains, scenic rivers and historic architecture all make for a versatile backdrop that can be used for a wide range of film genres. Notable films like October Sky , which captures the spirit of its coal mining towns, and We Are Marshall , featuring the state’s heartfelt community resilience, highlight West Virginia’s cinematic allure.
BONUS: A potential 4% bonus is available for production companies that employ 10 or more residents as full-time workers.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes
APPLICATION: Principal Photography must begin within 120 days from the date of application approval.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2027
The Silence of the Lambs
West Virginia Grist Mill
AMERICAN WEST FILM INCENTIVES
THE REGION OFFERS AN IMMENSE TALENT POOL AND COUNTLESS DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES FOR YOUR NEXT FILM OR TELEVISION PROJECT
The American West is the cradle of modern Hollywood, with the talent pool and entertainment infrastructure of Los Angeles unmatched anywhere in North America. However, it’s also home to breathtaking natural environments that range from arid deserts to lush forests. All four states in this region offer generous incentives or benefits to attract projects, and they are each home to distinct combinations of urban hubs and vast outdoor vistas. The pristine coastline of Oregon lends rugged natural landscapes while the bustling streets of downtown LA provide numerous filming opportunities for a myriad of scenes. Whether you're filming a period piece or a science-fiction story, this region is brimming with possibilities.
INCENTIVE SYMBOL KEY
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
ALASKA
WASHINGTON
OREGON
NEVADA
CALIFORNIA
20%-30% Incentive Amount
CALIFORNIA
California can attribute its domination in the entertainment and film industry to its wide array of amenities and services. The state boasts over 800 miles of picturesque coastline views down scenic Highway 1. The diverse climate of the state allows for a multitude of filming locations, from the vast deserts and grasslands of Southern California to the temperate forests of Northern California.
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 25% (relocating TV series and independent films) and 20% (feature films, new TV series, mini-series, pilots)
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M
BONUS: 5% uplift available for productions that shoot outside the Los Angeles zone or meet other specific criteria.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: An agreed upon procedures report by an independent California CPA is required.
APPLICATION: Several application windows are administered each fiscal year through the California Film Commission website.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2030
12-15% Incentive Amount
NEVADA
desert oasis of moral ambiguity, gambling, vice and unadulterated entertainment has made Las Vegas and Nevada at large a distinguished cultural contributor to the entertainment industry. The locations offered in-state provide some of the most contrasting backdrops for any production need. The Las Vegas strip offers glitz and visual stimulation in its most American form, while 30 miles away, the most bleak environments with other-worldly attributes can be found in lifeless deserts and dried lakebeds.
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 15% (residents), 12% (non-residents, Above the Line labor)
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
BONUS: 5% of the cumulative qualified production costs if greater than 50% of below the line crew are Nevada residents. Plus 5% of the cumulative qualified production costs if greater than 50% of the filming days occurred in a Nevada county in which in each of the two years immediately preceding the date of application, qualified productions incurred less than $10M of direct expenditures.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Required from an approved CPA by the Nevada Film Office.
APPLICATION: Commencement of principal photography must begin no later than 90 days after the application is approved.
SUNSET DATE: None
Barbie
Sleepless
20-26.2% Incentive Amount
OREGON
Oregon Film sets itself apart through its commitment to a more inclusive, diverse film and entertainment industry. The office is championing initiatives in affirmative action and DEI, environmentally conscious content creation and equitable hiring practices. Through the Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF) and the Greenlight Oregon Labor Rebate (GOLR), the state has created an attractive incentive program for film and television.
FINCENTIVE: Rebate
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M
BONUS: Regional OPIF (R-OPIF) is a segregated annual amount of the larger OPIF program (3% of the overall fund) which provides extra incentives for productions which base themselves entirely or do one or more production days outside of the Portland Metro Area. Local OPIF (L-OPIF) rebates 25% of goods/services paid to Oregon registered companies and vendors and 20% of Oregonbased payroll. Applies to projects being actively produced by an Oregon resident producer or an Oregon headquartered production company, with additional requirements.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: A third-party audit is required in order to ensure that the production expenses meet the eligibility requirements for the rebate.
APPLICATION: Submit a completed Oregon Production Investment Fund prior to the start of production.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2029
15%-45% Incentive Amount
WASHINGTON
ilmmakers have flocked to Washington for its notable locations that embody the rugged and rainy Pacific Northwest region. The Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (MPCP) in Washington is an initiative designed to attract film and video production to the state. It provides financial incentives, primarily in the form of tax credits or rebates, to production companies that choose to shoot their projects in Washington.
INCENTIVE: Rebate
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K for motion pictures; $300K for episodic series (per episode); $150K for commercials
BONUS: If a production meets the minimum spend thresholds, then the project may qualify for up to an additional 10% on qualified in-state expenditures if they film in a rural county and/or tell the story of a historically underrepresented community.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: None
APPLICATION: Applications for funding assistance can be found and submitted via Washington Filmworks Applicants must submit a completed application at least 5 business days prior to the start of principal photography unless the applicant is applying for an enhanced incentive, in which case the completed application must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the start of principal photography.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2030
SOUTHERN FILM INCENTIVES
THE REGION FEATURES ENTICING INCENTIVES AND A RICH VARIETY OF BACKDROPS FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
From sweeping romantic dramas to a zombie apocalypse, the South has provided settings for thousands of Hollywood stories for over a century. The states in this region offer a variety of tax rebates, many soft incentives and a wealth of local, unionized talent that will ensure an unforgettable final project. Many iconic films have showcased the magnificent backdrops only the South can provide, including classics like Fried Green Tomatoes and To Kill a Mockingbird . From the Spanish moss-draped ancient live oaks to the shimmering shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, the South offers the gamut.
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
25%-35% Incentive Amount
ALABAMA
The presence of Talladega Superspeedway, the white sand beaches near Mobile and the beautiful ocean views of Dauphin Island have lured filmmakers to this state since Universal used the famous Old Monroeville County Courthouse for To Kill a Mockingbird . With a comprehensive production directory and location catalogue, the Alabama Film Office is an excellent resource and has advocated for even more attractive incentives to appeal to producers.
HINCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
BONUS: None
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: CPA audit required.
APPLICATION: Productions must apply no later than 30 days prior to the start of any activities in Alabama. Principal photography must begin within 90 days of application approval.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2028
25%-30% Incentive Amount
ARKANSAS
ome to the acclaimed Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, rolling Ozark hills and striking cityscapes, the Natural State has attracted highprofile projects. The state offers a healthy pool of local talent thanks to growing programs at John Brown University, SAU Tech and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and relatively underutilized outdoor locations will make it easy to distinguish your next project.
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit/ Rebate Combo
MINIMUM SPEND: $200K; $50K (post only)
BONUS: 10% for expenditures purchased from a local small business vendor owned by honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces. 10% for payroll of honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: The final expenditure report and all qualified production costs shall be subject to an audit by an outside certified public accountant licensed in the state.
APPLICATION: Prior to beginning preproduction activities in Arkansas, productions must register with the film office, and submit an application along, with an estimate of expenditures. Productions must apply for a production rebate certificate no later than 180 days after the last production expenses are incurred.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2032
Devil All the Time
20%-30% Incentive Amount
GEORGIA
Thanks to the presence of Turner Entertainment, Tyler Perry Studios and Screen Gems, Georgia hosts the most TV and film productions outside of California and New York. A generous tax incentive introduced in 2002 has ushered in two decades of growth that has welcomed major studio players like Disney, Netflix and AMC. Thanks to a variety of urban and rural environments, a mild climate and close proximity to the ocean, Georgia can portray everything.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: 10% additional Georgia Entertainment Promotion (‘GEP’) Tax Credit is available for projects that include an embedded Georgia logo on approved projects and a link to the Georgia Film Office on the promotional website (not applicable for commercials). The project must be distributed first. Be sure to fill out the Film Office provided Distribution Form. Once verified the 10% tax credit is awarded.
APPLICATION: Audit application must be submitted within one year of completion of principal photography. The audit may commence any time once the application has been submitted and the audit fee paid.
30%-35% Incentive Amount
KENTUCKY
rom the famous Fort Knox setpiece in Goldfinger to the horseracing sequences in Secretariat, Kentucky has welcomed film and television productions for decades. The Kentucky Entertainment Incentive (KEI) program has successfully expanded the state’s media footprint with recent film’s such as Tammy and Above Suspicion, and the state also offers hotel occupancy tax relief.
BONUS: 5% on expenses incurred in an Enhanced Incentive County.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Attestation from a licensed CPA is required.
APPLICATION: Applications for film production incentives must be approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) and its monthly meeting. Filming or production must begin within six months of filing a final application with KEDFA.
Photo by Chuck Zlotnick.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier
Secretariat
25-40% Incentive Amount
LOUISIANA
While evocative bayou settings and globally unique New Orleans streets drew productions since the advent of the industry, filmmaking exploded in Louisiana when the state passed extremely attractive tax incentives in 2002. Since then, the state’s skilled crew base has grown by over 400%. With a temperate climate and a mix of swamps, cities and waterfronts, the state has stood in for the Antebellum South, the Wild West, New York City and London.
BONUS: 5% - at least 50% of the VFX budget is expended for services performed in LA by an approved QEC, or a minimum of $1M in qualified VFX expenditures are made in Louisiana.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Applicants are assessed Louisiana Entertainment’s actual cost for the production expenditure verification report fee and make all records available to Louisiana Entertainment and the CPA. Eligible expenditures are creditable for 12 months prior to the date of application and 24 months after Initial certification.
APPLICATION: Complete and submit an online application with supporting documents/ fees to the Office of Entertainment Industry Development for an initial certification. The final process commences after completion of production.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2031
25%-30%
Incentive Amount
INCENTIVE TYPE: Rebate
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 30% for local residents, 25% for non-residents and local spending.
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: None
APPLICATION: Production companies must submit an application to the Mississippi Film Office/MDA. The application must be submitted before the beginning of production for the Mississippi portion of the project.
MISSISSIPPI
outhern charm comes alive in Mississippi, where rich cultural heritage seamlessly blends with diverse landscapes and historic sites. It’s an ideal location for capturing slices of Americana. Notable films like The Help, which vividly portrays the state’s historical settings, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, showcasing its picturesque landscapes, are some of the iconic films shot in Mississippi. With its authentic Southern atmosphere, welcoming communities and competitive production incentives, Mississippi’s film industry is taking off.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The Magnificent Seven
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina is world renowned as a film-friendly state with minimal permitting and ready assistance. The state’s Film Office serves as a liaison to secure locations and services while helping to expedite production schedules. From the rolling beauty of the Smoky Mountains to the bright lights of Charlotte and the coastal town of Wilmington, North Carolina is a truly versatile destination that welcomes productions of all sizes.
The Notebook
WSOUTH CAROLINA
hen it comes to stunning coastal scenery, charming historic towns and lush landscapes, South Carolina is hard to beat. It has become a beloved destination for filmmakers working across a variety of genres, who note the state’s hospitable communities and attractive production incentives. Iconic films like The Notebook , capturing the state’s romantic Lowcountry, and Forrest Gump , featuring its charming small towns, showcase South Carolina’s cinematic appeal.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: NC-licensed independent certified public accountant to perform audit at cost to the production.
APPLICATION: Productions must first complete the “notification of intent to film” form. After verifying the production qualifies, the NC Film Office will then send a link to the formal NC Department of Commerce Film and Entertainment Grant Application.
INCENTIVE: Rebate
EMPLOYEE WAGE REBATE: A Qualified Production is eligible for a wage rebate up to 25% for the persons employed in conjunction with the South Carolina production. The wages of all South Carolina residents are eligible for the maximum 25% rebate. The wages of all non-resident performing artists, including stunt performers, and crew are eligible for a 20% rebate.
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M
BONUS: Productions may also qualify for a sales tax exemption of 6-8.5%.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: None
APPLICATION: Productions can contact the film office for an application once a project has a completed script, is green-lit, and has all necessary funding or funding commitments in place. The Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism will notify the production company in writing by sending them a “Qualifying Production Letter” as to whether or not the production has been approved for incentives.
The Outer Banks
25%-30% Incentive Amount
TENNESSEE
Tennessee is home to famous cities, including Nashville and Memphis, as well as the famed Smoky Mountains with their unparalleled beauty. For filmmakers, the state’s rich musical heritage, rolling hills and vibrant cities make the state an appealing destination that stands out on screen. Notable films like Walk the Line , which delves into the life of Johnny Cash, and The Green Mile , featuring the state’s evocative rural settings, are examples of Tennessee’s powerful on-screen presence.
INCENTIVE: Grant Rebate, Non-Refundable/ Non-Transferable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: Tax Credit: Tennessee offers a qualified production credit that can cover up to 50% of franchise tax liability. This credit is for film and entertainment producers who operate in Tennessee and meet the requirements of the state code.
Grant Rebate: Qualified expenditures include production costs spent in Tennessee during pre-production, principal photography and post-production. Payments to state vendors or residents for goods or services associated with the production are included.
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K (post-production); Grant Rebate $200K (film/TV pilot); $500K (scripted TV series/per episode)
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes
It is recommended to apply at least four months PRIOR to the start of principal photography in any location to allow all required documents to be reviewed and finalized; meet with TEC before the start of principal photography; begin principal photography in Tennessee within 120 days from the Effective Date, as defined in the grant contract; incur expenditures in Tennessee within a 12-month period (may be extended) following the Effective Date
APPLICATION: It is recommended production submit initial required forms at least 4 months before the start of principal photography. See Guidelines and Instructions for Application for more information.
Eligible production types for Tennessee film incentives are commercials, feature films, pilots, and scripted television. Qualified expenditures include preproduction, production, and post-production costs incurred in Tennessee.
The Green Mile
Great Smokey Mountains at sunset
CANADA FILM INCENTIVES
FROM MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES TO COSMOPOLITAN CITIES, CANADA OFFERS ICONIC LOCATIONS ACCOMPANIED BY GENEROUS INCENTIVES CANADIAN
Besides Canada’s internationally recognized film locations (Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal), the Great White North holds a wealth of movie locations across its picture-perfect provinces. Between the boreal forest and the Toronto skyline, location scouts can create stories of any genre and receive financial relief by way of the Canadian Film Production Tax Credit.
This province/territory offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a province/ territory that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
22%-34.5% Incentive Amount
ALBERTA (AB)
Alberta is a Canadian province located in the West. While its capital city Edmonton is a good option for scouts looking for an urban backdrop, Alberta also has a diverse terrain great for nature shots. The landscape encompasses mountains, prairies, desert badlands and evergreen forests. Noteworthy blockbusters shot in Alberta are Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), Land (2021) and Inception (2010).
BINCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 22% + 16% Stackable Federal Tax Credit (Combined incentive rate of 34.5% effective rate
APPLICATION: All applications must be submitted through the online application portal. Principal photography must not have started before an application is submitted to the program. Once an applicant has received an Authorization Letter, they must begin principal photography on the production no later than 6 months after the date of issuance of the Authorization Letter.
28%-39.5% Incentive Amount
BRITISH COLUMBIA (BC)
ritish Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province. This province is defined by a scenic Pacific coastline and majestic mountain ranges. Vancouver is also located in BC and holds Sony’s headquarters. For more picture opportunities, make sure to explore locations outside of Vancouver like Victoria, Okanagan Valley, and Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If you’re a scout looking for cutting-edge technology for special effects, BC is internationally recognized as a special effects hub.
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 28% + 16% Stackable Federal Tax Credit (Combined incentive rate of 39.5% effective rate)
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M CAD/$730K USD (film); $200K CAD/$146K USD (TV per episode ≥ 30 mins); or $100K CAD/$73K USD (TV per episode < 30 mins)
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: None
APPLICATION: Corporations must apply for a Pre-certification Number by submitting a Pre-certification form through Creative BC’s website within 60 days after the date the corporation first incurs an accredited BC labor expenditure on the production. See Application Checklist for more information. Productions with BC work starting after June 30, 2020 provide pre certification notice within 120 days of the first incurred accredited BC labor expenditure to avoid disqualifying a portion of the accredited BC labor expenditure.
30%-53.8% Incentive Amount
MANITOBA (MB)
Manitoba’s landscape will make your viewers fall in love with nature. Its wideopen spaces are made up of lakes and rivers, mountains and boreal plains. This province lends itself to professionals in the film industry. Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city, brings thousands of filmgoers together through its annual Gimli International Film Festival. Films you might have seen filmed in Manitoba are The Lookout (2007), Paycheck (2003) and Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004).
NINCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 30%-45% + 16% Stackable Federal Tax Credit (Combined incentive rate of 53.8% effective rate)
BONUS:
• Cost of Production Tax Credit Bonus: +8% Manitoba Production Company Bonus. Maximum credit on eligible Manitoba expenditures is 38%.
• Cost of Salaries Tax Credit Bonus: +10% frequent filming bonus (on third film shot within two years); +5% Manitoba co producer bonus; +5% rural and northern bonus (if 50% or more of the Manitoba principal photography is shot at least 35 kilometres from Winnipeg’s centre). Maximum credit on eligible Manitoba salaries is 65%
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: If Manitoba Film & Music is an equity investor and the production budget is:
> $500K CAD/$370K USD, an audit is required;
≥ $200K CAD but ≤ $500K CAD a review engagement is required; < $200K CAD/$146K USD a notarized affidavit is required.
APPLICATION: Completion (Part B) Application must be received within 30 months of the end of the taxation year in which principal photography began.
25%-37% Incentive Amount
NOVA SCOTIA (NS)
ova Scotia might be one of the smallest Canadian provinces, but it has a bold and rich in film history. Nova Scotia, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and covered in vibrant green vegetation, has been the source of inspiration for various feature films. Some of the award-winning feature films made in the province are Titanic (1997); The Shipping News (2001); Amelia (2009) and The Lighthouse (2019).
INCENTIVE: Rebate
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 25% + 16% Stackable Federal Tax Credit (Combine incentive rate of 37% effective rate)
MINIMUM SPEND: $25K CAD/$18.25K USD
BONUS: Production companies shooting more than two films in Nova Scotia over two years qualify for an additional 5% of eligible salaries frequent film bonus on the third and subsequent films.
Distant Location Incentive: Up to 10% points of additional funding for shoots that film in a distant location.
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: If production costs are:
≤ $25K CAD, an uncertified Final Production Cost Report supported by a Statutory Declaration is required; > $250K CAD but ≤ $500K CAD, an engagement review is required; > $500 CAD, an audit is required.
APPLICATION: Applications must be submitted prior to the start of principal photography. Those deemed complete will be handled on a first in, first out basis.
Goon
The Lighthouse
ONTARIO (ON)
Ontario is home to Canada’s capital Ottawa, and Toronto — one of the largest movie hubs in North America. Ontario will support your big picture project with industry connections, services and financial relief.
QUEBEC (QC)
Quebec has a rich film history stemming as far back the late 1800s. In fact, the first public film projection in North America took place in Montreal! This gigantic province is nearly three times the size of Texas, with strong French influence and diverse terrain.
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M CAD (film); $200K CAD (TV per episode ≥ 30 mins); or $100K CAD (TV per episode > 30 mins)
BONUS:
• A regional bonus of 2% is available for shoots where more than 50% of the principal photography is more than 30km from Halifax City Hall.
• A shooting day bonus of 1% is available for shoots of more than 30 days in Nova Scotia.
APPLICATION: The qualifying corporation submits a completed OPSTC Application to Ontario Creates in respect of each eligible production. You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility at any time during the production (from the start of principal photography or key animation) or after production activities have been completed.
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 25% + 16% Stackable Federal Tax Credit (Combined incentive rate of 37% effective rate)
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K CAD/$182.5K USD
BONUS: 16% Labor-based computer-aided special effects and animation and shooting of scenes in front of a chroma key screen.
APPLICATION: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
SASKATCHEWAN (SK)
Saskatchewan’s weather, skies, and communities are as varied as its grasslands, forests, rivers and lakes. Communities vary from the untouched North, to sleepy but charming small-town culture, to vibrant and eclectic city centres.
INCENTIVE: Grant
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 25% + 16% Stackable Federal Tax Credit (Combined incentive rate of 37% effective rate) • 30% for Saskatchewan productions
APPLICATION: The applicant company must be incorporated in Saskatchewan or incorporated federally and registered in Saskatchewan. The head office or principal place of business must be located in Saskatchewan, and substantial ownership control must remain with Saskatchewan residents. Service Production Stream available for non Saskatchewan corporations wishing to partner with a Saskatchewan company.
Saskatchewan, Canada
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
TROPICAL INCENTIVE TYPES
VAT Tax Refund Tax Credit
VAT Refund/Exemption
TROPICAL FILM INCENTIVES
GIVE YOUR PROJECT A TROPICAL BACKDROP OR AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE
The island nations and tropical locales of Central America and the Caribbean offer lush, colorful backdrops for your project after just a short flight. Locations such as Hawaii and Puerto Rico allow a large cast and crew to establish a production without passports or needing to pass through international customs, while nations like Mexico and the Dominican Republic pair enticing tax incentives with locations that are impossible to replicate. From the pristine beaches of Trinidad & Tobago to the colonial missions of Puerto Rico, there is surely a location in Central America or the Caribbean for your perfect shot.
This state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of tax they have to pay.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
HAWAII
PANAMA
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO MEXICO
COSTA RICA
NICARAGUA
HONDURAS
GUATEMALA
PUERTO RICO
90% Incentive Amount (on purchases of goods and services)
COSTA RICA
With biodiverse ecosystems, sustainable production methods and historic cities, Costa Rica offers dramatic backdrops for a variety of projects. Luckily, last December, 2021, Costa Rica enacted the film investment attraction law, which aims to promote investment in and development of international film productions, co-productions and activities.
H25% Incentive Amount
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
ome to breathtaking beaches, jungles and historic Spanish colonial landmarks like the Primada de America cathedral, the Dominican Republic can stand in for most Latin American environments and has proven it can handle large productions. Besides the natural sites, film crews can take advantage of the Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios’ 43 acres of soundstages and access to tropical locations.
INCENTIVE: VAT Tax Refund
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: A 90% VAT (value added tax) refund on purchases of goods and services for a film project if the film investment in Costa Rica exceeds USD 500,000.
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 25% (In addition to the Transferable Tax Credit, goods and services that are directly related to preproduction, production, and postproduction are exempt from tax on the transfer of services and industrialized goods (Value Added Tax of 18%). Film Producers may benefit from a TTC equal to 25% of all expenses incurred in the Dominican Republic that are directly related to the preproduction, production & postproduction of their films. The credit may be transferred in favor of one or several Dominican taxpayers. Up-front monetization solutions are also available in the country.
MINIMUM SPEND: US $500K
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes
APPLICATION:
1. Engage the services of a local production company that is registered at the Film Commission, or 2. Constitute a company in the DR, register at the Dominican Chamber of Commerce, as a national taxpayer and as production company at the Film Commission.
Foreign producers must write a letter addressed to the film commissioner of the Dominican Republic requesting the SP and expressing their intention to apply for the transferable tax credit.
Hobab
Pictures
Clara Sola
The Lost City
22-27% Incentive Amount
HAWAII
Home to 11 district tropical zones and a diverse topography that has stood in for Asia, South America and Pacifica, Hawaii offers colorful, natural beauty that is impossible to find in the continental United States. The Hawaii Film Office manages the state-owned Hawaii Film Studio complex, which houses 16,500 square feet of soundstage, production offices, storage facilities and a large inventory of props.
BONUS: 25% total tax credit if production cost incurred on all other neighboring islands (big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, and Molokai)
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: Qualified CPA Audit is Required
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2033
16% Incentive Amount
MEXICO
exico is perhaps the next audiovisual production hub offering attractive incentives in the form of cash rebates and tax credits. Mexico is growing in popularity among filmmakers, with an uptick in production between 2012 and 2020 with 39 international films produced in the country. For perspective, only 14 international films were produced in Mexico in the past 50 years.
INCENTIVE: VAT Refund/Exemption
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 16% (Full rebate can be escrowed upfront with the bond company to cash flow the production.)
• 0% Tax: All film/video productions shot in Mexico and whose primary exploitation will be done outside Mexico are considered an “export product” and will be exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT). All your expenses for a 0% VAT have to be billed by one company, and that company needs an authorization from the IRS (SAT) prior to invoicing the project.)
• Eficine: A tax incentive is granted to the income taxpayers, consisting in a fiscal credit equivalent to the amount that these taxpayers contribute during the corresponding fiscal year to investment projects for domestic cinematographic production, against the income tax or the asset tax charged to them in the fiscal year said credit is determined. Such incentive may in no case exceed 10% of the income tax charged for the fiscal year immediately preceding the one of its application.
White Lotus
Bardo (or False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths)
25% Incentive Amount
PANAMA
With its unique blend of colonial structures and modern skyscrapers, Panama City is an eye-catching and underutilized location in Central America. Filmmakers can take advantage of Panama’s rainforests, beaches and resort towns, and recent productions have included Quantum of Solace , Contraband and James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad
O20%-40% Incentive Amount
PUERTO RICO
ffering beautiful Caribbean backdrops without a passport required for your American cast and crew, Puerto Rico can easily stand in for other Latin American locations and features visual charms all its own. The island, complete with lush rain forests and sugar-white beaches, has been utilized by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, 2018’s Driven (doubling as San Diego), and standing in for Rio de Janeiro in 2011’s Fast Five
INCENTIVE: Rebate
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
APPLICATION: Productions must reach out to the Panama Film Commission before proceeding with application materials.
INCENTIVE: Transferable Non-Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 20%-40% (Non-residents become residents after 183 days of living in Puerto Rico and qualify for the 40% tax credit. Contact the film office for more information on available funding.)
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K minimum qualified spend per project; $25K minimum qualified spend for documentaries and short films
AUDIT REQUIREMENTS: An audit by a CPA licensed in Puerto Rico is required. The auditor has a term of 30 days to complete the audit report and submit it to the Puerto Rico Film Commission and the Puerto Rico Treasury Department
The Suicide Squad
The Resort
12.5%-35% Incentive Amount
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
This West Indian nation, located 11 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela, offers a competitive exchange rate and lower production costs than other island nations. If your team is filming a short or commercial that does not require a large crew, the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company (FilmTT) is a state agency that can loan local talent and location scouts for production teams. Smallscale spaces are also available for limited digital and green-screen work.
INCENTIVE: Rebate
INCENTIVE AMOUNT: 12.5%-35% (For Trinidad & Tobago producers, the rebate offers a flat 35% rebate on qualifying expenses for budgets $15K - $8M, plus 20% for hiring local labor.)
APPLICATION: Submit application for Provisional Certificate six months before the start of principal photography; submit final application within three months of film premiere.
