Film Production Insurance – North Carolina

**Top 5 Cities to Film in North Carolina**

North Carolina is a beautiful state filled with diverse landscapes and rich history. It has long been a favorite location for filmmakers because of its variety of filming locations, from mountains to coastlines and bustling cities to quiet small towns. In this article, we will explore the top five cities to film in North Carolina. Each of these cities offers something special, making them ideal places for movie and TV productions.

### 1. **Wilmington**

Wilmington is known as the “Hollywood of the East.” Over the years, it has become one of the top filming locations not only in North Carolina but in the entire United States. This coastal city offers filmmakers a mix of urban settings, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks. The nearby Atlantic Ocean provides stunning backdrops for beach scenes, while the charming downtown area, filled with historic buildings, is perfect for period films or modern dramas.

One of the key reasons Wilmington is so popular with filmmakers is EUE/Screen Gems Studios. This large studio complex has hosted many popular TV shows and films, including *Dawson’s Creek*, *One Tree Hill*, and *Iron Man 3*. With professional sound stages, experienced crews, and local support, Wilmington is a go-to city for both small and large productions.

Additionally, the surrounding areas of Wilmington offer even more variety. The Cape Fear River, with its scenic waterfront, and nearby islands like Wrightsville Beach give filmmakers additional options for outdoor filming. Whether you are shooting a beach scene, a cityscape, or a historical drama, Wilmington has everything you need.

### 2. **Charlotte**

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and a hub for business, sports, and entertainment. It has also become a popular place to film. With its modern skyline and bustling city atmosphere, Charlotte is perfect for urban films. The city’s mix of modern buildings, historic neighborhoods, and green spaces makes it versatile for a variety of projects.

One of Charlotte’s major draws for filmmakers is its diversity. In Uptown Charlotte, you’ll find towering skyscrapers that can double as New York or other large cities. But just outside the city center, there are charming residential neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, providing a more suburban feel. Filmmakers looking for a mix of urban and suburban settings will find plenty to work with in Charlotte.

Charlotte has hosted a wide range of films and TV shows, including *The Hunger Games* and *Homeland*. The city’s infrastructure, combined with its growing film community, makes it a convenient and attractive place for productions of all sizes. In addition to its urban appeal, Charlotte is surrounded by scenic parks and lakes, offering filmmakers the chance to incorporate nature into their projects.

### 3. **Asheville**

Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the most scenic places to film in North Carolina. Its stunning mountain views, historic architecture, and artistic vibe make it a favorite for filmmakers. The city’s natural beauty, combined with its cultural richness, provides a unique backdrop that stands out in films.

One of Asheville’s most famous filming locations is the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home. This grand mansion and its surrounding gardens have been featured in several films, including *Forrest Gump* and *The Last of the Mohicans*. The Biltmore’s stately architecture and lush grounds are perfect for period films, weddings, or any scene that requires an elegant and picturesque setting.

Asheville itself is known for its artsy, bohemian culture. The downtown area is filled with art galleries, cafes, and historic buildings, making it ideal for films that want to capture a creative and eclectic vibe. The nearby Blue Ridge Parkway also offers breathtaking mountain scenery, which is perfect for outdoor scenes or road trip movies. Overall, Asheville’s mix of natural beauty and cultural charm makes it one of the top cities to film in North Carolina.

### 4. **Raleigh**

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is a city that blends history with modernity. It’s an excellent place to film, offering filmmakers a variety of urban and suburban settings. With its well-preserved historic buildings, wide streets, and tree-filled parks, Raleigh can serve as a backdrop for many different types of films.

The city’s historic downtown area, known as the Warehouse District, is filled with old brick buildings that give it a unique, industrial feel. This makes it ideal for films that need a more rustic or vintage look. In contrast, Raleigh’s more modern neighborhoods and shopping districts can double as any major American city, giving filmmakers flexibility in their projects.

One of Raleigh’s most notable landmarks is the North Carolina State Capitol, a grand neoclassical building that can be used for government or historical scenes. The city also has several large parks and green spaces, including Pullen Park and the Raleigh Rose Garden, which provide peaceful outdoor settings. Whether you’re filming a drama, a romance, or an action film, Raleigh has a location that will fit your needs.

### 5. **Durham**

Durham is another great city for filming in North Carolina. Known for its universities, especially Duke University, and its growing tech industry, Durham has a unique blend of old and new. The city’s historic tobacco warehouses, many of which have been converted into trendy lofts and businesses, give Durham a distinct industrial feel.

Duke University, with its Gothic-style buildings and expansive campus, is one of Durham’s most iconic filming locations. It has been featured in several films and TV shows, including *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Brainstorm*. The university’s architecture is both grand and timeless, making it an excellent backdrop for academic or historical films.

In addition to its academic charm, Durham has a lively downtown area filled with restaurants, theaters, and art galleries. The American Tobacco Historic District, a revitalized area of old tobacco factories, provides filmmakers with an industrial, yet modern, setting. With its mix of historic and contemporary locations, Durham is a versatile and attractive city for filmmakers.

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### Why North Carolina is a Great Place to Film

North Carolina offers filmmakers a wide range of locations and settings. From the coastal beauty of Wilmington to the mountain views of Asheville, the state’s diverse landscapes provide plenty of options for outdoor scenes. The state’s cities also offer a variety of urban and historic settings, making North Carolina an ideal location for films of all genres.

In addition to its diverse locations, North Carolina has a strong film industry. The state has invested in building up its film infrastructure, with several cities offering production studios, experienced crews, and film-friendly regulations. This makes it easier for filmmakers to set up and carry out productions in the state.

The state also offers financial incentives for filmmakers, including tax credits, which help attract major productions. This, combined with the state’s natural beauty and historic charm, has made North Carolina a popular choice for filmmakers from around the world.

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### Conclusion

North Carolina is one of the best places to film in the United States. Its top cities offer a mix of natural beauty, urban energy, and historical charm that makes the state an attractive destination for filmmakers. Wilmington, with its beautiful beaches and bustling film studios, is a coastal gem. Charlotte provides filmmakers with a modern, urban setting, while Asheville’s mountain views and artistic culture offer a unique backdrop.

Raleigh, with its historic buildings and green spaces, is a great option for a variety of films, and Durham’s blend of academia and industry provides filmmakers with even more choices. Each of these cities has something special to offer, making North Carolina a top filming destination.

Whether you’re filming a big-budget blockbuster or a small indie film, North Carolina’s cities, landscapes, and film-friendly communities will help you bring your vision to life. From the mountains to the coast, this state has everything a filmmaker could ask for.