Ten Great Filmmaking Locations in the South
The South's entertainment industry has grown rapidly over the years. Today, filmmaking is one of the most sought after aspects of economic development in some states. Here are some seasoned locations for films in the South followed by a brief explanation of incentives available to filmmakers.
Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
Louisiana is the third-most prolific film producing state in the U.S. (behind only California and New York) and Shreveport is now leading the state in the number of films made. There has been such success at filmmaking in Louisiana that it has earned the nickname of "Hollywood South," or "HoSo." The studio Millennium Films recently located in Louisiana and a variety of other studios operate in the state. Louisiana has some of the best incentives in the country for films. Some of the movies that have been shot in Shreveport include The Guardian, Cleaner, The Mist, W., Mr. Brooks and Last Lullaby. Incentives for filmmakers: 25% transferable income tax credit.
New Orleans, La.
New Orleans has long been an active Southern movie making site. Hurricane Katrina slowed the Big Easy's film production industry when it devastated the area in 2005. Yet, recently the industry has been revived with help from superstars such as Brad Pitt, who, with his family, has a home in New Orleans and is a key player in the city's rebuilding efforts. In fact, Pitt starred in the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, almost all of which was filmed in New Orleans in late 2006 and 2007. Other notable films shot in New Orleans include All the King's Men, The Big Easy, Blaze, Dead Man Walking, Ray and the Pelican's Brief. Incentives for filmmakers: 25% transferable income tax credit.
Wilmington, N.C.
More than 200 movies or TV programs have been filmed in Wilmington, including Nights in Rodanthe, The Marc Pease Experience, A Walk to Remember, Blue Velvet, Super Mario Brothers and The List. Wilmington is also home to the Cucalorus Film Festival, one of the “Top 25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” according to MovieMaker magazine. In 2008, Cucalorus welcomed more than 70 filmmakers from Italy, Spain, Scotland, Canada and the U.S. Incentives for filmmakers: 15% tax credit
Beaufort, S.C.
Major motion picture companies discovered Beaufort and the Low Country about 25 years ago. Beaufort, with its well-preserved historic district and waterfront scenery is a perfect setting for filmmaking. Some of the many successful movies shot in Beaufort include The Great Santini, Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Legend of Bagger Vance and G.I. Jane. Incentives for filmmakers: Up to a 20% cash rebate on in-state employee wages and 10% on out-of-state employee wages. Up to 30% cash rebate on in-state supplier expenditures.
Memphis, Tenn.
Memphis is a veteran movie making location, serving as the backdrop for films such as The Firm, Cast Away, Walk the Line and Nothing But the Truth. Memphis was recently ranked No. 8 in MovieMaker Magazine's “25 Best Places to Live in 2009” (for independent moviemakers). Incentives for filmmakers: There are two incentive plans available to filmmakers in Memphis, which combined, add up to as much as a third of the investment made in the film.
Atlanta, Ga.
In 2008, Georgia passed the Entertainment Industry Investment Act, which, among other things removes the caps on how much money must be spent on movies filmed in the state. That legislation should get Atlanta's film industry going along with new incentives offered by the state of Georgia. Recent films include The Joneses, One Missed Call and Madea Goes to Jail. Others include Driving Miss Daisy, Remember the Titans and The Slugger's Wife.Incentives for filmmakers: 20% tax credit; additional 10% credit if state logo is used in film credits.
Austin, Tex.
Austin is home to all kinds of moviemaking assets. Because of those assets, MovieMaker Magazine named Austin the No. 1 location in the U.S. in its 2007 “top cities to live and make movies” ranking. Appaloosa, Friday the 13th and Sin City 2 were recent films made in Austin. Incentives for filmmakers: The city of Austin offers grants up to 5% of in-state costs of production.
Richmond/Williamsburg, Va.
Richmond's incredible Southern history provides filmmakers with all kinds of opportunities few places in the region can offer. One of the most successful films shot in Richmond recently was the "John Adams" HBO miniseries. "John Adams" was also shot in the historic city of Williamsburg. Incentives for filmmakers: At the discretion of the Governor's office.
Savannah, Ga.
Savannah has a growing film industry and Georgia's new incentives to lure filmmakers will only make Savannah a more popular location. Notable movies such as Forrest Gump, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, The Gift, The General's Daughter and Roots were filmed in Savannah. Incentives for filmmakers: Up to 30% flat tax credit.
Charleston, S.C.
Not unlike Beaufort and Savannah, Charleston offers a historical setting with waterfront views that make for a perfect backdrop for filmmakers. Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Chasers, The Break, The Jackal and The Patriot were filmed in Savannah. Incentives for filmmakers: 20% tax credit; additional 10% credit if state logo is used in film credits.