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BEYOND THE INCENTIVES What producers should know before choosing a filming location
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HOW VIRAL FILMING LOCATIONS ARE WINNING BETTER DEALS
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CONTENTS FEATURES
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How Weather Shapes Productions
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Destinations Leading the Sustainable Production Movement
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From Alberta snowfields to Pacific Coast fog belts, these locations give productions the seasonal reliability they need to stay on schedule From green filmmaking incentives to reuse networks, North American production hubs are making sustainability more practical
Adapting Locations for Different Genres
How location scouts evaluate sites differently for horror, romance, drama and action – and how the same space can serve multiple creative visions
eyond the Incentive: What Producers Should Know B Before Choosing a Location
How permits, insurance, weather, crew depth and compliance shape the true cost of filmmaking on location
Photo credit Vlad Chetan
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How Viral Filming Locations Are Winning Better Deals for Productions Destinations that have seen the economic payoff of screen exposure are now competing hard for your project
Top North American Film Festivals 2026/27
Discover 40 incredible film festivals happening across North America throughout 2026 and 2027
SITE INSPECTIONS 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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ilm Santa Clarita, CA F ity of Palmdale, CA C City of Sacramento, CA Riverside County, CA Montana Film Office, MT Glacier Country, MT Yellowstone
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Champaign-Urbana. IL St. Louis Film Office, MO St. Joseph CVB, MO North Alabama Film Office, AL Film Florida, FL Franklin County, FL Atlantic City, NJ British Virgin Film Commission, BVI
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Mountain West American West Canada Tropics
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Flipping the Script on Location Scouting
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A film succeeds when atmosphere and cinematic artistry bring a story to life. Behind every production is a series of considerations, beginning with the right locations. These places must support the story, budget, atmosphere and genre of a project. In this inspiring edition of Destination Film Guide, join us as we explore the trends, challenges and opportunities that are influencing today’s film industry. There are several variables to consider when choosing a filming location, including how weather shapes a production, and we navigate through the storms many filmmakers face when shooting in seasonal locales. We also spotlight sustainable production practices and the numerous locations leading the way in green filmmaking. We also explore: • The hidden costs of filmmaking that producers often overlook when choosing a location • Viral destinations that are making regions more eager to host productions • How to adapt film locations for every genre This edition introduces our first-ever Film Festivals Mini Guide featuring must-attend film festivals throughout North America. These events showcase a wide range of genres, celebrate emerging talent, and create networking and collaboration opportunities. Finally, discover the latest tax credits and production incentives across the United States, Canada and the Tropics in our newly refined Film Incentives Guide. In the words of filmmaking icon Ron Howard, “People don’t go to the movies to see the facts. They go to have their imaginations stretched.” Keep the cameras rolling and stay inspired. Heather Dale, Managing Editor
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West – Tom Tobiason P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 tom@ptmgroups.com 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. The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.
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All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. ON THE COVER: Curry Barker, director of Obsession, shoots a scene for the blockbuster movie. Photo credit: Blumhouse Productions
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AMERICAN FILM MARKET®
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Best Filming Locations for Seasonal and WeatherReliable Shoots
The Bay Area experiences regular fog banks that lend to reliable atmospheric conditions.
FROM ALBERTA SNOWFIELDS TO PACIFIC COAST FOG BELTS, THESE LOCATIONS GIVE PRODUCTIONS THE SEASONAL RELIABILITY THEY NEED TO STAY ON SCHEDULE BY HEATHER DALE
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haos ensued during filming of parts of Jaws (1975) due to the mercurial Atlantic coastal climate, while The Revenant (2015) faced repeated schedule interruptions as production chased snow across multiple regions. From snow-reliable mountains to consistent sun-soaked desert landscapes and coastal microclimates with dependable fog, these North American locations help productions plan around the elements before they become costly delays.
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How Weather Shapes Production & Budgeting
Reliable weather is both a creative asset and a budgeting tool. When it comes to the financial cost of production delays and budgeting for unforeseen events, consider the issues filmmakers face and how to address them. Delays dilute budgets: Location fees, crew wages and equipment rental costs continue even when the cameras stop rolling. Continuity issues: A rapidly changing sky can force a full reset in a scene that requires consistent lighting. Wind noise: Coastal gusts or desert winds can compromise audio and require costly post-production fixes. DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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HOW WEATHER SHAPES PRODUCTIONS
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Photo credit: Vulplex
The Mojave Desert stretches from southern California to portions of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. It offers one of the most cinematic desert landscapes in North America, comprising rugged mountains, dry, Earth-cracked lake beds, sun-bleached valleys and stark, open highways. Photo credit: Steve Harvey via Unsplash
Behind the scenes of Hannibal, filmed in the snowcovered landscapes of Alberta, Canada.
Buffer days: Weather-sensitive shoots often build in extra days as insurance, increasing costs before delays occur. More than forecast monitoring: Weather apps help, but historically consistent locations can reduce risk from the start.
Filmmakers trek the snowy landscape of Mammoth Lakes, California.
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Photo credit: Daniel Ramos via Unsplash
What Makes a Location Weather-Reliable?
The best filming locations for seasonal weather offer more than predictable sunshine. A weather-reliable location provides seasonal stability, climatological regularity or short recovery time between shifting conditions. Dependable locations also provide productions with proper infrastructure, equipment, local crews and permitting support. In production terms, reliability is a cost-control tool. Here are some of the most reliable regions in North America where the weather is so predictable that you could set your watch to it.
Mountain Regions Where Winter Delivers
For productions that need dependable winter conditions, mountain regions with long ski seasons and established snow infrastructure reduce the risk of costly weather resets. From Canada to California, several locations won’t disappoint when it comes to steady winter scenery. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Belle's Diner in the Mojave Desert was used in the films Breakdown (1997) and Crazy in Alabama (1999).
• Alberta, Canada (Kananaskis, Canmore & Banff area) Need a consistent winter environment that delivers reliable snow and dramatic mountain terrain? Alberta, Canada, offers more, with convenient proximity to Calgary's exemplary infrastructure, making it one of the most-used winter destinations in North America. The region is unusually versatile, with location managers stating that a roughly two-hour drive from Calgary takes you from soaring 9,000-foot snowfields down to sweeping prairies and small towns with quaint streetscapes. Films shot here: The Revenant, Brokeback Mountain, The Last of Us, Inception, Hannibal (TV show), and Jumanji: The Next Level • Mammoth Mountain / Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra Region, California In the U.S., producers seeking deep snowpack and one of North America's longest ski seasons can find them at California’s Mammoth Mountain. The mountain actively supports filmmakers by maintaining relationships with production companies for snow-specific scenes and offering specialized equipment and personnel for difficult shoots. Its mountain vistas have doubled for the Rockies, the Himalayas and the Alps. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Within a short radius, the broader Eastern Sierra region offers sparkling alpine lakes, ghost towns, sage valleys, hot springs, moon-type rock formations and expansive desert terrain. Films shot here: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, True Grit, Star Trek: Insurrection, The Scorpion King, Oblivion, The Golden Child (Mammoth Mountain Ski Area was used as a stand-in for the Himalayas) Takeaway: In snow-dependent productions, reliable winter conditions are not just visual assets; they are scheduling safeguards.
Desert Filming Locations with Year-Round Stability
For productions that need sun, clear skies and low precipitation, Western desert regions offer long daylight hours and strong continuity across multi-day exterior shoots. These desert filming locations around North America are ideal for a range of projects. • Sonoran Desert (Arizona & Southern California) One of the most scheduling-friendly regions in the U.S. for outdoor productions is the Sonoran Desert, which spans much of Southern Arizona and extends into Southern California. Filmmakers have access to ample sunshine and DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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blue skies, allowing for extended production windows and reliable lighting for continuous filming. Its highly specific visual identity is rooted in the American Southwest and Mexican frontier territory: towering saguaro cacti, dry basins, authentic ranchlands, mission-style architecture and rugged mountain backdrops. The region provides a valuable combination of dependable light and accessible desert locations, and has inspired film settings such as sci-fi landscapes, Western frontiers and Middle Eastern locales. Films shot here: Tombstone, Three Amigos, Rio Bravo, Raising Arizona, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, El Dorado • Death Valley & Mojave Desert (Southern & Eastern California) The Mojave Desert stretches from southern California to portions of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. It offers one of the most cinematic desert landscapes in North America, comprising rugged mountains, dry, Earth-cracked lake beds, sun-bleached valleys and stark, open highways. Natural lava fields and Joshua tree terrain can serve as stand-ins for distant planets or sprawling desertscapes, also perfect for American Westerns and period pieces. Death Valley, located in eastern California within the Mojave Desert, has served as a backdrop since the silent era, including in films such as Greed (1924) and The Professionals (1966). Radical light conditions, vast salt flats, and windswept sand dunes lend visual textures from sunrise to sunset that are difficult to replicate elsewhere, while its
Photo credit: Tyke Jones via Unsplash
HOW WEATHER SHAPES PRODUCTIONS
Blue skies and otherworldly rock formations at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Photo credit: James Adams via Unsplash
Filming in snowy Canada.
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striking natural sculptures to surreal minimalist landscapes to surrounding alpine panoramas. Films shot here: Thelma & Louise, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Con Air; Mission: Impossible II, City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold, 127 Hours Takeaway: Desert locations offer reliable lighting and scheduling security, but extreme heat can threaten equipment and crew safety. Productions should plan for earlymorning or late-afternoon shoots and limit work during peak midday temperatures.
Microclimates as Cinematic Tools
aridity and consistent light support stable multi-day shoots. The Mojave Desert/Death Valley corridor continues to stand as one of the film industry's most enduring natural backlots in North America. Films shot here: Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Robinson Crusoe on Mars, Cherry 2000, The Doors, Breakdown, Crazy in Alabama • Moab, Bryce Canyon Region & Bonneville Salt Flats (Utah) Utah offers an unusually broad range of extreme natural landscapes within one state. Moab is filled with captivating red-rock arches, canyons, mesas and desert roads, perfect backdrops for an alien planet or post-apocalyptic landscape. Bryce Canyon boasts mind-blowing hoodoos, high-elevation desert scenery, and pine-framed overlooks for a different visual character. The Bonneville Salt Flats provide expansive white plains and a naturally horizonless scale not found elsewhere. Utah’s seasonal range contributes to the state’s production-planning value: intense summer heat and long days, mild temperatures and stable skies in spring and fall, and higher-elevation snowfall in winter. Combined, these locations give filmmakers access to reliable options—from DestinationFilmGuide.com
Producers seeking natural weather elements to bolster a scene should consider regions with microclimates. These areas are localized atmospheric zones shaped by topography, elevation or water proximity. When understood in advance, these patterns can turn mist, fog, snow, cloud cover or filtered light into repeatable visual assets. Alberta, Canada’s Predictable Winters – In the HBO series The Last of Us (2022), the Canmore area was used extensively thanks to its consistent snowy conditions and varied landscape. During the filming of Inception (2010), filmmakers used an actual snowstorm to enhance a scene. Northern California Fog Belt – Driven by cold Pacific upwelling and the inland valley temperature difference, places like Point Reyes, Marin Coast and the Bay Area afford filmmakers reliable atmospheric conditions for one-of-a-kind cinematography. The Fog (1980) was deliberately shot on the Northern California coast to use the region’s predictable fog banks for natural effects. High Desert – In Northern New Mexico and the Eastern Sierra, elevated desert environments mean lower temperatures than in valley deserts. It also provides astonishing cloud formations and a quality of light that filmmakers can’t get at sea level. The clarity of the high-desert air provides long golden hours and more saturated color during sunrise and sunset. Appalachian Valleys – Conditions throughout the sheltered Appalachian Valleys differ from nearby ridge elevations in that they provide predictable morning fog during the right seasons. Additionally, dense tree canopies provide filtered light that differs substantially from open environments. These examples show how routine conditions can become creative assets when productions know where, when and how to use them.
The Future of Reliable Weather
Even as climate change complicates long-term weather planning, certain regions across North America still offer valuable seasonal patterns, from dependable snowpack and desert sun to coastal fog and high-desert light. For productions, the advantage lies in choosing locations where natural conditions are not just beautiful, but strategically useful. DF DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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New York City is an ideal location for green filmmaking with a robust infrastructure.
Green Lights: Destinations Leading the Sustainable Production Movement
FROM GREEN FILMMAKING INCENTIVES TO REUSE NETWORKS, NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION HUBS ARE MAKING SUSTAINABILITY MORE PRACTICAL BY HELENE MARTIN
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ccording to a report by the Sustainable Production Alliance (SPA), tentpole films averaged 3,370 metric tons of CO2e, or about 33 metric tons per shooting day, while small projects averaged 391 metric tons of CO2e. Hollywood may be built on larger-than-life stories, but production leaves a measurable environmental footprint. Considering fuel, transportation, set construction, utilities and waste all contributing to a production’s impact, sustainability is no longer a side conversation; it’s a part of how productions plan, budget and choose film locations. The good news is that green filmmaking is becoming the new standard, practical and budget-friendly. From LED lighting and reuse networks to virtual production, incentives and training programs, producers have several tools to go green, including destinations in North America promoting green initiatives.
Photo credit: McGill Productions via Unsplash
What Green Filmmaking Looks Like in Practice
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The reality of sustainable filming can be challenging. Instead of talking about what you can do in the abstract, here are some examples of sustainable changes that productions have put into practice. • LED Lighting LED lighting reduces power demand and lasts longer than traditional bulbs, which can lower power demands on set. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was committed to running a sustainable film production. They earned a Gold Standard from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and were deemed carbonneutral for their production and press tour. Part of this commitment came in the form of LED lighting. The movie's most climactic fight scene was lit with LEDs. Everything was well thought out, from lighting panels and arrays to marquee lights and stoplights – even the no-walking signs. Though this is a large-scale production with a superhero movie
budget, even the smallest projects can make steps toward sustainability. Replacing your lightbulbs with LEDs and finding locations that use LED lighting are good places to start. • Rented Costumes, Reuse & Donation Programs Sourcing good quality, affordable clothing can often be costly and time-consuming. Renting costumes decreases purchasing, storage and disposal costs, as well as the stress of what to do with everything post-filming. Reuse and donation programs can also reduce landfill waste and storage costs. Plus, productions can work with local theaters, universities, nonprofits and upcycle centers to keep props and other materials out of landfills. • Virtual Production Virtual production can reduce travel and physical set builds using LED walls. If it’s in your budget, consider the advantages of an LED screen. These screens, or walls, offer the dual benefits of sustainability and cost savings. There are many examples of productions that have used LED screens – with great results. For series set in interplanetary settings, virtual production allowed The Mandalorian to create expansive environments without sending crews to different physical locations. Instead of putting their actors in front of a green screen and adding CGI later, they took a different approach. The production used LED volume technology to create immersive environments in-camera, reducing the need for location work or traditional post-production fixes. While The Mandalorian is a large-scale production with a budget to boot, productions with tight schedules and budgetary constraints can still take advantage of LED walls.
The Tools and Standards to Know
These tools help producers measure environmental impacts, plan reductions and document sustainable film production practices. • BAFTA Albert If you are seeking the industry DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE FILM PRODUCTION standard for sustainability best practices, look no further than BAFTA Albert. The Albert Certification is awarded to productions that conduct a Carbon Footprint Assessment, create a Carbon Action Plan, and submit documentation of the sustainable practices implemented. Productions that complete certification will be awarded a one, two, or three-star rating. The certification and star rating can then be included in your end credits to display your commitment to green filmmaking. The certification process also helps productions identify where their sustainability plans are working and where improvement is needed. • Green Production Guide The Producers Guild of America and the Sustainable Production
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Alliance developed the Green Production Guide toolkit. It contains various useful resources and practical tools, including a directory of vetted eco-friendly vendors and practical frameworks for reducing a production’s environmental impact. • Green Seal While Albert focuses on carbon planning and certification, the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal recognizes productions that implement green filmmaking practices and also encourages environmental storytelling through characters and plotlines with an extensive list. Awarded on a point system, the seal is more than just a symbol of recognition; it helps productions self-assess their own sustainability measures.
Photo credit: Utah Film Commission Facebook
Behind the scenes of Rabisu - Curse of the Demon (2026) - Kingcup Productions & Deskpop Entertainment
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Destination scouting becomes more complex when sustainability is integrated into the planning process. Beyond scenery, crew depth and green incentives, productions are increasingly seeking locations with appropriate vendors, reuse networks, low-emission transportation options, sustainability training and film offices that understand eco-friendly film production planning. These North American destinations offer a strong starting point for those seeking to reduce their environmental impact. • Illinois, USA Illinois just became the first in the nation to launch an incentive program specifically for certified green productions. The program joins the already enticing credit of up to 35% for all film spending in the state. Illinois continues to show major growth in the film industry, and its latest sustainability incentive further drives both the film industry and environmental responsibility. • New York City, USA One of the clearest examples of sustainable film production environments is New York City. NYC Film Green is administered by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and supports film and television productions that use environmentally friendly practices. The incentive also allows qualifying productions to earn a Film Green Seal to use in end credits. Other benefits to filming in NYC are easy transit access, green vendor networks and reuse opportunities that help reduce waste, limit transportation emissions and help keep materials in circulation after wrap. • Utah, USA The Utah Film Commission’s commitment to supporting green production practices makes it an increasingly attractive filming destination. While they don’t currently offer any green-specific incentive programs, there is infrastructure in place for sustainable filming. Local vendors provide everything from DestinationFilmGuide.com
Photo credit: Jack Delulio via Unsplash
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Virtual production can reduce travel and physical set builds using LED walls. If it’s in your budget, consider the advantages of an LED screen.
LED wall in a Los Angeles production studio.
rented equipment and low-cost materials to tax deductions on donated goods following production. • British Columbia, Canada British Columbia in Canada has long been one of the most active production hubs in North America. Its Reel Green initiative bolsters the province's strong sustainability framework to match its film infrastructure. The initiative supports sustainable film production through tools, training and collaboration among government, industry and local partners. BC offers producers a mature, green filmmaking ecosystem in which sustainability is a daily practice. Film Fact: A clear example of sustainable practices in filmmaking is the production of Fifty Shades Freed, filmed in Vancouver. The production diverted 75% of its set waste and donated 288 tons of set materials, which kept 99% of the trilogy’s film sets out of landfills. Another example is the hit television series, The X-Files. During the filming of season 11 in British Columbia, the production worked with Green Spark to create a sustainability plan, ultimately diverting 68% of waste from local landfills. • Alberta, Canada Alberta offers major production infrastructure and sustainability DestinationFilmGuide.com
resources, including the Alberta Sustainable Production Guide, which helps crews find green vendors and services like recycling and waste management. Alberta gives producers location versatility and the tools to accomplish eco-friendly practices. Plus, a film and television tax credit of up to 30% on eligible labor costs and production makes the province cost-effective. Sustainable programs, incentives and vendors change often. With any location, it is important to confirm current offerings with each film office before the start of production.
The Cost Question
The assumption that sustainable filming costs more than traditional production is increasingly outdated. Today, there are plenty of logistical and financial advantages to green filmmaking. LED lighting, digital paperwork, reusable water systems, local networks and material donations can help reduce expenses while being environmentally friendly. There are tax incentives, rebates and grants designed
specifically for green filmmaking. Not to mention that a commitment to sustainability tends to attract investors seeking socially responsible projects. If the question of cost has been holding you back from investing in sustainable film production, keep in mind that the myth of pricey green options is not today’s reality. Everything from big-budget blockbusters to small indies can save on costs through ecofriendly production choices.
The Future of Sustainable Film Production
Green filmmaking is no longer relegated to big-budget productions and major studios. More film offices, vendors and production hubs are building sustainable practices into their services. For producers, this means eco-friendly filming is becoming easier to plan and more accessible. Successful productions will consider eco-friendly choices from the start, from green vendors and workflows that reduce waste to lower emissions and selecting destinations that support green filmmaking. DF DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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Adapting Locations for Different Genres: Horror, Action, Romance and More
HOW LOCATION SCOUTS EVALUATE SITES DIFFERENTLY FOR HORROR, ROMANCE AND ACTION – AND HOW THE SAME SPACE CAN SERVE MULTIPLE CREATIVE VISIONS BY ABBY SHELTON
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great film location isn't defined by what it looks like, but by what it can become. The same abandoned warehouse might anchor a tense horror film, stage an explosive action sequence, or transform into an intimate dramatic setting with the right lighting and production design. The location hasn't changed, but the way it is interpreted has. That's why evaluating filming locations for different genres is about far more than finding a visually appealing space. Every genre places different creative and technical demands on a location, influencing everything from lighting and sound to access, safety and set dressing. A property that works beautifully for a romance may fall short for an action production, while an old farmhouse with natural wear and isolation might provide everything a horror film needs before a single prop is added. For location scouts and producers, the question isn’t, “Is this a good location?” The question should be, “Is this the right backdrop for my story?” We help film industry experts break it down by exploring popular genres and the details of transforming any space into your perfect setting.
How does a location add to a film's ability to allow audiences to feel rather than simply witness?
The Genre Lens: How Scouts Read a Space Before the Camera Does
Every location scout evaluates a property through three lenses: creative fit, technical viability and logistical practicality. Those fundamentals rarely change, but the weight given to each depends entirely on the genre. An action production may prioritize wide access roads, ceiling clearance and safe stunt zones, while a romance film often depends on how natural light moves across the location throughout the day. Horror productions, meanwhile, may spend just as much time evaluating ambient sound as visual appeal because silence and atmosphere become part of the storytelling. The production designer is equally important during genrespecific location scouting. Some spaces already communicate the mood, while others require extensive location dressing for film. Understanding how much transformation a location needs isn't just a creative decision; it's a budget determination. The most effective scouts don't simply see a building or landscape. They understand how its existing light, textures, acoustics and layout can support an entirely different cinematic experience depending on the genre.
Photo credit: Canva
Horror: Isolation, Texture and the Sound of Dread
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Few genres rely more heavily on a location's natural character than horror. While production design can heighten fear, the strongest macabre locations already possess an unsettling quality that audiences instinctively recognize. • Physical Atmosphere Successful horror film location requirements often include physical isolation, visible age, uneven architecture and DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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ADAPTING LOCATIONS FOR DIFFERENT GENRES surfaces marked by time. Abandoned factories, aging farmhouses, dense forests and underground spaces naturally communicate unease without excessive set dressing. • Natural Lighting Lighting is just as important. Horror favors deep shadows, strong contrast and areas that resist illumination. When location scouting for horror, scouts often observe how natural light behaves throughout the day, looking for spaces where darkness gathers naturally instead of requiring extensive lighting modifications.
Hereditary and A Quiet Place demonstrate how carefully selected acoustic environments can amplify suspense before a musical score or visual scare ever occurs. When a location already offers authentic texture, atmospheric lighting and usable sound, production designers can spend less time creating fear artificially and more time enhancing what's already there.
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Every location scout evaluates a property through three lenses: creative fit, technical viability and logistical practicality.
• Quiet on Set Sound is another priority. Ambient traffic, aircraft or mechanical systems can undermine scenes built around tension and silence, making sound isolation location scouting an essential part of the process. Productions like
Action: Space, Safety and Everything That Has to Move
An abandoned warehouse might look incredible in photos, but if there's nowhere to rig a camera, no place for emergency vehicles to park and no safe path for stunt performers, it quickly falls off the shortlist.
• Can the Stunts Fit? Finding the right action film stunt location begins with geometry. Corridor widths, overhead clearance, surface
Photo credit: Chicago Film Office Facebook
Filming locations in urban areas, like Chicago, provide everyday scenery where anyone could be watching.
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Photo credit: Redd Francisco via Unsplash
Physical atmospheres should match the genre and emotional tone.
conditions, camera sightlines and controlled access all influence whether a sequence is practical to film.
flattering images that naturally enhance emotional scenes. Cinematographers frequently revisit locations at different times of day to understand exactly how changing light affects the environment. Natural diffusion is equally valuable. Overcast skies often provide even, flattering light that extends shooting opportunities beyond the brief golden-hour window, making coastal and valley locations particularly attractive for romance film location lighting.
• Understanding the Safety of Filming Locations Because safety drives every decision, stunt coordinators typically inspect locations before they're approved. Photographs can't reveal uneven surfaces, escape routes or potential hazards that affect stunt planning. Understanding stunt safety location requirements early helps productions avoid costly surprises during pre-production.
Romance: Light, Intimacy and Emotional Connection Beautiful locations aren't automatically romantic. In fact, some of the most visually impressive places make it surprisingly difficult to film intimate scenes. • Using Natural Sunlight & Diffusion The most sought-after condition is golden hour romance filming, when low, warm sunlight creates soft, DestinationFilmGuide.com
For action sequences, consider whether a space is large enough for stunts.
Photo credit: Marek Studzinski via Unsplash
• Large-Scale Stunts & Location Requirements Infrastructure also matters. Large action productions often require equipment trucks, support vehicles, emergency access and extensive permitting, particularly when filming in busy urban environments. Mad Max: Fury Road demonstrated how spectacular locations often demand equally impressive logistical planning, while films in The Bourne series highlight the challenges of coordinating action sequences within active city streets.
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ADAPTING LOCATIONS FOR DIFFERENT GENRES • Film Location Size Matters Scale also shapes emotional impact. Gardens, quiet streets, waterfront paths, and covered porches naturally create intimacy without feeling confined. Brokeback Mountain illustrates how expansive landscapes can still support deeply personal storytelling when thoughtful composition and lighting keep the focus on the relationship rather than the scenery. Production design completes the transformation, using subtle set dressing and warm visual elements to reinforce the emotional tone while allowing the location's existing character to shine.
Drama and Beyond: What Other Genres Ask of a Location
• Authentic Over Theatrical Drama, for example, values authenticity over spectacle. A location doesn't need dramatic architecture or sweeping views if it already feels lived in. Worn hardwood floors, aging brickwork, family photographs, or the character of an established neighborhood can communicate years of history without relying on elaborate production design. These existing details reduce the need for extensive film location set dressing while helping actors and audiences believe in the world on screen.
• Atmospheric Acoustics Dialogue also drives many dramatic productions, making acoustics especially important. It's a mistake newer scouts make all the time. They fall in love with the visuals and forget to stand still for five minutes and listen. That perfect brick alley suddenly isn't so perfect when buses pass every ninety seconds. During production design location scouting, professionals often work closely with the sound department to balance atmosphere with practical recording conditions.
Photo credit: Canva
Using the natural light for romantic scenes adds authentic emotion.
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Photo credit: Siri Louis via Unsplash
While horror, action and romance each have distinct priorities, every genre changes the way a scout evaluates a space. The goal is always the same: to find a location that supports the story. However, the qualities that make a location work vary depending on what the audience is meant to feel, not just see.
• Ordinary Locations Offer Thrilling Observation Thrillers occupy an interesting middle ground between drama and horror. Rather than relying on abandoned buildings or obvious decay, thrillers often create tension through controlled, everyday environments. Parking garages, office buildings, transit stations, hotels, and government facilities all carry an inherent sense of surveillance and restricted access. These locations encourage the audience to question who is watching and where danger might appear next. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Capture big scenes in the smallest locations with the right adaptations.
creative purposes. These multi-use filming locations offer more than visual flexibility—they can significantly reduce production costs. • One Property, Many Settings A single rural property with a farmhouse, wooded trails, open fields, and several outbuildings might double as a horror setting, a dramatic family home, or even an action location for a chase sequence. Keeping multiple scenes on one property reduces company moves, simplifies scheduling and minimizes permit coordination. • Versatility Above Set Adapting Versatile locations also make life easier for production designers. Neutral architecture, adaptable interiors, and varied natural surroundings provide a strong foundation for different creative directions. With thoughtful location dressing for film, the same room can shift from warm and inviting to unsettling or abandoned without requiring a complete rebuild. A location with neutral finishes and varied lighting conditions simply provides a stronger starting point than one with an overly specific identity that's difficult to transform. Adaptability is all about recognizing spaces with enough flexibility to become something entirely different. Of course, even the most adaptable location still requires creative investment. After all, production designers, cinematographers and lighting crews shape how audiences experience a space.
The Best Locations Don't Just Look Good— They Work for the Story
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The most successful location scouts know that finding a beautiful property • Less is More is only part of the job. The real skill lies For period films and Westerns, the in understanding how a location will biggest challenge is often what doesn't perform under the unique demands of With thoughtful belong in the frame. Modern streetlights, a production. When evaluating filming utility poles, satellite dishes, parked locations for different genres, it's worth location dressing vehicles, and cell towers can quickly looking beyond first impressions. for film, the same break the illusion of another era. That's Investigate how natural light behaves room can shift from why adapting locations for film genres throughout the day. Listen to the sometimes means choosing a location surrounding environment instead of warm and inviting with fewer contemporary distractions simply photographing it. Consider to unsettling or rather than one with the most impressive whether the layout supports stunt work, abandoned without scenery. Every modern element that must intimate conversations or moments of be removed digitally or hidden through suspense. Think about how much film requiring a complete production design adds time and cost to location set dressing will be needed to rebuild. achieve the desired look—and whether the production. another location could accomplish the same result with less time and expense. Experienced One Location, Multiple Genres: When a Space Does More Than a Single Job scouts rarely ask whether a location is good. They ask whether it's right for their story. And in filmmaking, that One of the most valuable discoveries during genre-specific distinction often makes all the difference. DF location scouting is a property that can serve multiple DestinationFilmGuide.com
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Beyond the Incentive: What Producers Should Know Before Choosing a Location
HOW PERMITS, INSURANCE, WEATHER, CREW DEPTH AND COMPLIANCE SHAPE THE TRUE COST OF FILMMAKING ON LOCATION
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BY HELENE MARTIN
ilm incentives can make a destination look financially attractive, but they rarely tell the full financial story. Permits, insurance requirements, weather risks, compliance rules and crew gaps can quickly change the actual price of a location. For example, in its prime, the Michigan film incentive program was offering up to a 40% refundable tax credit on eligible productions. The 2012 remake of Red Dawn was one of the productions that took advantage of Michigan’s unique incentives. Using nearly $17 million of taxpayers' money, it was the biggest benefactor of film credits in Michigan when it filmed in 2009. Even with a sizeable incentive, Red Dawn reportedly exceeded its budget and ran past schedule, showing that film incentives alone do not steer production risk. While incentive programs are not to blame for Red Dawn’s shortcomings, they also didn’t save it from becoming a widely recognized misfire.
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Filming in Portland, Oregon.
Even the most generous incentive programs can wrap up productions with more red tape than expected. Before choosing a filming location based on its incentive value alone, producers should examine the full financial picture behind the programs.
The Incentive Isn’t the Whole Picture
Filming incentive programs can look great on paper until you read the fine print. Hidden costs – including failures in proper documentation, missed eligibility considerations and obscure laws – can add up. Before you know it, what looked like a great incentive program can turn into a whole new pile of financial problems. DestinationFilmGuide.com
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Photo credit: Avel Chuklanov via Unsplash
Before choosing a filming location based on its incentive value alone, producers should examine the full financial picture behind the programs.
Incentive eligibility is rarely simple. Programs often market the leading credit, while residency rules, documentation standards and spending thresholds determine the final overall value. Labor residency is a requirement that varies widely across different incentive programs. This can be an oversight that has a big impact on payroll budgeting down the line. As any good filmmaker already knows, documentation is key. That is even more important when incentive programs come into play. To utilize these offers, all qualifying expenditures need to be properly documented. Missing invoices or undated receipts result in disqualified line items, which can add up quickly. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Productions can also miss out on layered programming. While state incentives often receive more attention, county and city programs may provide additional savings, making stacked benefits extremely valuable. Incentives can be beneficial, but only when productions understand the compliance work required to secure them and use those advantages effectively.
What the Location Fee Doesn’t Include
The base location fee is only the beginning. There is a long list of budget items that are not included in location fees and therefore can go unnoticed or easily be passed over when thinking of the bigger picture. These smaller budget items DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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Photo credit: Vlad Vasnetsov via Unsplash
HIDDEN COST OF FILMING
Filming from the ferry deck leaving Victoria, BC, Canada.
Weather as a Budget Variable
Weather is inherently erratic and can turn an ideal location into a logistical problem within weeks, especially in regions
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with sharp seasonal shifts. The result can be continuity issues, delays, unsafe working conditions or damaged equipment. Don’t let this uncertainty dictate the budget. Weather-related insurance helps create a solid plan and critical financial support for when the destination becomes unworkable. Although insurance does not protect from all the elements, be on the lookout for coverage gaps. “Act of God” clauses involving floods, hurricanes, snowstorms or other natural disasters can be vague, so producers should confirm exactly the types of events that trigger coverage and which exclusions remain. Before you commit to any weather-related insurance policies, ask yourself these important questions: 1. What are the seasonal weather patterns for the area? 2. What potential weather concerns does my coverage need to address? 3. Are all my concerns covered or are there ambiguous conditions that need to be addressed?
Consider regional weather patterns before securing a film location.
DestinationFilmGuide.com
Photo credit: Canva
add up, so it’s best to plan ahead and know what is and is not covered in your location fees. Permits are not a straightforward process – often containing layers that don’t become evident until after signing. Some location agreements include basic access or permit support, but they may not always cover every permit a project needs. Additional permits for noise, street closures, drones, parking, pyrotechnics or after-hours activities may be necessary. Insurance requirements can also sneak up on you. Liability insurance is often a requirement built directly into location fees. This insurance protects the location, not your production. Producers and filmmakers may still need separate coverage for cast, crew, vehicles, equipment, weather, stunts or completion risk. You must research and obtain separate insurance to protect yourself, your crew and your production. Parking costs can also multiply quickly if the location doesn’t provide on-site space. Even if a location does cover crew and additional parking – such as for catering trucks – it is often an additional fee. Required personnel like security, off-duty cops/firefighters or preservation officers for historic sites are some of those hidden expenses. These costs may be nonnegotiable, especially at historic locations, public facilities or high-traffic locations. Security deposits also accompany film production costs. Many locations require refundable deposits for property damage, restoration or overtime work, which affects cash flow during production. PRO TIP: A useful location estimate should separate the base fee from permits, insurance, parking, staffing, deposits and restoration requirements.
There are several coverage categories that every production should consider: Cast insurance covers losses tied to injury, illness, or death of key personnel and can represent some of the largest production insurance claims made today. Projects involving stunts, animals, aircraft, special effects, water work or hazardous locations may require additional coverage. Weather coverage should be reviewed alongside local climate patterns, especially in areas prone to heavy snow, hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat, erratic seasonal shifts or flooding. Completion bonds: If your production is being financed with the help of investors or lenders, you might need a completion bond, which guarantees delivery of the film but adds another cost layer that should be built into the budget at the start.
Crew Depth: What “Local Crew Base” Actually Means
It’s time to hire the crew. A strong incentive doesn’t always mean a film location has the crew depth a production needs, no matter what the project size. In smaller markets, filmmakers may find talented local teams but limited availability in specialized departments. While a location can have a great incentive program to help ease the financial strain, that does not mean it has a robust on-site local production crew. Bringing your own team guarantees the experience you want but puts more stress on your filming location budget through additional travel and accommodation costs. So how do productions save money and time? It’s important to vet incentive programs on all aspects of their locations. Crew depth can be overlooked when comparing incentive programs, but once filming begins, a robust team can make all the difference. If a film office promotes a local crew base, ask which departments are strongest, how many workers are available at the production’s scale and where shortages occur.
How Delays Compound Everything
Few costs compound faster than production delays. This is where contingency planning should be implemented for unique risks of the filming location. Preparing ahead of time for anything that can cause delayed shooting – i.e., weather, insurance gaps, crew shortages, etc. – is the first step. Even well-planned shoots can face unexpected issues or disruptions. Being proactive is key. As you may already know, many productions set aside a contingency reserve of roughly 10-15%. The filming location is the biggest indicator of how much of your budget should be allocated to the contingency reserve. However, the amount should reflect that in addition to crew availability, permitting complexity, production risk and weather exposure. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Photo credit: Jakob Owens via Unsplash
Insurance: 3 Considerations Before You Sign
Local crew base shooting a scene.
What to Evaluate Before You Commit
Before you commit to any incentive program, insurance plan or filming location, it is vital to be diligent in your research and continual management. A budget is not something to passively make; it needs to be actively maintained. To avoid common budgeting pitfalls, we’ve compiled a simple checklist to review before putting pen to paper: • Review incentive eligibility, residency rules, documentation standards and audit requirements. • Confirm whether city, county or local programs can be bundled with state incentives for layered savings. • Request a line-item location cost estimate that separates pricing by permits, parking, staffing, insurance, restoration costs and other deposits. • Review the location’s weather patterns to identify seasonal risks. • Confirm insurance coverage for crew, cast, vehicles, weather, equipment, stunts or hazardous work environments. • Evaluate local crew depth by each department, not overall availability. • Build a contingency reserve based on the filming location’s risk profile.
In Closing
While film incentives can make any location more attractive, they should never be the only factor to consider. The real price tag of filmmaking includes risks, logistics and rules, not just the location fee. Those who evaluate every aspect, including incentives, insurance, permits, crew, weather and contingency needs before committing to anything are better poised to protect the production’s budget and schedule. DF DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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How Viral Filming Locations Are Winning Better Deals for Productions DESTINATIONS THAT HAVE SEEN THE ECONOMIC PAYOFF OF SCREEN EXPOSURE ARE NOW COMPETING HARD FOR YOUR PROJECT — WITH BETTER INCENTIVES, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT
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s a producer, selecting a filming location used to be a simpler proposition. You would find the backdrop that matched your setting and creative vision, and then you would negotiate with local officials to establish incentives and filming parameters. But with an increasingly decentralized Hollywood, where many English-language productions are filmed outside of California and throughout the entire world, the calculus has become more complicated. With more options, it’s also important to understand how investing in new and developing locations can benefit your project directly and help the broader industry.
BY MILES DOBIS
Filmmaking in stunning Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
Proof Is in the Production Hubs
Newer production hubs such as Georgia, New Zealand and Alberta, Canada, now have decades of proof that a critical mass of projects can create a self-sustaining loop where productions can film at a lower cost, and the local economy can benefit from a new business sector. And now other locations want to lure productions to their own destinations. This competition benefits production.
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It means better incentives, more responsive commissions, faster permitting, deeper crew pipelines and infrastructure investment that makes a shoot easier and cheaper. The practical result for you as a producer or locations scout is more locations than ever to match your creative vision. However, this process usually can’t begin without efforts from the local
film commission. While location scouts may seek out an area because it visually matches their story, cities and states will often need to advocate for their value as a filming location. This is where the film commissions can directly advocate for tax incentives or studio space investments to attract big-budget productions—and hopefully succeed enough to repeat the process. DestinationFilmGuide.com
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Photo credit: Calgary Economic Development Facebook
Newer production hubs such as Georgia, New Zealand and Alberta, Canada, now have decades of proof that a critical mass of projects can create a self-sustaining loop where productions can film at a lower cost, and the local economy can benefit from a new business sector.
The Feedback Loop Destinations Have Figured Out
A strong example of film commissions capitalizing on a breakout hit is Alberta, Canada. The province had previous success in the Western genre by hosting productions like Brokeback Mountain and The Revenant, but its visibility hit the stratosphere after the success DestinationFilmGuide.com
of The Last of Us. Based on the popular PlayStation franchise where apocalypse survivors are hunted by zombies, the series was the most expensive production in Canadian history. The first season generated $182 million dollars and created nearly 1,500 jobs, and tourists began visiting filming locations mere days after the debut episode.
The local Alberta government saw the opportunity, and within days, Premier Danielle Smith announced that her government would "solidify Alberta's status as a top destination for film and television productions through competitive tax credits, grants and industry training." Travel Alberta published an interactive map of all 180 filming locations and actively marketed them to international travelers, and the increased tourism activity reinforced the political case for keeping production incentives competitive. The strategy was successful; The Last of Us returned to film in Alberta with an even larger budget. Alberta’s playbook for establishing a sustained filming economy was accomplished 25 years earlier by the country of New Zealand. Peter Jackson’s popular The Lord of the Rings film trilogy used 150 distinct locations across the country and catalyzed an entire infrastructure response: purpose-built studio facilities, a formal government rebate program (the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate) and a skilled local crew base that now handles major productions routinely. By the time Amazon produced The Rings of Power series, New Zealand had generations of behind-the-scenes talent to make filming in the country an obvious choice.
The Commission Arms Race — What Better Competition Looks Like for Producers
What do these developments mean for you as a producer or location scout? It means that more locations than ever can offer you local talent and discounted filming opportunities. After the success of The Lord of the Rings, New Zealand increased its location incentive rebate from 12.5% to 15% as part of a broader expansion of its Large Budget Screen Production Grant, DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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VIRAL LOCATIONS EAGER TO HOST PRODUCTIONS
Photo credit: The Georgia Film Office Facebook
Scenes from the new Scary Movie, being filmed in Georgia.
become “camera-ready destinations.” Years of infrastructure development have created formalized systems for streamlining location access, pre-vetting locations for shoots, and reducing the turnaround time between a location scout's inquiry and a production-ready response. Georgia's "Camera Ready Community" program, which started with 16 counties and rapidly expanded to over 70 applicants, is explicitly designed to reduce the friction between a studio choosing
Destinations That Invested After the Cameras Left
How were these locations able to create such sustainable production hubs? Quite simply, they continued to invest after the cameras stopped rolling. After the success of The Last of Us, Alberta’s government moved to explicitly market the province’s competitive tax credits (22–30%),
A Life of Intent - Growing Desert Roots, Directed by Caroline Boyd, filmed in Utah. Photo credit: Utah Film Commission Facebook
while Alberta's production incentives range from 22–30% with the higher rates tied to use of local resources. And Georgia's 30% transferable tax credit, built incrementally over years of documented production success, has made it one of the highest-volume production states in the United States. Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, the newest Scary Movie and dozens of other major productions all use the Peach State as a filming base. Meanwhile, Utah's Film Commission expanded its Rural Utah Film Incentive after the success of the Yellowstone franchise to attract productions to parts of the state that previously hadn't been considered as production hubs. When a Yellowstone spinoff (Y: Marshals) returned to Utah, a Paramount executive stated publicly that Utah was "our first choice" because it is "creator-friendly and affordable" — the language of a destination that has made the production-support investment pay off.
Georgia and a production being able to access it. If you need to oversee an advertisement with a tight deadline or shoot pickups before your film premiere, the convenience of Georgia’s efficient “Hollywood of the South” is a safer option than a less-established location or film commission. You’ll also have access to a deep well of local talent, saving you significant expenses on food and lodging for out-of-state labor. This is because destinations that have invested most heavily are building crew pipelines as part of their production-support infrastructure. On The Rings of Power, more than 20 New Zealanders with limited prior experience were hired and trained up specifically by the production. This was a talent development investment made possible by a stable production that both benefits local artists and makes filming in the country more streamlined.
What This Means for Productions
All these investments directly benefit producers because—beyond financial incentives—the locations have
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DestinationFilmGuide.com
Photo credit: Prime Video
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
crew base and location variety to international studios. Alberta has varied topography that ranges from small-town prairies to urban streetscapes, and the province pitched these varied backgrounds along with the more lucrative tax credits to future productions. The strategy worked; future productions in Canada will include the Netflix series The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey and a new Magnificent Seven show. New Zealand was similarly aggressive after the success of The Lord of the Rings. The New Zealand Film Commission and government increased the NZSPR tax rebate, invested in studio space (Auckland Film Studios, Kumeu Film Studios) and nurtured a world-class VFX industry anchored by Weta (which oversees effects for the Avatar film franchise). Additionally, the Large Budget Screen Production Grant has made New Zealand a repeat destination for major international productions including Disney’s live-action Mulan remake and the Blumhouse horror breakout M3GAN. And while Georgia's 30% transferable tax credit has made it industry shorthand for blockbuster DestinationFilmGuide.com
filmmaking, its operational story is equally significant. The state built a formal system for making its counties production-ready, developed a searchable location database that scouts can access for quick turnarounds, and has consistently expanded its incentive program in response to documented production activity. The result is a state that now routinely competes for — and wins — productions that would historically have defaulted to California or New York. The economic track record (major franchises, consistent TV production, documented local spending) has given the Georgia Film Office the political support to maintain and expand those incentives.
Screen Tourism's Increased Value
This is a lot of information to absorb, but the important takeaway is that your production has more options for location shooting than ever before, thanks to increased screen tourism and competition among film commissions. Screen tourism's economic proof has given destinations a strong reason to compete for film productions in ways they didn't have to decades
ago. For producers and location scouts, that competition is an asset. The destinations that have done the institutional work to convert screen exposure into production infrastructure are, in most cases, significantly more valuable partners than they were even five years ago. That's worth knowing when you're building a production plan. And while you may have more filming location options than ever, you and your crew should have questions prepared for these newly successful film commissions. A destination that has recently hosted a high-profile production and documented its impact may be actively improving what it offers. Film commissions in that mode are worth engaging directly and early — not just for the formal incentive program, but for the informal support that production-friendly commissions provide. This includes advanced location access, relationships with local authorities that speed up permit approvals, knowledge of available crew and willingness to problemsolve in real time. With all of this in mind, you’re certain to find the right collaborative film commission and perfect backdrop that makes your upcoming project unforgettable. DF DESTINATION FILM GUIDE
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Top North American Film Festivals 2026/27 40 FESTIVALS SHAPING INDEPENDENT CINEMA, CHAMPIONING NEW VOICES AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FILMMAKERS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA.
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ilm festivals are one of the best ways to experience independent cinema and connect with the people behind it. They create spaces where conversations continue long after the credits roll. Every festival has its own personality, shaped by its community, its programming and the stories it chooses to celebrate. This guide features 40 film festivals from across North America, from internationally recognized events to regional favorites, each offering its own distinctive mix of storytelling, culture and sense of place. We hope these pages introduce you to a few festivals you'll want to experience for yourself.
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AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY AND ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL (AMDOCS)
Palm Springs, California | March 17–21, 2027
The American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs) is an Academy Award®qualifying event and the largest festival on the West Coast dedicated to documentary and animation filmmaking. Held annually in Palm Springs, the festival showcases nearly 300 films, along with filmmaker Q&As, panels and networking events. Recognized as one of the world's top film festivals, AmDocs combines international reach with a welcoming atmosphere that fosters discovery, dialogue and creative collaboration.
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ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Anchorage, Alaska | December 4–13, 2026
Known as "Films Worth Freezing For," the Anchorage International Film Festival combines bold independent cinema with the unforgettable backdrop of an Alaskan winter. Now in its 26th year, the festival features screenings, filmmaker panels and networking events alongside unique excursions such as glacier hikes and Northern Lights tours. By blending exceptional filmmaking with authentic community experiences, AIFF creates lasting connections between filmmakers, audiences and Alaska's vibrant creative community.
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DestinationFilmGuide.com
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DENVER FILM FESTIVAL
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FESTIVAL DU NOUVEAU CINÉMA DE MONTRÉAL
Denver, Colorado | October 22–November 1, 2026
Founded in 1978, the Denver Film Festival is one of the nation's longest-running regional film festivals, recognized for its strong commitment to international cinema and independent storytelling. Held each fall, the festival presents a diverse lineup of films from around the world and welcomes filmmakers and industry professionals with panels, special events and exceptional hospitality. Its engaged audiences and longstanding reputation make it a key stop on the festival circuit.
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AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
Austin, Texas | October 29–November 5, 2026
Known as "The Writers Festival," the Austin Film Festival celebrates the art and craft of storytelling through a dynamic mix of film screenings, industry panels and its renowned Writers Conference. Now in its 33rd year, AFF brings together writers, filmmakers and audiences while showcasing independent films, studio premieres and emerging talent. Year-round educational programs, competitions and youth initiatives further their mission of supporting storytellers at every stage of their careers.
Montreal, Quebec | October 7–18, 2026
Founded in 1971, the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma de Montréal (FNC) is Canada's oldest film festival and a FIAPFaccredited international event celebrating bold, innovative cinema. Showcasing more than 200 films from around the world, FNC combines boundary-pushing programming with filmmaker support through its industry market, co-production initiatives and talent development programs. The festival is recognized for fostering creative exchange between emerging artists and internationally acclaimed filmmakers.
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BEND FILM FESTIVAL
Bend, Oregon | October 7–11, 2026
Bend Film Festival is a five-day celebration of independent cinema held each October in Bend, Oregon. The festival presents more than 130 narrative, documentary and short films, alongside panels, filmmaker conversations and community events. Screenings take place across unique venues, including the Tin Pan Theater, a year-round micro-cinema. With additional initiatives like BendFilm: Basecamp and youth programs, the festival fosters year-round engagement and a strong filmmaker-audience connection in Central Oregon.
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TOP NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVALS
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FILMQUEST
Provo, Utah | October 22–31, 2026
FilmQuest has earned an international reputation as one of the premier festivals for genre filmmaking, showcasing more than 300 films, along with screenplay competitions, filmmaker labs and networking events. Named the world's highest-rated festival on FilmFreeway, FilmQuest is known for launching careers—its last three short film winners have all gone on to win the Academy Award® for Best Live Action Short. The festival's immersive programming and vibrant community make it a mustattend destination for filmmakers.
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HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
Hot Springs, Arkansas | October 9–17, 2026
Founded in 1991, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is America's longest-running documentary film festival and an Academy Award®-qualifying event for Documentary Short Subject. Held in historic Hot Springs, Arkansas, the festival presents outstanding nonfiction films alongside filmmaker forums, educational initiatives and year-round programming. Its intimate setting fosters meaningful connections between filmmakers, audiences and the local community while celebrating the power of documentary storytelling.
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FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Fort Lauderdale, Florida | February 19–27, 2027 Founded in 1986, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) is one of Florida's longest-running film festivals, showcasing independent, international, documentary, student and studio films. Organized by the Broward County Film Society, the festival combines red-carpet premieres and filmmaker Q&As with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Its multicultural South Florida setting and year-round programming make FLIFF a vibrant destination for filmmakers and film lovers alike.
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INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL
New York City, New York | November 10–15, 2026 Presented by Caicedo Productions, the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival celebrates Puerto Rican and Latino storytelling while creating opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers. Through screenings, artist development, educational initiatives and community programming, the festival promotes cultural exchange and creative collaboration. Its commitment to mentorship, representation and arts education makes it an important platform for diverse voices in independent filmmaking.
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DestinationFilmGuide.com
St. Louis “Right here in St. Louis!” Judy Garland, Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Great location, ease of access from both coasts, favorable economy, four distinct seasons, cooperative city and county government agencies, a competitive tax incentive, and an abundance of diverse architecture. The St. Louis Film Office is here to help with all your production needs!
stlouisfilmoffice.com 314.992.0625
TOP NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVALS
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JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Dubuque, Iowa | April 17–24, 2027 The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) is an eight-day celebration of independent film in Dubuque, Iowa. The festival showcases features, documentaries and shorts alongside panels, workshops, live music and networking events. Known for its filmmaker hospitality, JDIFF offers meals, transportation and a dedicated filmmaker lounge that fosters community and collaboration. Screenings are paired with Q&As, and most venues are within walking distance, creating a highly accessible and connected festival experience.
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MONTCLAIR FILM FESTIVAL
Montclair, New Jersey | October 16–25, 2026
The Montclair Film Festival brings together acclaimed filmmakers and engaged audiences for 10 days of independent films, documentaries, comedies, family programming and industry events just outside New York City. The festival showcases emerging talent alongside established voices while celebrating New Jersey filmmakers. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful programming, Montclair has hosted guests including Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Brendan Fraser and Jon Batiste.
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MOUNTAINFILM
Telluride, Colorado | May 27–31, 2027
Since 1979, Mountainfilm has inspired audiences through documentary films celebrating adventure, environmental stewardship, social justice and the human spirit. Held each Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, the festival pairs powerful films with speaker presentations, art exhibitions, outdoor programs and community events. Mountainfilm brings together filmmakers, activists, adventurers and audiences for an engaging celebration of storytelling that encourages positive change beyond the screen.
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DestinationFilmGuide.com
TOP NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVALS
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MYRTLE BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | April 27–May 1, 2027 Celebrated as one of North America's leading competitive film festivals, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival offers filmmakers a premier theatrical experience on one of the Southeast's largest cinema screens. Known for exceptional hospitality, the festival provides complimentary DCP creation for screening filmmakers, curated networking opportunities and unique culinary events. Its filmmaker-first approach and professional presentation have earned MBIFF a reputation as a standout destination for independent cinema.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL
Portsmouth, New Hampshire | October 15–19, 2026
Founded in 2001, the New Hampshire Film Festival is one of New England's premier showcases for independent cinema and an Academy Award®-qualifying festival in the Live Action, Animated, and Documentary Short categories. Held in the walkable historic city of Portsmouth, the festival presents features, documentaries and shorts alongside filmmaker panels, workshops and networking events. Its welcoming atmosphere and strong industry programming make it a favorite destination for filmmakers and audiences alike.
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NEON SKY FILM FESTIVAL
Las Vegas, Nevada | May 2027
The Neon Sky Film Festival is a new celebration of independent filmmaking dedicated to bold storytelling and emerging voices. Set in downtown Las Vegas, the festival showcases films from Nevada and around the world while creating opportunities for filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals to connect. With a welcoming, filmmaker-first atmosphere, Neon Sky encourages creative risk-taking, meaningful conversation and the discovery of new talent.
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DestinationFilmGuide.com
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NEW MEDIA FILM FESTIVAL®
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OUT ON FILM – ATLANTA'S INTERNATIONAL
Los Angeles, California | June 2–3, 2027
Celebrating innovation where storytelling meets technology, the New Media Film Festival® showcases groundbreaking work across AI-assisted filmmaking, virtual and augmented reality, web series, mobile content and other emerging formats. Alongside screenings, the festival offers panels, networking events, creative labs and mentorship opportunities that connect filmmakers with industry leaders. Its forwardthinking programming and commitment to new voices make it a leading destination for creators shaping the future of media.
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NEWFEST
New York, New York | October 15–25 2026
Founded in 1988, NewFest is New York's leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization and the home of one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ film festivals. The festival celebrates LGBTQ+ stories through film screenings, community events and industry programming while supporting filmmakers year-round through artist development initiatives, grants and educational programs. NewFest continues to champion authentic representation and foster meaningful connections between creators, audiences and the broader film community.
LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL
Atlanta, Georgia | September 24–October 4, 2026 One of the world's leading LGBTQ+ film festivals, Out On Film presents more than 150 films, world premieres, filmmaker events and industry programming each fall. An Academy Award®-qualifying festival, it also hosts a screenplay competition, the Queer Film Summit and year-round programming while supporting filmmakers through finishing funds. Dedicated to championing LGBTQ+ storytelling, the festival continues to elevate emerging voices and foster meaningful industry connections.
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NEWFILMMAKERS LOS ANGELES (NFMLA)
Los Angeles, California | Monthly Events
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) is a year-round nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers through its monthly screening series. Each event features a carefully curated selection of narrative, documentary, animation, experimental and new media projects, followed by filmmaker Q&As, industry panels and networking receptions. NFMLA is also recognized for its InFocus initiative, which spotlights underrepresented voices while fostering meaningful industry connections and career development opportunities.
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TOP NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVALS
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PORT TOWNSEND FILM FESTIVAL
Port Townsend, Washington | September 24–27, 2026 (In-Person) | September 28– October 4, 2026 (Virtual) The Port Townsend Film Festival transforms Washington's historic waterfront into a celebration of independent cinema, featuring 60–70 films, filmmaker seminars, outdoor screenings and special events. Recognized by MovieMaker as one of the "25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World," PTFF is known for its intimate atmosphere, yearround filmmaker support and strong ties to the local creative community, while drawing filmmakers and audiences from across the globe.
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PROVINCETOWN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Provincetown, Massachusetts | June 9–13, 2027
The Provincetown International Film Festival celebrates independent filmmaking while championing emerging artists and underrepresented voices. Held in one of America's oldest arts communities, the five-day festival presents more than 80 narrative, documentary and animated films alongside panel discussions and special events. Known for its intimate atmosphere and acclaimed guests, PIFF brings filmmakers and audiences together in the scenic setting of Cape Cod for a memorable celebration of cinema.
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PUERTO AVENTURAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico | March 17–21, 2027 Set in the Riviera Maya's marina and beachfront community, the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) is an IMDbqualifying event celebrating international independent cinema. The festival features screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, screenplay presentations and a red carpet awards gala. With programming spanning features, documentaries, shorts, music videos and emerging formats like vertical filmmaking, PAIFF emphasizes filmmaker support, community engagement and meaningful connections between artists and audiences.
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PUERTO RICO FILM FESTIVAL
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico | August 19–23, 2026
The Puerto Rico Film Festival (PRFF) is one of the Caribbean's leading celebrations of Puerto Rican and international cinema. Held annually in Mayagüez, the festival presents features, shorts and documentaries alongside workshops, masterclasses, panels and networking events. For more than 17 years, PRFF has connected filmmakers, students and industry professionals while promoting Puerto Rico as a vibrant hub for filmmaking, cultural exchange and creative collaboration.
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REELABILITIES FILM FESTIVAL: NEW YORK
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ROUND TOP FILM FESTIVAL
New York, New York | April 8–14, 2027
ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York is the world's largest showcase of films by and about people with disabilities. The festival features accessible screenings, filmmaker conversations and community events that promote authentic disability representation and inclusion. Its Industry Summit brings together entertainment professionals to advance accessibility across film, television and the performing arts, while providing filmmakers with networking and project-pitching opportunities.
RED NATION INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Los Angeles, California | November 6-15, 2026
The Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is a premier global showcase of Native and Indigenous cinema across film, television, animation and digital media. Hosted at venues including AMC The Grove and The Beverly Hilton, the festival features premieres, panels and the RNCI Red Nation Awards. With mentorship, networking and distribution support programs, RNIFF advances Indigenous storytelling while fostering longterm career development and global visibility for creators.
Round Top, Texas | November 12–15, 2026 Set in the creative community of Round Top, Texas, the Round Top Film Festival is a filmmaker-first celebration of storytelling across film, music, fashion and design. The festival presents narrative, documentary and short films alongside panels, live performances and networking events in distinctive venues throughout town. As a nonprofit organization, RTFF also supports year-round film education initiatives, expanding access to creative opportunities for rural youth across Texas.
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TOP NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVALS
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SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
San Diego, California | October 13–18, 2026 The San Diego International Film Festival celebrates storytelling through a curated program of narrative, documentary and international films in one of Southern California's most vibrant cultural destinations. Filmmakers enjoy full access to screenings, industry panels, mixers and audience Q&As designed to encourage meaningful collaboration and connection. The festival is recognized for highlighting diverse voices, socially relevant storytelling and honoring both emerging talent and established leaders in the film industry.
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SANTA FE FILM FESTIVAL
Santa Fe, New Mexico | February 17–21, 2027 Founded in 1999, the Santa Fe Film Festival is expanding its reach by partnering with independent theaters across New Mexico to bring screenings statewide. The initiative aims to increase access to independent film, support local cinemas and engage rural audiences. Programming includes screenings, filmmaker conversations, and year-round distribution of selected films across partner venues. The festival continues to focus on community engagement, accessibility, and strengthening regional film culture throughout the state.
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SANTA FE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Santa Fe, New Mexico | October 14–19, 2026
The Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFiFF) is an Academy Award®-qualifying festival that celebrates independent and international cinema while reflecting New Mexico's rich cultural heritage. The festival presents more than 300 hours of programming, including filmmaker Q&As, industry panels and educational events. Known for its longstanding Indigenous Film Program and diverse storytelling, SFiFF has welcomed acclaimed filmmakers and actors while providing a platform for emerging voices and award-winning films.
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SCREAMFEST HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
Hollywood, California | October 6–15, 2026 Held at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood, Screamfest Horror Film Festival is one of the leading showcases for genre cinema in the U.S. Now in its 26th year, the festival features international short and feature films alongside industry panels on filmmaking craft and business. Screenings include filmmaker Q&As, networking events and an awards ceremony recognizing achievements across directing, performance, cinematography and effects.
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SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
Los Angeles, California | February 18–24, 2027
Founded by filmmakers to champion truly independent voices, Slamdance Film Festival has become a leading platform for emerging artists and career-launching cinema. Known for discovering groundbreaking talent, the festival showcases bold, original work while fostering a collaborative creative community. Slamdance also champions accessibility through initiatives like Slamdance Unstoppable, a program curated by disabled filmmakers that celebrates films created by artists with visible and non-visible disabilities.
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ST. JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador | October 20–24, 2026 Canada's longest-running women's film festival, the St. John's International Women's Film Festival (SJIWFF) has championed women and gender-diverse filmmakers since 1989. Held in Newfoundland and Labrador, the festival showcases films, industry events and artist development opportunities while fostering dialogue, collaboration and creative exchange. A respected leader in advancing gender equity in the screen industries, SJIWFF continues to amplify diverse voices from Canada and around the world.
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ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
St. Louis, Missouri | November 5–15, 2026 Presented by Cinema St. Louis, the St. Louis International Film Festival showcases independent and international cinema through screenings, filmmaker conversations, educational programs and community events across the region. Its Academy Award®-qualifying shorts competition highlights emerging talent, while year-round initiatives support film education and artist development. Combining world-class programming with a welcoming community atmosphere, SLIFF has become one of the Midwest's premier film festivals.
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WACO INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
Waco, Texas | July 16–19, 2026 / July 2027
The Waco Independent Film Festival combines independent cinema with a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere. Screenings take place in walkable downtown venues and are complemented by industry panels, live screenplay readings, filmmaker Q&As and lively social events. A standout initiative, the festival's Short Screenplay Grant, helps bring winning scripts to life through local productions, strengthening Waco's growing film community while supporting emerging filmmakers.
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TAOS FILM FESTIVAL
Taos, New Mexico | April 29–May 2, 2027
The Taos Film Festival showcases more than 100 independent films from New Mexico and around the world, spanning narrative, documentary and experimental works. In addition to screenings, the festival features filmmaker Q&As, talks and community events while partnering with regional arts organizations and schools. Through youth internships, educational programs and local collaborations, TaosFF strengthens creative opportunities and celebrates the region's vibrant artistic community.
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WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL
Whistler, British Columbia | December 2–6, 2026 Set in the mountain resort town of Whistler, the Whistler Film Festival pairs acclaimed film programming with its renowned Content Summit for screen industry professionals. The festival showcases Canadian and international features, shorts and adventure films alongside premieres, keynote sessions, workshops, networking events and talent programs. Surrounded by the spectacular Coast Mountains, Whistler offers filmmakers an inspiring setting to connect, collaborate and celebrate cinema.
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WALLA WALLA MOVIE CRUSH
Walla Walla, Washington | July 10–12, 2027
Recently named one of MovieMaker Magazine's 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, Walla Walla Movie Crush celebrates the art of short filmmaking. The festival showcases an eclectic mix of emerging talent and acclaimed filmmakers, with every submission personally reviewed by Artistic Director Warren Etheredge, a veteran festival programmer. Set in Washington wine country, Movie Crush offers audiences a carefully curated collection of standout short films in an intimate, filmmakerfocused atmosphere.
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WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL
Woodstock, Kingston, Rosendale & Saugerties, New York | October 14–18, 2026 Celebrating its 27th year, the Woodstock Film Festival showcases bold independent cinema in New York's Hudson Valley. An Academy Award®-qualifying festival for three short film categories, WFF features films exploring art, music, activism, environmental issues and experimental storytelling. Beyond screenings, the festival offers filmmaker networking, masterclasses, educational initiatives and year-round programming, creating an intimate environment where artists, audiences and industry professionals connect.
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WASHINGTON WEST FILM FESTIVAL
McLean, Virginia | October 8–12, 2026
The Washington West Film Festival combines state-of-theart theatrical screenings with a mission-driven approach to independent cinema. Featuring filmmaker Q&As, networking events, community screenings and industry gatherings, the festival is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to meaningful connections. Uniquely, Washington West donates 100% of its box office proceeds to organizations supporting at-risk children, using storytelling to inspire positive community impact.
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ADVERTORIAL
FLICS Powers California’s Explosive Production Comeback EXPANDED TAX CREDITS AND FREE STATEWIDE SUPPORT ARE DRIVING RENEWED INDUSTRY MOMENTUM IN THE GOLDEN STATE
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ADVERTORIAL
C
alifornia remains one of the world’s most revered production-ready filming destinations, and Film Liaisons In California Statewide (FLICS) helps productions navigate every opportunity from the ground up. Throughout the state, representatives are ready to assist filmmakers, connecting them with TV crews, content creators, local experts, and commercial producers who understand the region’s permitting processes, filming locations, municipal contacts, vendor networks and other production needs. As California experiences renewed strength following the expansion of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program, filmmakers and producers have access to local support throughout all stages of production. The amplified program has since drawn record participation, with state officials projecting billions of dollars in economic impact during its first year. For those evaluating California as their next filming location, the robust incentive program adds a stronger financial backbone to a region with an already defined filmmaking ecosystem of experienced crews, deep production infrastructure and diverse geography. The FLICS team provides no-cost assistance to filmmakers, making the organization an ideal first call for projects of all sizes and genres. Whether a production needs sweeping coastal scenery, arid desert landscapes, winding mountain roads, urban backdrops, agricultural settings, small-town streetscapes or expert local guidance, FLICS members are ready to help producers and filmmakers identify the best region and connect with the right "California professionals. gives productions By pairing invaluable local an unfair advantage expertise with statewide through its network of filmreach, FLICS supports efficient, film-friendly friendly professionals. Foremost production across the is FLICS—not just regional Golden State. As more salespeople, but a collaborative creative projects return team providing the vital thread that to California, the state’s seamlessly connects a production network of regional film to the right location." offices and professionals helps ensure that - Michael Glaser, Location productions can move from Manager location scouting to shooting with confidence.
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ADVERTORIAL
MONTEREY COUNTY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD
Monterey County’s beautiful and diverse locations have drawn filmmakers here for decades. We’re pictureperfect with dramatic coastal settings, including Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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.
RCFC is your first stop for resources that serve the film, television, commercial and still photography industries, as well as all other genres involving still or motion photography. The county’s geography accommodates varied looks such as winding roads, open desert, picturesque mountains and scenic landscapes, proving a perfect backdrop for that specific look.
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 can also double as Anywhere, USA, with our many unique residential and commercial areas — all within 1.9 square miles.
MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION Karen Seppa Nordstrand Film Commissioner 831-646-0910 karen@filmmonterey.org www.filmmonterey.org
RIVERSIDE COUNTY FILM COMMISSION Stephanie Stethem 951-955-2044 sstethem@rivco.org www.rivcofilm.org
CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD FILM OFFICE Eddie Robinson, Film Coordinator 323-848-6489 wehofilm@weho.org www.weho.org/film
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CITY OF PASADENA
CATALINA ISLAND
PLACER COUNTY
The City of Pasadena is where productions come to life, from scout to strike. With legendary locations including the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena City Hall, the Pasadena Convention Center, and the Caltech campus, the City delivers an unmatched variety of visual landscapes. From historic landmarks to contemporary architecture, tree lined neighborhoods to dynamic commercial districts, Pasadena offers the versatility to bring virtually any setting to life.
Catalina Island offers versatile landscapes, a rich Hollywood history, and stunning coastal backdrops just miles from LA. Rugged canyons, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters double for exotic international locales or the American West, while more than a century of film productions, from silent classics to modern blockbusters, showcases its cinematic legacy. Despite its secluded island feel, Catalina provides access to major LA studio resources.
Placer County offers an incredible variety of filming locations, from the crystalblue waters of Lake Tahoe to the suburban communities of Roseville and the historic Gold Rush towns of Colfax and Dutch Flat. With mountain lakes, scenic roads, forests, and agricultural landscapes, Placer County provides endless possibilities—where the city ends and your next production begins.
CITY OF PASADENA FILM OFFICE Rochelle Branch Film Commissioner 626-744-3964 filmoffice@cityofpasadena.net www.filmpasadena.com
LOVE CATALINA ISLAND Jim Lüttjohann, President & CEO 310-510-1520 jim@lovecatalina.com www.FilmCatalina.com
PLACER-LAKE TAHOE FILM OFFICE Juli Johnston, Film Program Liaison 530-889-4091 filmoffice@placer.ca.gov www.filmplacertahoe.com
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ADVERTORIAL
SANTA CLARITA
SACRAMENTO
From legendary movie ranches to historic streets and scenic open spaces, Santa Clarita has long been a favorite of filmmakers. Home to Old Town Newhall, William S. Hart Park and the iconic Iron Horse Trailhead, the city pairs versatile locations with fast permitting, experienced crews and production-friendly resources just north of Los Angeles.
Discover Sacramento, where historic streets, vibrant neighborhoods, waterfronts and scenic farmland create diverse filming locations. From small-town charm to urban settings, Sacramento offers multiple looks within minutes. With easy permitting, experienced crews and a film rebate program offering up to $250K, Sacramento is an ideal destination for productions of every size.
SANTA CLARITA FILM OFFICE film@santaclarita.gov (661) 284-1425 www.FilmSantaClarita.com
CITY OF SACRAMENTO Jennifer West jcwest@cityofsacramento.org (916) 808-2676 www.filmsac.com
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, SANTAFILMCLARITA CA HAPPENS HERE • One-Stop-Shop Film Permitting • 50+ Soundstages, 10 Movie Ranches, Diverse Locations • Incentives and Rebates • In the 30-Mile Zone
FilmSantaClarita.com @FilmSantaClarita
Filming a scene in sunny Florida.
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Photo credit Film Florida
Showcasing film commissions with outstanding locations along with attractive financial incentives
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City of Palmdale, CA
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City of Sacramento
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iverside County Office of R Economic Development
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Montana Film Office
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Glacier Country, MT
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Yellowstone Country, MT
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Arizona Film Office
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Louisville Film Office
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xperience E Champaign-Urbana
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St. Louis, MO Film Office
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St. Joseph, MO CVB
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North Alabama Film Office
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Franklin County, FL
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Atlantic City, NJ
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Old Town Newhall
FILM SANTA CLARITA Santa Clarita offers an exceptional range of visual landscapes, making it one of Southern California’s most versatile filming destinations. Productions can capture everything from rugged Western backdrops, rolling hills, and scenic open space to contemporary neighborhoods, bustling commercial corridors, industrial settings, and modern business districts—all within minutes of one another. Its diverse terrain and architecture allow the city to convincingly portray locations across the American West and beyond, giving filmmakers a wide variety of looks without the need for extensive travel.
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Complementing its diverse locations, Santa Clarita provides a film-friendly environment with responsive support, streamlined permitting, convenient access to Los Angeles resources within the 30-mile zone, and a robust production community that includes movie ranches, sound stages, experienced crews, and hundreds of productions each year. The result is a destination that combines creative flexibility with production efficiency. FEATURED LOCATIONS Old Town Newhall A longtime favorite among filmmakers, Old Town Newhall offers an authentic streetscape that can easily double for a variety of downtown settings. Tree-lined SITE INSPECTION
sidewalks, historic architecture, locally-owned storefronts, restaurants, theaters, public plazas, and the charming small-town vibes provide a timeless American backdrop capable of portraying a wide range of locations and eras. William S. Hart Park Spanning nearly 160 acres, the property features the William S. Hart Mansion, rustic ranch structures, historic buildings, open landscapes, oak woodlands, scenic dirt trails, and picnic lawns, offering a wide range of cinematic looks in one location. Its preserved architecture and expansive grounds make it ideal for Westerns, historical productions, and rural or ranch-style contemporary scenes. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Iron Horse Trailhead Featuring the iconic steel arch bridge over the Santa Clara River, Iron Horse Trailhead delivers a distinctive visual identity that blends modern infrastructure with natural surroundings. The bridge, river corridor, trail system, and mountain views provide multiple filming opportunities for commercials, action sequences, and contemporary outdoor scenes.
Santa Clarita Movie Ranch – Western Town
Movie Ranches Santa Clarita’s seven movie ranches are among the region’s most valuable production assets, offering a wide spectrum of ready-tofilm environments. From expansive natural terrain and dramatic canyon landscapes to fully constructed Western towns, military installations, campgrounds, and internationalstyle villages, these ranches provide filmmakers with controlled, productionfriendly settings that support projects of every scale and genre. FILM CREDITS Iron Man, One Battle After Another, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, La La Land, Little Miss Sunshine, Bridesmaids, Oppenheimer, NCIS, S.W.A.T., Mayans M.C., Westworld, Modern Family, CSI, 9-1-1, Paradise, The Masked Singer
REBATES AND INCENTIVES Santa Clarita’s Film Incentive Program is designed to keep productions local, while also saving them both time and money. We offer three ways to save: 1. Permit fee refunds for qualifying recurring and locally based productions 2. P ermit fee refunds for California Film & Television Tax Creditapproved projects 3. Partial refund on qualifying hotel stays in Santa Clarita
William S. Hart Park
SANTA CLARITA FILM OFFICE film@santaclarita.gov (661) 284-1425 www.FilmSantaClarita.com
Iron Horse Trailhead
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CITY OF PALMDALE The City of Palmdale welcomes productions of all sizes and is committed to helping filmmakers bring their creative vision to life. Located just north of Los Angeles, Palmdale offers a diverse range of filming environments, from expansive desert landscapes and remote roadways to unique movie ranches and standing sets.
With a film legacy spanning more than a century, Palmdale has long served as a gateway to the Mojave Desert and a backdrop for countless film, television, commercial and photography projects. Productions can take advantage of iconic locations such as Joshua tree landscapes, rugged terrain, open desert vistas and the renowned onemile paved “Remote Road.” Complementing its versatile locations, Palmdale offers competitive film incentives, a streamlined permitting process, and a knowledgeable Film Office dedicated to supporting productions from preproduction through wrap. Whether you're seeking a cinematic desert backdrop or a production-friendly
partner, Palmdale is ready to help make your next project a success. FEATURED LOCATIONS Four Aces Movie Ranch Located in the scenic Antelope Valley just over an hour from Los Angeles, Four Aces Movie Ranch is one of Southern California’s most recognizable filming destinations. The property features a collection of iconic Americana-inspired sets, including a classic diner, a vintage gas station, a roadside motel and a western-style bar. With authentic details and productionready environments, Four Aces offers filmmakers a versatile backdrop for commercials, television, film and photography projects.
FILM IN PALMDALE SCENIC LOCATIONS, VALUABLE PRODUCTION INCENTIVES
Film your next project in Palmdale and take advantage of distinctive desert landscapes, production-friendly resources and hotel or permit reimbursements through the Palmdale Film Incentive Program. Available incentives for productions filming in Palmdale: • Weekend hotel reimbursement: 100% reimbursement ($6,000 maximum) • Weekday hotel reimbursement: 50% reimbursement ($4,000 maximum) • 25% hotel reimbursement: ($3,500 maximum) for qualified productions filming outside Palmdale city limits • 17 participating hotels: A range of local accommodations and amenities for cast and crew OR • Permit fee reimbursement: $2,000 maximum • $150,000 in annual incentive funding: Available first-come, first served while funding lasts
Scout locations. Check incentives. Apply today.
www.FilmPalmdale.com/For-Filmmakers Program caps and eligibility requirements apply. Productions must have a valid FilmLA permit.
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Blayney Movie Ranch Blayney Movie Ranch offers 160 acres of privately owned desert terrain just east of Palmdale. The expansive property showcases dramatic rock formations, rugged canyons, Joshua trees, mountain vistas and open desert landscapes that can double for locations throughout the American Southwest.
Palmdale's "Remote Road" (East 90th and Ave. M) Palmdale’s renowned Remote Road is a one-mile stretch of paved roadway surrounded by uninterrupted desert scenery. Free from urban development and visual obstructions, the location allows filmmakers to capture expansive, cinematic road sequences while remaining within easy reach of Los Angeles. Its versatility has made it a popular choice for vehicle work, action scenes, commercials, and productions seeking the look of a remote Southwestern highway.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Photo courtesy of City of Palmdale
Rocky Buttes Movie Ranch Rocky Buttes Movie Ranch provides a distinctive Mojave Desert setting highlighted by striking rock formations, scenic dirt roads, and abundant Joshua trees. The property also features a rustic hunting cabin that lends itself to a variety of storytelling opportunities. With multiple filming environments in one location, Rocky Buttes is wellsuited for feature films, television productions, commercials and music videos.
Film production crew behind-the-scenes of a shoot.
Actor poses for a shot.
Photo courtesy of City of Palmdale
FILM CREDITS The Terminator (and T2 & T3), Transformers, Ironman, Avengers, Identity, The Purge, Bumblebee, Se7en, Hancock, Hulk, Ford vs Ferrari, Kill Bill, Furious 7, Mission Impossible 2, Blow, Jurassic Park, Blazing Saddles.
CITY OF PALMDALE David Halver dhalver@gmail.com (310) 463-1911 www.filmpalmdale.com
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Available incentives for productions filming in Palmdale: • Weekend hotel reimbursement: 100% reimbursement ($6,000 max) • Weekday hotel reimbursement: 50% reimbursement ($4,000 max) • 25% hotel reimbursement: $3,500 max for qualified productions filming outside Palmdale city limits OR • Permit fee reimbursement: $2,000 max
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES The City of Sacramento’s Film + Media office launched a new rebate program encouraging large film and TV productions to shoot within the city. Now accepting applications, the program offers up to $250K in total reimbursements for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Scan to discover more of what Sacramento offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com
CITY OF SACRAMENTO Discover Sacramento, a film-friendly capital city where diverse locations, authentic character, and easy production access come together in one destination. From historic Gold Rush-era streets and vibrant urban neighborhoods to modern architecture, waterfronts, farmland and scenic natural landscapes, Sacramento offers an unmatched variety of looks within minutes of each other. Productions can capture smalltown charm, big-city energy, suburban settings, and rural backdrops all in a single shoot day. Filmmakers also benefit from Sacramento's streamlined permitting process, experienced local crews, accessible locations and minimal traffic compared to larger production markets. With a collaborative film office, affordable production resources and a central Northern California
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location, Sacramento makes it easy to move quickly and efficiently from scouting to wrap. Whether you're producing a commercial, print campaign, television project or feature film, Sacramento delivers cinematic diversity and production-friendly convenience without compromise. FEATURED LOCATIONS Old Sacramento Waterfront A nationally recognized historic district featuring Gold Rush-era architecture, cobblestone streets, riverfront views, railroad imagery, and timeless Western character that can double for multiple eras and destinations. Fab 40's Neighborhood Resembling Hancock Park in Los Angeles, an iconic tree-lined residential neighborhood known for grand historic homes, manicured SITE INSPECTION
streets, and classic upscale American aesthetics ideal for lifestyle, holiday, and suburban storytelling. Downtown Commons (DOCO) A modern urban entertainment district featuring nightlife, Golden 1 Arena, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, pedestrianfriendly streetscapes, public art, and dynamic city energy perfect for film projects. FILM / MUSIC CREDITS One Battle After Another, Lady Bird, Sacramento, American Beauty, Memoirs of a Geisha, Lucky Numbers, Pleasantville, The Ugly Truth
CITY OF SACRAMENTO Jennifer West jcwest@cityofsacramento.org (916) 808-2676 www.filmsac.com
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES
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RIVERSIDE COUNTY RCFC is your first stop for resources that serve the film, television, commercial and still photography industries as well as all other genres involving still or motion photography. The county’s geography accommodates varied looks such as winding roads, open desert, picturesque mountains, and scenic landscapes, proving a perfect backdrop for that specific look. FEATURED LOCATIONS Palm Springs Known for its iconic mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts, vibrant shopping districts, and desert landscapes, Palm Springs is a popular destination for fashion photography, commercial productions, print campaigns, and lifestyle shoots. DestinationFilmGuide.com
Wine Country Home to more than 50 wineries, Riverside County’s Temecula Valley Wine Country features scenic vineyards, rolling hills, tasting rooms, and rustic venues that provide a picturesque backdrop for commercials, weddings, lifestyle content, television productions, and feature films. Idyllwild Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild provides dense pine forests, mountain scenery, charming downtown streets, and a small-town atmosphere ideal for outdoor, adventure, and seasonal productions. Coachella Valley Known for its expansive desert vistas, iconic wind turbine fields, SITE INSPECTION
dramatic mountain backdrops, and open roadways, Coachella Valley is frequently used for automotive, commercial, music, and feature film productions. FILM / MUSIC CREDITS Don't Worry Darling, A Star is Born, Tenet, 9-1-1 Lonestar (filmed their pilot in Riverside County), Ben-Hur (2016), Mission: Impossible III, The Fast and the Furious (2001) Filmed in Riverside County
RIVERSIDE COUNTY FILM COMMISSION Dan Taylor riversidecounty@iefilmpermits.com (866) RIV-FILM www.RivCoFilm.org
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“
– Tommy DeNucci, director, as told to KULR8.com “I grew up in New York City, live in Los Angeles…two really big, sprawling, you know, chaotic places. And then you come here (Montana) and you finally can hear the blood flow through your own veins, and you can hear your own innermost thoughts.” – Ron Perlman, actor, as told to KULR8.com
Helena City View.
MONTANA FILM OFFICE Call it the Treasure State, the Big Sky State or the Last Best Place, there’s no way around it: One look at the diverse landscapes in Montana proves those nicknames are well deserved. There’s a good reason this state is often described as not just a location, but as a character in the films and shows that shoot here. Spectacular national parks — Yellowstone and Glacier — are highlights of an incredible landscape of roaring rivers, dramatic mountain ranges and serene prairies. Montana-based films showcase prehistoric dinosaurs, historical battles and unforgettable vistas.
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Established in 1974, the awardwinning Montana Department of Commerce Film Office markets the state as a business destination for production companies and provides technical assistance to productions that choose Montana. It is the responsibility of the Film Office to ensure the state is production-ready and to work with producers to find locations that fit their scripts. Our team can be trusted to help navigate permitting, explain regulatory processes and assist with location nuances. In the film industry, time really is money and this office has a reputation for solution-driven expediency and a willingness to facilitate successful film productions in Montana. SITE INSPECTION
FILMING LOCATIONS Helena Montana’s capital city, surrounded by four different mountain ranges, provides plenty of unique filming locations. Helena’s downtown is home to a plethora of historic buildings and a restored miners’ village, Reeder’s Alley. A short drive away sits Canyon Ferry Lake, which stretches for 32 miles. The Capitol Building appears frequently in the TV phenomenon “Yellowstone,” and the Cathedral of St. Helena stars as the real-life landmark in the biopic “Father Stu” with Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson. Fort Benton Known as “Montana’s Birthplace,” Fort Benton is the oldest continuously DestinationFilmGuide.com
Photo courtesy of Montana Department of Commerce
“Montana is just glorious. I mean, like, just being here has been special. You look out the window, you see mountains, you see all these beautiful landscapes. So, once I got here, I was like, ‘Okay, we’ve got to widen out and show all of this in our movie.’”
Fort Benton Bridge.
Big Horn Canyon.
Fort Peck Lake Montana’s largest body of water, Fort Peck Lake, runs about 134 miles long and has over 1,520 miles of shoreline. The lake is surrounded by over one million acres of public prairie land managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Featured in Michael Polish’s "Northfork", this striking location can double for the ocean on screen.
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE MONTANA FILM OFFICE montanafilm@mt.gov (406) 841-2876 www.montanafilm.com
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INCENTIVES The Big Sky Film Grant builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies that intend to create jobs in Montana's film industry. Filming in Montana also comes with a host of bonus incentives, including no sales tax, vehicle licensing exemptions, and free location breakdowns.
Billings view from Rims. Photo courtesy of Montana Department of Commerce
FILM CREDITS "Pluribus" (Season 1, Episode 9), "Dutton Ranch" (Season 1, Episode 1), "The Madison", "Broke", "A River Runs Through It", "1923", "Yellowstone", "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot", "Northfork", "Blood for Dust", "Father Stu"
Photo courtesy of MMontana Department of Commerce
Great Falls Home to Malmstrom Air Force Base, this central Montana city was discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark expedition. Great Falls has access to the Rocky Mountain Front, the Missouri River and the high plains of Montana. This historic city retains its unique downtown architecture while incorporating a modern flair. Great Falls houses the famed C.M. Russell Museum and has welcomed such films as "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot", "Telefon", and "The Slaughter Rule".
Photo courtesy of Eric Visocan
occupied settlement in the state. This scenic small town sits along the banks of the Missouri River, surrounded by the sweeping prairie and striking rock formations. From the iconic Grand Union Hotel to the historic Old Fort Benton Museum, Main Street provides a visual timeline of the town’s rich past.
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GLACIER COUNTRY Bring your story to life in Western Montana’s Glacier Country—where every setting adds depth and dimension to your production. With seamless logistics, local support and four distinct seasons to work with, this region makes it easy to turn vision into reality. If you’re scouting for versatility, practical access and a strong sense of place, you’ll find it all here— alongside a production company ready to help you roll.
Western Montana’s cinematic landscapes, Old West character and cultural richness have long attracted filmmakers—from Oscar-winning films like “The Revenant” to acclaimed series like “Yellowstone.” Across 75+ communities, you’ll be met with preserved Western architecture, welcoming towns and productionfriendly locations that support your creative needs. Working with the Montana Film Office and Western Montana’s Glacier Country, you’ll have access to experienced local crews and a wide range of settings: mountain backdrops, dense forests, wide-open valleys, clear lakes, and rivers with their own story to tell. Set the scene somewhere unforgettable.
FILMING LOCATIONS Darby At the southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, Darby offers access to remote public lands and rustic accommodations, including lodges and cabins. The town was a key filming location for "Yellowstone," with the Dutton Ranch set just outside town. Nearby highlights include Lake Como, Painted Rocks State Park and Alta Ranger Station. Kalispell Kalispell is conveniently located between Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake and Whitefish Mountain Resort, offering a diverse mix of small-town access and bigsky backdrops. Surrounded by lakes
Set the scene.
Set the scene in a place where natural treasures abound, idyllic small towns offer a warm welcome, and accessibility is easy. Film.GlacierMT.com | #GlacierMT |
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Set the scene with vibrant mountain landscapes.
and peaks, the town was featured in the 2004 film "Hidalgo" and remains a convenient base for productions seeking range and accessibility.
Missoula Located halfway between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, Missoula is Western Montana’s cultural hub and second-largest city. With nine historic districts and a backdrop of expansive mountains, this treasured location has served as the setting for legendary Western classics, including the “Yellowstone” series.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Photo courtesy of Glacier Country
Libby Libby sits at the base of the Cabinet Mountain Range in the Kootenai River Valley. Amenities include scenic access to sites like Libby Dam, Ross Creek Cedars, the Kootenai River and Kootenai Falls. The nearby Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge adds to the area’s visual appeal for film crews. Libby was featured in "The Revenant" with Leonardo DiCaprio.
20% transferable income tax credit on all qualified in-state spending. Stackable bonuses lift the credit to 35% when you: • • Natural settings provide authentic filmmaking.
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Photo courtesy of Glacier Country
FILM CREDITS The Shining, Hidalgo, Forrest Gump, The Revenant, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
WESTERN MONTANA'S GLACIER COUNTRY Racene Friede racene@glaciermt.com (406) 532-3234 film.glaciermt.com
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Hire Montana crew (+25% of resident wages). Withhold Montana tax on non-resident paychecks (+15% of those wages). Keep talent abovethe-line, rent a local stage, film in underserved counties, or give Montana a screen credit (+5-10% bumps each).
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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 for filmmakers’ needs and preferences.
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. In addition to exceptional filming locations, the Big Sky Film Grant program builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create Montana film industry jobs. In addition to providing grant funding, the program elevates and supports Montana filmmakers, crew and businesses, and individuals providing products, services and locations to the film industry.
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, forest land, and medieval sets. The ranch also has a production office in Livingston available for rent, including 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
FILM WHERE Adventure UNFOLDS
Journey beyond Yellowstone National Park, where the untamed terrain of Montana spreads out before your lens. With stunning landscapes, welcoming communities and adventure at the ready, Yellowstone Country is a cinematic playground waiting to be discovered. PARADISE VALLEY
1.800.736.5276 | VisitYellowstoneCountry.com
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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 is nearby. Big Timber The dramatic Crazy Mountains serve as the film-worthy 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.
Photo courtesy of Yellowstone Country
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 inspiring scenery.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Yellowstone Film Ranch
Located in Big Timber.
The Big Sky Film Grant program builds and supports partnerships with filmmakers and production companies to create Montana film industry jobs. Photo courtesy of Yellowstone Country
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 video MONTANA’S YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY Robin Hoover Robin@yellowstone.net (406) 556-8680 visityellowstonecountry.com
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Through the MEDIA Act, 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 are per production.
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Winter in Flagstaff
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“With over 300 days of sunshine, the grandest canyon in the world, snow-capped mountains, and the West’s most Western Town, Arizona truly is - America’s Backlot."
ARIZONA FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA Arizona’s new Motion Picture Production Program makes it a premier location for your next production. This new program offers competitive tax incentives for film-related production and labor costs. Plus, with 300+ days of sunshine each year, no permit application fees for use of state roads and state parks, and prenegotiated discounts from hotels, rental vehicles and restaurants, Arizona has all the right elements for you to capture magic.
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Few states offer Arizona’s variety of outdoor scenic vistas, all within a few hours’ drive, along with production services and post-production facilities rivaling the best in the nation. Lower production costs, streamlined permitting processes and experienced crews and talent— everything your production needs is right here, right next door. FEATURED LOCATIONS Metro Tucson The bustling Metro Tucson area is a diverse production hub that boasts modern urban districts alongside charming historic neighborhoods, offering the best of both worlds side by side. From authentic Old West streetscapes and time-worn adobe SITE INSPECTION
architecture to cityscapes and the iconic Sonoran Desert, Metro Tucson offers a remarkable range of visual aspects within a compact production footprint. The city is home to a robust selection of experienced crew, production support services and plenty of local talent. Metro Phoenix As one of the country’s fastestgrowing production destinations, Metro Phoenix provides filmmakers with a combination of sleek city skylines, luxurious resorts, iconic sports venues, contemporary neighborhoods and expansive desert landscapes, all in proximity to one another. Productions have access to sound stages, post-production facilities, industry professionals and rental properties, a perfect setting to shoot commercials, television and feature films. Consistent sunshine DestinationFilmGuide.com
and easy access to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport means that productions can maintain an efficient schedule and film year-round. Sedona / Flagstaff / Prescott Three regions culminate in a striking geographic location, contrasting one another in cinematic ways. Sedona is internationally recognized for its stunning red rock formations and dramatic backdrops, while Flagstaff boasts alpine forests, snowy winters and Route 66 Americana. In nearby Prescott, filmmakers can find historic charm through old courthouses, Victorian architecture, Old West character and granite boulder landscapes.
Havasupai Falls
Navajo Nation The expansive 27,000-squaremile Navajo Nation spans Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, and is home to some of the most iconic and captivating landscapes in North America. Towering sandstone buttes, winding canyons, sweeping mesas and vast desert plains make up Monument Valley, seen in numerous feature films and TV productions. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the Navajo Nation offers culturally significant filming locations and a dedicated film office with experienced staff to assist productions with coordination and permitting.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Pinetop, Lakeside
FILM CREDITS Duster (pilot) HBO Max, Tierra De Amor y Coraje (TV Series: 80 episodes) Univision / VIX, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On (Reality Show, Season 3) Netflix, Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark (Reality Show, Season 1) Netflix / ITV
ARIZONA FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA Matthew Earl Jones, Director matthewj@azcommerce.com 818-554-7000 www.GoFilmAZ.com
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Canyon Lake
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15% - 20% refundable tax credit (with an additional 2.5 % uplift for local hires, and 2.5% uplift for filming at a qualifying facility).
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Photo courtesy of Louisville Film Office
Louisville Skyline Waterfront Park
LOUISVILLE FILM OFFICE Louisville knows how to roll out the red carpet for one-ofa-kind experiences – and that includes your next production. Our city offers a wealth of locations, crews, vendors and resources to ensure your film or television production is a success.
Along with lucrative production incentives offered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Louisville is home to a variety of production resources, including experienced crew, gear rentals, diverse locations, plus easy – and inexpensive – permitting. As the largest city in Kentucky, our airport offers daily nonstop service to and from more than 35 cities, including New York and Los Angeles, and our award-winning food and accommodations are all positioned within a 30-mile radius of various diverse locations. FILMING LOCATIONS Old Louisville Throughout Old Louisville, explore the largest collection of Victorian-era
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homes in the U.S. and a landscape featuring gas lamps, brick sidewalks and wrought iron fences. The fall foliage and spring blooms make it especially photogenic. Additional residential styles across the city include the iconic, narrow shotgun homes, Colonial and Tudor Revival, Craftsman and mid-century modern architecture. Waterfront Named the best riverwalk in the country, this 85-acre green space is a vibrant natural hub where nature, public art and community life meet. It is the home of the hundred-year-old Belle of Louisville steamboat, boat docks, multiple playgrounds and a self-guided art walk. The Big Four DestinationFilmGuide.com
Downtown Louisville Main Street
Old Louisville
INCENTIVES • Photo courtesy of Louisville Film Office
Oxmoor Farm This sprawling 227-year-old historic estate in Louisville, Kentucky, is located just eight miles east of downtown. Originally established by the Bullitt family in 1787, the 16,000-square-foot property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights include three surviving outbuildings that predate the Civil War, two outdoor kitchens, a smokehouse, an icehouse, a spring house, a hemp barn, 260 acres of active farming, and the largest residential library in the state. FILM CREDITS Dead Man’s Wire, Wildcat, Amber Alert, Bob Trevino Likes It, Malum, Secretariat, Queen of the Ring, Red Right Hand, Elizabethtown, The Insider, The Art of Self Defense, Rust Creek
LOUISVILLE FILM OFFICE Soozie Eastman soozie@filmlouisville.org (502) 805-7850 www.filmlouisville.org
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Seelbach Hotel Rathskellar
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Photo courtesy of Louisville Film Office
Downtown Louisville Showcasing over two centuries of styles that reflect the city’s evolution from a 19th-century riverport to a modern cultural hub, the architecture can emulate a surprising variety of cities and settings. Louisville has it all, including ornate Whiskey Row, cast-iron facades on Main Street, the Gilded Age architecture of The Seelbach Hotel that inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the Beaux-Arts Union Station with dramatic arches and stonework, and grand neoclassical civic buildings.
Photo courtesy of Louisville Film Office
Pedestrian & Bicycle Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River and the Louisville skyline.
Refundable tax credit of 30% of approved expenditures. 35% credit for Kentucky resident labor and enhanced counties. 35% on all qualified expenditures for productions within the state spending over $10M. $250K minimum spend for features and TV shows and $125K for Kentuckybased companies. $20k minimum spend for unscripted and documentaries
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EXPERIENCE CHAMPAIGN-URBANA Champaign-Urbana has long been a place where stories get told—and increasingly, a place where they get filmed. Situated in the heart of the Midwest just two hours south of Chicago, the area offers filmmakers a remarkably diverse production landscape: historic architecture, a world-class university campus, sweeping farmland, wide open skies, and a growing roster of local talent and crew. Add in competitive costs and a supportive film office, and it's easy to see why productions are taking notice.
The biggest development in recent years is happening just north of the city, in Rantoul. Flyover Film Studios — named for its home inside a massive former air force base hangar — has transformed what once held aircraft into a full-scale film production facility. It encompasses 290,000 square feet of interior space, housing multiple soundproof stages, mill space for set construction, and secure equipment storage for multi-day shoots, along with a variety of pre-built standing sets ready for immediate production use. Champaign-Urbana offers the locations, the infrastructure, the
talent, and the studio space to bring almost any project to life — at a fraction of the cost of a major market. FILMING LOCATIONS University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign This Big Ten institution offers scenic outdoor and indoor backdrops, with a range of historic buildings dating back to 1867 and modern facilities. Sports facilities, arts and cultural spaces, and wide-open outdoor settings provide a diverse mix of options.
A BRILLIANT filming experience awaits. Just two hours from Chicago, you’ll find: Diverse locations all within 30 square miles Full-service soundstages Historic downtown & residential districts
35% Illinois Tax Credit
Hundreds of acres of agriculture Big Ten University of Illinois campus
Schedule a location tour today!
Mark Brown | markb@experiencecu.org
CHAMPAIGN URBANA
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Rural/Outdoors Our community quickly goes from urban to rural in less than 10 minutes. Area park districts and forest preserves are friendly to filming, while our agricultural partnerships help identify farm locations. Small towns offer a variety of backdrops, often along the railroad. Unique Interiors/Exteriors From mid-century modern homes and neighborhoods to dilapidated buildings and schools; from timeless diners to massive stadiums, there are endless opportunities to film throughout the Champaign-Urbana area.
Photo courtesy of Flyover Film Studios
Urban districts: Downtown Champaign, Downtown Urbana Downtown districts offer a mix of architectural backdrops, streetscapes, murals, local businesses, theatres, and parking garages, surrounded by quaint residential neighborhoods with historic homes, brick-lined streets, and charming street lights.
Crew filiming in a field.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES The state of Illinois offers a 35% Film Tax Credit, with an additional 5% credit on Illinois resident salaries for productions filming outside of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties.
Production crew working at night.
Photo courtesy of Flyover Film Studios
FILM CREDITS Chili Finger (2026), Moses the Black (2026), The Twister: Caught in the Storm (2025), Albany Road (2024), Black Mold (2023), Deep in the Willow music video (2023), Revealer (2022), You're OUT! (2021)
EXPERIENCE CHAMPAIGN-URBANA Mark Brown, Director of Event Services & Film MarkB@experiencecu.org 217-351-4133 www.experiencecu.org/film-office
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The Gateway Arch
ST. LOUIS, MO Great location, ease of access from both coasts, favorable economy, four distinct seasons, cooperative city and county government agencies, a competitive tax incentive, and an abundance of diverse architecture. The St. Louis Film Office is here to help you find the best the city can provide.
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At the St. Louis Film Office, our mission is to serve as the official liaison between the film industry and the residents of St. Louis. We are committed to promoting the St. Louis region as a film-friendly destination and attracting film productions to our vibrant region. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to facilitate a seamless experience for filmmakers, providing them with the necessary resources, support and local talent to bring their creative visions to life. Our ultimate goal is to foster a thriving film industry in St. Louis, contributing to economic growth, cultural enrichment and the overall development of our local community.
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FEATURED LOCATIONS Forest Park Home to world-class attractions, it’s considered one of the best urban parks in the country. You can spend hours, even days, enjoying cultural institutions such as the Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and Saint Louis Zoo. More than 30 miles of walking and biking trails traverse Forest Park, which also boasts more than 190 acres of nature reserves that encompass oldgrowth forests, restored forests and woodlands, wetlands, tallgrass prairies and savannas. These habitats form a corridor across the park that provides a perfect location for your next Rom-Com box office hit! Lafayette Square With a history as colorful as its trademark homes, Lafayette Square is an interesting intersection of past and present in St. Louis city. Features DestinationFilmGuide.com
tree-lined streets, a picturesque park and numerous eateries and social establishments. Take a leisurely stroll around Lafayette Square to fully appreciate the “Painted Ladies,” meticulously restored 150-year-old Victorian mansions doused in vibrant hues of yellow, salmon, green, blue, and purple. Lafayette Square is quaint neighborhood that can easily play for multiple regions throughout the country. Gateway Studios & Production Services (GSPS) GSPS boasts over 300,000 square feet of cutting-edge facilities, making it the largest and most technologically advanced production complex in the United States. With three state-ofthe-art studio spaces, the campus is equipped to handle everything from arena-sized competition production to motion picture and television shoots. Backed by its in-house Production Services team, GSPS delivers integrated turnkey solutions in audio, video, lighting, and fabrication - supporting every phase of the production process from concept through execution. Downtown St. Louis Starting at the banks of the Mississippi River, where you’ll find Gateway Arch National Park, downtown St. Louis encompasses architectural wonders, world-class attractions, public art and more. St. Louis has a friendly and talented local crew base ready to take on your major project without all of the major market frustrations.
Lafayette Square
INCENTIVES MO Motion Media Tax Incentive Gateway Studios & Production Services (GSPS)
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FILM CREDITS Escape From New York; Up In The Air; Planes, Trains and Automobiles; The Game of Their Lives; Soul On Fire; Ride Or Die ST. LOUIS FILM OFFICE Kelley Hiatt, Director 314-992-0625 khiatt@explorestlouis.com www.explorestlouis.com
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16 million annual cap Transferable tax credit 20% Base Credit with several possible percentage increases for a maximum of 42% Qualified expenses include all wages and compensation with Missouri withholdings paid and all payments to vendors with physical addresses in the State of Missouri.
Downtown St. Louis
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES Filming in St. Joseph (Buchanan County) can qualify for up to a 40% tax incentive through the Missouri Motion Media Production Tax Credit Program.
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ST. JOSEPH, MO CVB From Paper Moon (1973) to lighthearted Christmas movies, many filmmakers have found charm in our historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. A perfect Midwest destination when searching for that large-town/small-city atmosphere with all the resources needed to see your project through. FEATURED LOCATIONS Corner of 8th & Felix St. A "Welcome" sign arches over the popular downtown intersection of Eighth and Felix Street. It's perfect for showcasing a charming, friendly downtown district of a smaller city, while also evoking a nostalgic atmosphere for an unmistakable bygone era. Additionally, it neighbors a nice restaurant on the corner with patio seating and a picturesque rooftop bar.
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Shakespeare Chateau The Shakespeare Chateau Inn and Gardens is a historic mansion featuring 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. Today, it operates as a successful bed and breakfast and is a great representation of the high-class lifestyle of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Downtown Banks St. Joseph once held more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the U.S., and you can still see what remains of that era in multiple historic downtown banks of varying architectural styles. Missouri River & Parks Sitting right on the east side of the Missouri River at the bottom of bluffs SITE INSPECTION
with sunset and river lookouts, St. Joseph also boasts one of the most extensive park systems in the region. A 26-mile parkway on the National Register of Historic Places and over 1,500 acres of natural growth forests, hike and bike trails, ponds, etc. will give you numerous options to showcase any outdoor activities. FILM / MUSIC CREDITS Paper Moon (1973), Christmas at the Chateau (2019), A Chrismystery (2025), 25 Miles to Normal (2025)
ST. JOSEPH CVB Christian Mengel cmengel@stjomo.com (816) 233-6688 www.stjomo.com
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES Alabama offers refundable tax credits for qualified film, television, and music projects. Film and television productions must meet a minimum spend of $500,000, while qualifying music albums must have expenditures between $30,000 and $200,000. Qualified projects may receive a 35% incentive on payroll paid to Alabama residents and 25% on other qualified production expenditures.
NORTH ALABAMA From mountains and lakes to rockets and space, North Alabama has it all. The sixteen-county region is abundant with opportunities for filming and music videos. North Alabama, specifically "The Shoals" region (Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia), is famously known as the "Hit Recording Capital of the World". For over six decades, this area has produced massive hits for icons like Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Cher and Alicia Keys. Iconic music recording studios in North Alabama include: FAME Studios: Established in 1959 by Rick Hall, this Avalon Avenue studio in Muscle Shoals launched the legendary "Muscle Shoals Sound". It is still active and open for tours. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: Founded in 1969 by the legendary "Swampers" rhythm section, this studio DestinationFilmGuide.com
at 3614 Jackson Highway in Sheffield is where acts like the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan recorded iconic tracks. It operates as both a working studio and a museum. FEATURED LOCATIONS The sixteen counties of North Alabama include Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston. They are filled with picturesque mountains, sparkling lakes, exquisite museums, farms, cities, towns and other inspiring destinations ready to host your production. Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the City of Athens, Smith Lake, Cherokee Rock Village, Huntsville Mural Trail, numerous historic neighborhoods, and so much more. SITE INSPECTION
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FILM / MUSIC CREDITS Muscle Shoals Documentary, Muscle Shoals; “Dixieland Delight” by Alabama, Fort Payne; “Traveling Alone” by Jason Isbell, Moulton; “Shake” by MercyMe, Huntsville; “Let’s Roll” by Yelawolf featuring Kid Rock, Gadsden; “Eat Sleep Love You Repeat” by Rodney Atkins, Florence; “Show Me respect” by Bobby Wills, Muscle Shoals; “The Cheap Seats” by Alabama, Fort Payne; “Sound and Color” by Brittany Howard, Athens
NORTH ALABAMA FILM OFFICE Thereasa Hulgan thereasa@northalabamafilm.org (256) 523-8766 www.northalabamafilm.org
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“
“We've always had positive experiences in Florida, they get the industry, they know how we work. Florida has open arms, we know when we come to Florida, we're going to get taken care of." — Jay Rowe, HBO
"A Taste of Love"
FILM FLORIDA Florida offers an ideal environment for film and television production, combining cost-saving incentive opportunities, diverse locations, a strong talent base, and supportive local resources. Production companies can take advantage of the state’s Sales Tax Exemption and explore additional local incentives to help stretch their budgets further.
With everything from coastal beaches and urban skylines to small towns and natural landscapes, Florida provides a wide range of backdrops for any creative vision. A skilled network of on-camera talent, crew and production support services ensures projects run smoothly, while local film commissions throughout the state assist with permitting, logistics and community coordination. Paired with warm weather and extended filming seasons, Florida is ready to welcome productions of all sizes. FEATURED LOCATIONS North Florida The North Florida region offers filmmakers an extraordinary variety of production locations, from vibrant urban centers and historic architecture to pristine Gulf Coast beaches,
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charming small towns, and expansive natural landscapes. The region encompasses the metropolitan skyline and riverfront of Jacksonville, the historic Capitol and Southern charm of Tallahassee, the sugar-white beaches of Panama City Beach, the emerald waters and upscale coastal settings of Destin, and the historic waterfronts, military installations, and maritime character of Pensacola. East Central Florida On the Atlantic Ocean side of Central Florida, the area offers an exceptional range of film and television production locations, from the dynamic urban skyline, world-class attractions, and diverse neighborhoods of Orlando to the high-tech aerospace facilities, launch sites, beaches, and coastal communities of Florida’s Space Coast. Daytona Beach DestinationFilmGuide.com
adds iconic motorsports venues, a lively boardwalk, historic architecture, and wide stretches of drivable shoreline, while the cities and towns in between provide charming downtowns, suburban communities, lakes, wetlands, ranchland, forests, and scenic highways. West Central Florida The Central Gulf Coast region offers filmmakers a remarkable mix of urban sophistication, coastal beauty, and authentic Gulf Coast character. The region spans the vibrant downtown skylines and historic districts of Tampa, the arts and waterfront scenes of St. Petersburg, the award-winning beaches of Clearwater, the scenic parks, rivers, and growing suburban communities of Pasco County, and the charming waterfronts, islands, and cultural attractions of Bradenton and Sarasota. South Florida South Florida delivers an unmatched range of iconic film and television locations, blending cosmopolitan skylines, tropical landscapes, and world-famous waterfronts. The region stretches from the elegant estates and upscale communities of Palm Beach and Jupiter to the vibrant beaches, canals, and yachting lifestyle of Fort Lauderdale, the internationally recognized architecture, nightlife, and cultural diversity of Miami, the turquoise waters and island charm of the Florida Keys, and the pristine Gulf Coast beaches, luxury resorts, and natural beauty of Naples.
“Critical Thinking”
REBATES AND INCENTIVES Numerous locations in Florida offer local incentives providing film and TV producers with meaningful cost-savings opportunities. Each program is administered by the local jurisdiction, each with different criteria but all with the goal of attracting production to their areas. FloridaCommerce also offers a statewide point-ofsale Sales Tax Exemption to qualified production companies producing content in Florida.
"M.I.A."
FILM CREDITS Miami Vice, Burn Notice, Graceland, Bloodline, Moonlight, Caddyshack, Armageddon, From the Earth to the Moon, RJ Decker, MIA, Dolphin Tale, Truman Show, Bad Monkey
FILM FLORIDA John Lux jlux@FilmFlorida.org 407-494-6195 www.filmflorida.org
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"M.I.A."
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FRANKLIN COUNTY, FL Franklin County is a quiet stretch of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, home to small coastal communities, expansive wilderness areas and remarkable natural scenery. Historic landmarks include two lighthouses and the historic Apalachicola waterfront, both standout filming locations. Discover scenic rivers, vast wooded tracts with wellestablished trails and boardwalks throughout expansive forests and parks.
Located approximately 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Franklin County showcases an uncrowded alternative to Florida’s more developed coastal destinations. Carrabelle and Apalachicola capture preserved small-town streets draped with seafaring character. Franklin County boasts extensive state and federal woodlands, protected shorelines and undeveloped landscapes free from high-rises or modern intrusions.
Florida’s richest maritime legacies. The town boasts unmatched history with stately Victorian homes and brick buildings that once served as 19th-century net factories, warehouses and chandleries. A working waterfront with seafood businesses and restaurants creates the look of a working Gulf Coast fishing village that requires little to no set dressing. Along the river, the vibrant Chapman Botanical Gardens features walkways, open spaces and a butterfly garden.
FILMING LOCATIONS Historic Apalachicola Shaped by its robust seafood industry, Apalachicola’s National Historic District preserves one of
St. George Island Beaches & Cape St. George Lighthouse St. George Island presents filmmakers with 22 miles of pristine, untouched Gulf shoreline where
APALACHICOLA . CARRABELLE . EASTPOINT . ST. GEORGE ISLAND . ALLIGATOR POINT
NO PERMIT FEES . LOW PRODUCTION COSTS . FLORIDASFORGOTTENCOAST.COM/FILM
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Crooked River Lighthouse & Carrabelle 50s-era Downtown The Crooked River Lighthouse, originally built in 1895, has guided ships and fishermen through treacherous waters between Dog and St. George Islands for nearly 100 years. The unique lighthouse still operates today, its beam shining nightly through a replica of its original 4th-order Fresnel lens, creating an authentic beacon that adds visual character to evening and waterfront scenes. Apalachicola River & Surrounding Forests The Apalachicola River provides filmmakers with winding waterways, endless bays, marshlands and abundant wildlife. Surrounding forest areas offer ample natural environments. The Tate’s Hell State Forest features a dwarf cypress forest accessible via a winding boardwalk that provides expansive views of this unusual old-growth stunted forest.
Photo courtesy of Franklin County
rolling dunes, salt marshes and turquoise water create an expansive and dramatic coastal setting. Nearby St. George Island State Park delivers incredible natural sandy paths, wildlife habitats and vast beachfront vistas creating multiple film environments within minutes of one another.
Crooked River Lighthouse
Carrabelle World's Smallest Police Station
REBATES AND INCENTIVES No filming fees.
Photo courtesy of Franklin County
FILM CREDITS Ulee’s Gold, Little Sweetheart, Unfiltered:The Truth About Oysters
FRANKLIN COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL John Solomon jcs_lucas@yahoo.com (850) 670-3474 www.floridasforgottencoast.com
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The iconic Steel Pier exudes classic carnival vibes against a stunning Atlantic Coast backdrop. It's perfect for producers seeking coastal charm and nostalgia for their next project.
“
“Atlantic City is a filmmaker's playground, and I’ve discovered firsthand just how much magic it brings to the screen. As a seasoned Location Scout and Manager who’s worked in some of the busiest film markets, I can confidently say—this city is one of the best-kept secrets in the industry. “Producers, take note: Atlantic City deserves a prime spot on your 'must-shoot' list. The possibilities here are endless!” — Suzanne Koneful, Location Manager / Scout / Fixer and Location Managers Guild International member
ATLANTIC CITY For more than 21 years, the Atlantic City Film Commission has helped filmmakers turn creative visions into reality. We’ve worked alongside feature films, television productions, commercials, music videos, documentaries, photography shoots and digital content creators and we know what it takes to keep productions moving.
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Atlantic City has always inspired storytellers. Songs have celebrated it, books have captured it and filmmakers continue to discover its one-of-a-kind character. From iconic Boardwalk views and historic landmarks to luxury casino resorts, beaches, neighborhoods, entertainment venues and hidden gems, every corner of the city offers a new scene waiting to be filmed. As a proud Film Friendly Community, we make filming easy. Our team provides complimentary production assistance, FREE film permits, location scouting support, local connections and hands-on guidance from your first inquiry through your final wrap. We understand production schedules, SITE INSPECTION
changing priorities and the importance of finding solutions quickly because we’ve been doing it for more than two decades. Whether you’re scouting your next blockbuster, filming an independent feature, producing a commercial, capturing a music video or creating content for the latest streaming platform, we’re ready to help you make the most of Atlantic City’s cinematic possibilities. FEATURED LOCATIONS Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall A designated National Historic Landmark, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is one of Atlantic City’s most iconic and versatile filming locations. Opened in 1929, this architectural masterpiece DestinationFilmGuide.com
has hosted nearly a century of worldclass entertainment, championship sporting events, political conventions, concerts and major productions.
Island Waterpark at Showboat Hotel.
Atlantic City Beaches From sweeping ocean vistas to quiet stretches of shoreline, Atlantic City’s beaches provide a naturally cinematic setting for productions of every size. Miles of wide, sandy beaches create a versatile backdrop for everything from dramatic action sequences and romantic moments to lifestyle campaigns, fashion photography and commercial productions. The Historic Atlantic City Boardwalk Recognized as America’s first boardwalk, the Atlantic City Boardwalk has been an iconic landmark since 1870 and remains one of the most recognizable waterfront promenades in the world. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, it offers filmmakers a timeless setting where history, entertainment and coastal beauty converge.
Captivating Atlantic City skyline.
World Class Casino Resorts Atlantic City’s nine world-class casino resorts offer filmmakers an exceptional collection of productionready locations, all within a compact and easily accessible destination. From vibrant gaming floors and elegant ballrooms to award-winning restaurants, luxury hotel suites, fullservice spas, theaters, rooftop venues and expansive meeting spaces, each resort provides a distinctive backdrop for virtually any production.
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Capture the quintessential beach shot.
Productions filming in Atlantic City may qualify for one of the nation’s most competitive film incentive programs. Located in New Jersey’s South Jersey region, Atlantic City offers eligible productions a 30% to 35% transferable tax credit on qualified production expenses through the New Jersey Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program.
FILM CREDITS Army of the Dead, Bruised, Warrior, The Bounty, Boardwalk Empire, Duane Hopwood, People not Places, Oceans 11 Scan to discover more of what Atlantic City Film Office offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com
ATLANTIC CITY FILM OFFICE Heather Colache heatherc@visitatlanticcity.com (609) 318-6097 www.atlanticcityfilm.com
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REBATES AND INCENTIVES 1. No film permit fees applicable 2. O ne-day film permit turnaround (dependent on submission of all required documents) 3. Assistance with work permit applications (varies) 4. No fees for equipment importation 5. N o drone permit fees (acts as a liaison between Air Safety Support International, UK) 6. L iaison between Immigration and Customs departments
BVI TOURIST BOARD & FILM COMMISSION 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. FEATURED LOCATIONS Mt. Healthy Ruins The Mt. Healthy windmill is a striking, ruined landmark nestled on the picturesque island of Tortola. This historic site holds a rich past. The Mt. Healthy windmill is perfect for filmmakers seeking a unique and evocative backdrop, offering a captivating setting rich in history and character. The Copper Mine The rustic charm and location of The Copper Mine beckon filmmakers
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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, built in 1837. 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.
Scan to discover more of what the British Virgin Islands offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com
the crystal-clear waters and azure skies offers a visually stunning setting for filmmakers. FILM / MUSIC CREDITS The Old Man & The Sea, The Fixers, Below Deck, The Deep, Nick & Vanessa's Dream Wedding, Abilene, Virgin Island, Road House 2024 (scene).
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
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURIST BOARD & FILM COMMISSION Natalie Hodge nhodge@bvitouism.com (284) 494-3134 www.bvifilm.com
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Behind the scenes view of a film crew capturing a scene on an outdoor set.
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NORTH AMERICA Film s e v i t Incen Our comprehensive Film Incentives roadmap reviews the financial benefits of working in various states, provinces and countries across the United States, Canada and the Tropics.
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New England
92
Mid-Atlantic
95
South
99
Southwest
102 Midwest
Photo credit Pixabay
106 Mountain West
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NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
2026 UNITED STATES s e v i t n e c n I m l i F
SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS AND BONUSES ALLOW
U.S. STATEWIDE TAX INCENTIVE TYPES Rebate Tax Credit Credit/Rebate Combo
PRODUCTIONS THE GAMUT OF FILMING LOCATIONS.
L
ights, camera, action! The U.S. rolls out the red carpet for filmmakers with attractive incentives, including hefty tax credits, cash rebates and grants. Explore what the U.S. has to offer filmmakers this year.
Tax Incentive, Other No State Incentives Many states are foregoing sunset dates to remain competitive in today’s industry
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FILM INCENTIVES: UNITED STATES
NEW ENGLAND NEW FILM ENGLAND INCENTIVES FILM INCENTIVES QUAINT VILLAGES AND DRAMATIC COASTLINES MAKE
FOR UNFORGETTABLE BACKGROUNDS QUAINT VILLAGES AND DRAMATIC COASTLINES MAKE FOR UNFORGETTABLE BACKGROUNDS
N N
ew England’s visually dazzling fall foliage, charming coastal villages and fall winding, ew England’s visually dazzling foliage, European-inspired streets appeal to various charming coastal villages and winding, productions. The region’s diverse landscapes European-inspired streets are appealing and to a well-preserved historicThe architecture providelandscapes a wide variety of productions. region's diverse range of cinematic historic stories and moods. provide a and well-preserved architecture
MAINE
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.
VERMONT NEW HAMPSHIRE I NCE NT IV E 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.
MASSACHUSETTS
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.
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CONNECTICUT
RHODE ISLAND
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Filmmaking in Rhode Island.
MAINE
MASSACHUSETTS
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit + Cash Rebate
INCENTIVE: Fully Refundable / Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: None / $75K BONUS: Additional pilot reimbursement grant available for select qualifying productions. Contact the film office for details.
5% - 12% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K BONUS: Additional 5% uplift available for productions meeting local spend and employment thresholds. Contact the film office for details.
25% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit proof of financing, insurance and projected production schedules. Projects must begin production within 60 days of certification approval.
APPLICATION: Productions must register with the Massachusetts Film Office and submit required documentation prior to filming. Sales Tax Exemption must be applied for separately before qualifying purchases.
SUNSET DATE: None
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SUNSET DATE: None
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Photo credit Rhode Island Film Facebook
NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
THE REGION'S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
CONNECTICUT
WHY PRODUCTIONS CHOOSE NEW ENGLAND
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit MINIMUM SPEND: $100K BONUS: Additional incentives may be available for infrastructure investment and digital media projects. Contact the film office for details.
10% - 30%
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE Colonial villages, Gilded Age mansions, mill towns and preserved downtowns provide authentic period settings.
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
COASTAL CHARACTER Rocky shorelines, lighthouses, fishing villages and waterfront estates offer iconic East Coast scenery.
AUDIT: Yes
FOUR DISTINCT SEASONS Productions can capture summer beaches, vibrant fall foliage and snowy winter landscapes within the same region.
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an eligibility application with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development prior to claiming credits. Final certification and audit documentation are required upon completion.
ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENTS Universities, boarding schools and historic campuses are readily available for educational and institutional settings.
SUNSET DATE: None
VERSATILITY New England can double for Europe, Canada, colonial America and countless fictional small towns.
RHODE ISLAND INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit MINIMUM SPEND: $300K BONUS: Additional 5% uplift available for productions utilizing Rhode Island vendors and workforce. Contact the film office for details.
25% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Rhode Island Film & Television Office and receive pre-certification prior to the start of principal photography. Final certification and audited cost reports are required upon completion. SUNSET DATE: None
Photo credit Paul Taft
AUDIT: Yes
Set in New Orleans, Louisiana, Trumpet Gumbo was filmed entirely in New Hampshire.
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FILM INCENTIVES: UNITED STATES
NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
MID-ATLANTIC MID-ATLANTIC FILM INCENTIVES FILM INCENTIVES UTILIZE RECOGNIZABLE CITYSCAPES, ROLLING
APPALACHIAN LANDSCAPES AND PLENTIFULROLLING WATER UTILIZE RECOGNIZABLE CITYSCAPES, LOCALES IN THIS REGION APPALACHIAN LANDSCAPES AND PLENTIFUL WATER LOCALES IN THIS REGION
HH
ome to New York City, charming ome to New York City (one of the densest coastal towns and early American creative hubs in the world), charming coastal history, the Mid-Atlantic region towns and everything in between, the Midcan accommodate projects of any genre Atlantic region can accommodate projects with any and size. Many states on the East Coast setting. Whether you need to utilize the iconic offer comprehensive tax incentives and skyline of Manhattan or Washington, D.C., or large pools of local talent, not to mention if you seek an underutilized main street or exceptional scenery, bustling cities and waterfront dock, this area will be able to impressive heritage.
NEW YORK
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.
PENNSYLVANIA
NEW JERSEY
I NCE NT IV E 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.
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DELAWARE WEST VIRGINIA VIRGINIA MARYLAND
DELAWARE NO 2026 INCENTIVES.
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Photo credit Awakened Films Facebook
Filming in North Jersey, looking toward the stunning New York City skyline with Awakened Films.
MARYLAND
NEW JERSEY
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K BONUS: No separate bonus listed; series may qualify for up to 30%. Maryland Small Films may qualify at a lower $25K spend threshold. Contact the film office for details.
28% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M
30% - 45%
BONUS: Additional uplifts available for diversity plans, studio partners, film-lease production companies and other qualified production criteria. Contact the film office for details.
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an Application for Qualification before beginning any Maryland work. Principal photography must begin within 120 days of receiving a Letter of Qualification, and final certification must be submitted within 180 days after completion.
APPLICATION: Productions apply through the NJEDA Film Tax Credit Program portal. Applications are considered first-come, first-served, and principal photography must begin within 180 days of the application date or 150 days from NJEDA approval.
SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: July 1, 2049
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NEW YORK
PENNSYLVANIA
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M (NYC/ Metro) / $250K (elsewhere)
30% - 40% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Stackable uplifts available for qualified upstate labor (10%), eligible productionplus projects and New York-based music scoring. Contact the film office for details.
MINIMUM SPEND: 60% of total production budget in Pennsylvania
25% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Additional 5% available for productions meeting minimum filming requirements at a Qualified Production Facility. Contact the film office for details.
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an initial application through Empire State Development before principal photography begins. Final certification requires a completed final application and either an ESD review or a third-party CPA agreed-upon procedures report.
APPLICATION: Productions apply through the Pennsylvania Film Office/DCED. Applications should be submitted before production begins; final approval requires documentation of qualified Pennsylvania production expenses and compliance with program requirements.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2034
SUNSET DATE: None
VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit + Grant
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K BONUS: Additional credits available for filming in economically distressed areas, Virginia resident payroll and firsttime Virginia film industry employees. Contact the film office for details.
15% - 40% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K
27% - 31% INCENTIVE
AMOUNT BONUS: Additional 4% available for productions hiring 10 or more West Virginia residents full-time during principal photography. Contact the film office for details.
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must contact the Virginia Film Office before production begins. Projects seeking the tax credit must meet the $250K Virginia spend threshold and make a best-faith effort to complete at least 50% of principal photography in Virginia; incentives are awarded selectively on a case-by-case basis.
APPLICATION: Productions apply through the West Virginia Film Office/Office of Economic Development. Approved productions must document qualified in-state expenditures and submit required verification before credits are issued.
SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: None
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FILM INCENTIVES: UNITED STATES
SOUTHERN SOUTHERN FILMINCENTIVES INCENTIVES FILM
I N C ENTI VE SY MBO L K EY
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.
THEREGION REGIONFEATURES FEATURES ENTICING THE ENTICING INCENTIVES INCENTIVES AND A RICH VARIETY OF BACKDROPS FOR YOUR PROJECT AND A RICH VARIETY OF BACKDROPSNEXT FOR YOUR
FF
NEXT PROJECT
rom sweeping romantic dramas to a zombie apocalypse, the South hasdramas provided rom sweeping romantic to settings zombie for thousands of Hollywood for oversettings a century. apocalypses, the Southstories has provided for The states in this of region offer a variety of tax rebates, many thousands stories over the past century. These soft incentives a wealth local, unionized talent with that states offer a and variety of tax of rebates and incentives, will ensure an unforgettable project. Many iconic films unforgettable scenery, fromfinal ancient inland and maritime have showcased the magnificent backdrops only the South forests to the sparkling shores of the Gulf Coast. 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 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.
KENTUCKY NORTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
SOUTH CAROLINA
ARKANSAS
MISSISSIPPI
ALABAMA
GEORGIA
LOUISIANA FLORIDA
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Photo credit Trilith Studios Facebook
NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
The state-of-the-art Lux Stage at Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia.
ALABAMA
ARKANSAS
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit / Cash Rebate
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit / Cash Rebate
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K BONUS: 35% available on payroll paid to Alabama residents; 25% applies to other qualified production expenditures. Contact the film office for details.
25% - 35% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
25% - 40%
MINIMUM SPEND: $200K BONUS: Additional 10% available for Arkansas resident payroll; additional 5% available for qualified rural county spend. Contact the film office for details.
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must apply to the Alabama Film Office at least 30 days before starting any activities in Alabama. Principal photography must begin within 90 days of approval.
APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Arkansas Film Commission/AEDC before production begins. Awards are subject to approval and funding availability; applicants should contact the film office to confirm whether rebate funds are available.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2028
SUNSET DATE: None
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FLORIDA
GEORGIA
INCENTIVE: Local Cash Rebates
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
& Grants (County/City-Based)
MINIMUM SPEND: Varies by jurisdiction
10% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
20% - 30% INCENTIVE
BONUS: Additional local funding may be available for high-impact productions, local hiring, local vendor use, tourism value and multi-project commitments. Contact the film office for details.
BONUS: Additional 10% Georgia AMOUNT Entertainment Promotion uplift available for approved projects that include the Georgia promotional logo and meet required promotional terms. Contact the film office for details.
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions apply directly through participating county or city film offices before production begins. Requirements, caps, funding availability and approval timelines vary by jurisdiction; producers should confirm current funding with the local film office.
APPLICATION: Productions apply through the Georgia Film Office/GDEcD for the 20% base credit and 10% uplift, if applicable. A mandatory audit application must be submitted through the Georgia Department of Revenue; audit requirements apply to credits certified after 2022.
SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: None
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
INCENTIVE: Refundable, Non-Transferable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Transferable, Partially Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K BONUS: Additional 5% available for productions filmed or produced in enhanced incentive counties. Contact the film office for details.
30% - 35% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority at least 30 days before incurring expenditures. Approved projects must begin filming or production within six months and complete production within two years of the start date. SUNSET DATE: None
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MINIMUM SPEND: $300K
25% - 40% INCENTIVE
BONUS: Stackable uplifts AMOUNT available for Louisiana screenplays, local hiring, visual effects, music scoring and productions filming outside the New Orleans metro area. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions apply through the Louisiana Economic Development before production begins. Final certification requires documentation of qualified Louisiana expenditures, and credits are subject to annual program caps and LED approval. SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2031
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NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
MISSISSIPPI
NORTH CAROLINA
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate / Grant
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K
25% - 35%
BONUS: Additional 5% INCENTIVE AMOUNT available for Mississippi resident veterans; resident payroll qualifies at 30%, while nonresident payroll and local spend generally qualify at 25%. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes
MINIMUM SPEND: $1.5M (features) / $500K (per TV episode) / $250K (commercials) BONUS: No separate bonus listed; awards may vary by project type and are subject to per-project caps. Contact the film office for details.
25%
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions apply through Film Mississippi before production begins. If seeking approval for the nonresident payroll rebate, a separate form is required; final payment requires cost verification and Department of Revenue review.
APPLICATION: Productions must first submit a notification of intent to film through the NC Film Office. Qualified projects are then directed to the formal NC Department of Commerce Film and Entertainment Grant application. Final grant payment requires verification of qualified expenses.
SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: None
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate + Wage Rebate
INCENTIVE: Cash Grant
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M BONUS: Additional value available for South Carolina supplier purchases; qualified in-state goods and services may receive up to 30%. Contact the film office for details.
25% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the South Carolina Film Commission before production begins. Approved productions must submit required wage and supplier rebate documentation after completion; rebate payment requires audit/cost verification. SUNSET DATE: None
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MINIMUM SPEND: $200K (film/ TV pilot) / $500K (scripted TV series, per episode)
25% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Additional 5% may be available for scripted TV projects using Tennessee resident labor and including the “Filmed in TN” logo; separate scoring incentives may apply for qualifying music/scoring projects. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through the Tennessee Entertainment Commission before production begins. Grant awards are discretionary and not firstcome, first-served; final payment requires a CPA audit and required documentation. SUNSET DATE: None
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FILM INCENTIVES: UNITED STATES
SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST FILM INCENTIVES FILM INCENTIVES
I NC ENTI VE SY MBO L K EY
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.
SWEEPING VISTAS AND PRODUCTION-FRIENDLY
METROS MAKE THE SOUTHWEST AN IDEAL SWEEPING ANDNEXT PRODUCTION LOCATIONVISTAS FOR YOUR PROJECT FRIENDLY METROS MAKE THE SOUTHWEST AN IDEAL LOCATION YOURFord NEXT PROJECT romFOR the John Westerns of the 1930s
F F
to eager vacationers on summer break, the
rom the John Ford of Westerns of the 1930s to mythic qualities the American Southwest eager vacationers on summer break, the mythic have inspired stories and memories for generations. qualities the American Southwest have The region’sofmountains, valleys and vast rivers can inspired stories and memories for generations. The rd. replicate the 19th century or the 23 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.
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.
OKLAHOMA ARIZONA
NEW MEXICO
TEXAS
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Photo credit New Mexico Film Office Facebook
The cast of Ransom Canyon filming in New Mexico in November 2025.
ARIZONA
NEW MEXICO
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K
MINIMUM SPEND: None
BONUS: Additional 2.5% uplifts available for qualified production facility use, long-form productions and rural locations. Contact the film office for details.
15% - 22.5% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Stackable uplifts available for rural filming, qualified production facilities and eligible TV series or pilots. Contact the film office for details.
25% - 40% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Arizona Commerce Authority before production begins and film more than 50% of the project at a qualified production facility and/or practical location in Arizona. Final certification and audit documentation are required.
APPLICATION: Productions must register with the New Mexico Film Office at least 30 days before principal photography. Final tax credit applications must be submitted within one year of the last qualified expenditure; claims over $5M require an audit by a New Mexico-licensed CPA.
SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2043
SUNSET DATE: None
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BIG SKIES. BIG STORIES.
OKLAHOMA
WHY THE SOUTHWEST CONTINUES TO ATTRACT PRODUCTIONS
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate (Filmed in Oklahoma Act)
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K
DESERT LANDSCAPES Expansive deserts remain one of the region's defining visual assets.
20% - 38%
INCENTIVE BONUS: Stackable uplifts AMOUNT available for rural counties, small municipalities, certified soundstages, TV seasons, multi-film deals and Oklahoma-based postproduction/music. Contact the film office for details.
WESTERN HERITAGE Historic towns and frontier environments remain highly sought-after filming locations. PREDICTABLE WEATHER Abundant sunshine supports longer production schedules and fewer weather delays.
AUDIT: Yes
EPIC SCALE Open terrain creates opportunities for largescale action and adventure productions.
APPLICATION: Eligibility applications must be submitted through the Oklahoma Film + Music Office no earlier than one year and no later than 45 days before principal photography. Final rebate payment requires submission of required documentation and review.
PRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE States like New Mexico and Oklahoma continue to expand crew bases and support services.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2031
Filmmaking in Texas.
TEXAS INCENTIVE: Cash Grants (Texas
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K
5% - 31% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Stackable bonus awards available for rural filming, Texas veterans hiring, workforce development and Texas-based postproduction. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an incentive inquiry and application through the Texas Film Commission before principal photography begins. Applications may be submitted up to 180 days before production and no later than 5 business days before filming. SUNSET DATE: August 31, 2035
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Photo credit Texas Film Commission Facebook
Moving Image Industry Incentive Program)
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NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
MIDWEST MIDWEST FILM INCENTIVES FILM INCENTIVES
I N C ENTI VE SY MBO L K EY
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.
MAXIMIZE YOUR NEXT PROJECT’S BUDGET WITH
BEAUTIFUL WATER VIEWS AND CITY SKYLINES MAXIMIZE YOUR NEXT PROJECT’S BUDGET WITH BEAUTIFUL WATER VIEWS CITY SKYLINES he Great Lakes regionAND offers a variety of visuals to suit
T T
your next production. From dense forests and vast
he Great Lakes region offers a variety of visuals to suit lake coastlines to bustling cityscapes, this area has a your next project. From dense forests and coastlines landscape to match your creative vision. Discover incredible to bustling cityscapes, there is a landscape in this filming incentives, vibrant backdrops and talented local area to match your creative vision.
This is a state that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions when hotel stays meet a required length of time.
crews to help your project come to life.
This state has a Sunset Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
NORTH DAKOTA
MINNESOTA SOUTH DAKOTA
WISCONSIN MICHIGAN
IOWA
NEBRASKA OHIO ILLINOIS
INDIANA
KANSAS MISSOURI
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Photo credit Missouri Film Office
Missouri offers filmmakers a unique variety of locations and attractive incentives.
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $100K BONUS: Additional 15% uplift available on qualified Illinois labor for productions hiring residents from economically disadvantaged areas. Contact the film office for details.
30% - 45% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K BONUS: Additional uplifts may be available for hiring Indiana residents and utilizing in-state facilities. Contact the film office for details.
20% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an application to the Illinois Film Office and receive approval prior to the start of principal photography. Final certification requires submission of audited cost reports after completion.
APPLICATION: Productions must submit an application to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation prior to the start of production and receive approval. Final certification requires submission of audited production expenses upon completion.
SUNSET DATE: January 1, 2033
SUNSET DATE: None
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IOWA
MINNESOTA
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate (Production Incentive Program)
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M budget / $500K qualified Iowa expenditures BONUS: None listed. Contact the film office for details.
30%
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M / $200K BONUS: Additional uplifts may be available for hiring Minnesota residents and utilizing local vendors. Contact the film office for details.
APPLICATION: Qualified production facilities apply through IEDA’s Opportunity Iowa Portal before principal photography begins. Applications for the 2026 round were accepted February 2–March 16, 2026; funded expenses must be incurred between contract execution and June 30, 2027. Final payment requires reporting, cost documentation and CPA examination.
AUDIT: Yes
SUNSET DATE: June 20, 2027
SUNSET DATE: None
OHIO
MISSOURI
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $300K BONUS: Additional 10% uplift available for productions utilizing Ohio-based workforce and post-production services. Contact the film office for details.
30% - 40% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Ohio Film Office during designated application windows and receive pre-approval prior to the start of principal photography. Credits are awarded competitively based on economic impact. Final certification requires audited cost reports upon completion. SUNSET DATE: None
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20% - 25% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Minnesota Film & TV Board and receive approval before production begins. Funding is awarded on a competitive, first-come basis. Final payment requires submission of audited cost reports after completion.
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K (under 30 minutes) / $100K (over 30 minutes)
20% - 42% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Stackable uplifts available for Missouri-based stories, filming outside the metro area, qualified local spend, post-production and other production enhancements. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Missouri Film Office and submit materials before production begins. Approved projects must submit a final application with an audit from a Missouri-licensed CPA. SUNSET DATE: August 28, 2029
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NEBRASKA
AMERICA'S MOST AUTHENTIC BACKLOT
INCENTIVE: Cash Grant (Nebraska Film Office Grant Program)
WHAT MAKES THE MIDWEST CAMERA-READY
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M (features) / $250K (other projects)
20%
SMALL-TOWN AMERICA Main streets, courthouses and neighborhoods provide classic Americana.
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
SPORTS CULTURE From baseball diamonds to football stadiums, the Midwest offers authentic athletic environments.
BONUS: Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes
INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPES Factories, warehouses, rail yards and manufacturing centers support contemporary dramas and action films.
APPLICATION: Projects must be Nebraskabased and meet local workforce requirements, including at least 50% Nebraska resident worker days. Applications must be submitted 30–180 days before filming begins; awards are subject to available funding.
EASY LOGISTICS Central location and uncongested production environments simplify scheduling and transportation.
SUNSET DATE: None
LAKES & RIVERFRONTS Great Lakes shorelines and major river systems provide unexpected visual diversity.
WISCONSIN INCENTIVE: Nonrefundable Tax Credit MINIMUM SPEND: $50K (under 30 minutes) / $100K (over 30 minutes)
30%
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through Film Wisconsin. Credits are issued after qualified Wisconsin expenses are documented; awards are subject to annual funding limits. SUNSET DATE: None
Photo credit Storyteller Studios Facebook
BONUS: Contact the film office for details.
Filming in the rural landscapes of Hudson, Illinois.
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FILM INCENTIVES: UNITED STATES
NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
MOUNTAINWEST WESTFILM INCENTIVES MOUNTAIN FILM INCENTIVES MOUNTAIN WEST FILM INCENTIVES UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPES AND AUTHENTIC SMALL TOWNS WILL LEND
UNFORGETTABLE TO YOUR NEXT PROJECTSMALL TOWNS UNTOUCHEDIMAGERY LANDSCAPES AND AUTHENTIC WILL LEND UNFORGETTABLE IMAGERY TO YOUR NEXT PROJECT
TT T
he Mountain West is a veritable
he Mountain region of the United SMALL TOWNS UNTOUCHED AND AUTHENTIC treasure troveLANDSCAPES for West filmmakers. Known States is a veritable treasure trove WILL UNFORGETTABLE IMAGERYfor TO YOUR NEXT PROJECT for itsLEND dramatic landscapes, diverse
filmmakers. Known for itsheritage, dramatic environments and unique cultural he Mountain West region of the landscapes, diverse environments andUnited this area has become increasingly popular States is aheritage, veritablethis treasure trove for unique cultural area for filmmakers of all genres. From soaring filmmakers. Known for popular its dramatic has become an increasingly mountain peaks to the vast desert expanses, landscapes, environments backdropWest fordiverse film Fromand the Mountain hasproduction. it. unique cultural heritage, this areato the soaring peaks of the Rockies has become an increasingly popular the vast expanses of high desert, backdrop for film production. From the Mountain West offers a stunning the soaring peaks that of the Rockies variety of settings can stand to the vast expanses of high desert, in for almost any part of the world. the Mountain West a to stunning Filmmakers are alsooffers drawn the variety settings that can stand enticingofincentives offered. in for almost any part of the world. Filmmakers are also drawn to the enticing incentives offered.
MONTANA MONTANA IDAHO
I NCE NT IV E SYMBOL KEY
This state offers Film I NCE NT IV E SYMBOL Sales KEY Tax Relief. This is a type of tax credit set up to help film This state offers Film production companies Sales This reduceTax theRelief. amount of is a type of tax credit tax they have to pay. set up to help film production companies reduce the amount of Thisthey is a have state to pay. tax that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Relief for film productions This a state whenishotel stays that offers Hotel meet a required Occupancy Tax Relief length of time. for film productions when hotel stays meet a required This state has a Sunset length of time. Provision: an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ This stateonce has said a Sunset contract date Provision: is reached. an automatic repeal of the entire or sections of the law/ contract once said date is reached.
IDAHO
WYOMING WYOMING
UTAH UTAH
COLORADO COLORADO
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Photo credit Searchlight Pictures via Utah Film Commission Facebook
Filmed in Utah, this is a first look at Wild Horse Nine, premiering in November 2026.
COLORADO
MONTANA
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate / Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $100K (Colorado company) / $1M (out-of-state company) / $250K (commercials & video games)
20% - 22% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Additional incentive value may be available for qualifying projects; contact film office for current funding and eligibility. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions must submit a preliminary application with proof of at least 80% financing before production begins in Colorado. If approved, the film office may invite the production to submit a full application. Final payment requires a CPA audit and required documentation. SUNSET DATE: None
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MINIMUM SPEND: $350K
20% - 35% INCENTIVE
AMOUNT BONUS: Stackable uplifts available for Montana resident labor, nonresident labor, Montana students, underserved-area spend, qualified studio use, Montana university rentals and “Film Montana” screen credit.
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions must apply for certification through the Montana Film Office before principal photography; however, certification applications are currently paused and credits are not expected to be available for new productions until 2031. SUNSET DATE: None
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NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE
UTAH
THE MOUNTAIN WEST ADVANTAGE
INCENTIVE: Refundable, Non-Transferable Tax Credit / Cash Rebate MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
20% - 25% INCENTIVE
AMOUNT BONUS: Additional rural funding available for productions filming at least 75% of principal photography days outside Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties. Contact the film office for details.
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions must apply through the Utah Film Commission before production begins. Applications are competitive, not first-come, firstserved, and final incentive payment requires necessary documentation and post-performance review.
DRAMATIC TERRAIN Towering peaks and alpine scenery create cinematic scale. SNOW & WINTER ENVIRONMENTS Reliable winter conditions support seasonal productions. WILDERNESS ACCESS Forests, rivers and remote landscapes provide authentic outdoor settings. ADVENTURE LIFESTYLE Ideal for outdoor recreation, tourism and activelifestyle storytelling. VISUAL IMPACT Few regions deliver as much production value directly through natural scenery.
Photo credit Tom Heller
SUNSET DATE: None
From the set of Gonzo Girl (2026) directed by Patricia Arquette and filmed in Utah.
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FILM INCENTIVES: FILM INCENTIVES: UNITED STATES UNITED STATES
AMERICAN WEST AMERICAN AMERICAN WEST WEST FILM INCENTIVES FILM FILM INCENTIVES INCENTIVES
ALASKA ALASKA
THE REGION OFFERS AN IMMENSE TALENT POOL AND THE REGION THEOFFERS REGION AN OFFERS IMMENSE AN IMMENSE TALENT POOL TALENT POOL AND COUNTLESS AND COUNTLESS DRAMATIC DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES LANDSCAPES FOR FOR COUNTLESS DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES FOR YOUR NEXT YOUR NEXT YOUR FILM NEXT OR TELEVISION FILM OR TELEVISION PROJECT PROJECT FILM OR TELEVISION PROJECT
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he American he West American is theWest cradle is the of cradle of
modern Hollywood, modern with theoftalent with pool the talent pool he American West is theHollywood, cradle andHollywood, entertainment and entertainment of Los of Los modern withinfrastructure the talentinfrastructure pool Angeles unmatched Angeles unmatched anywhere anywhere in North in North America. and entertainment infrastructure of LosAmerica. However, it’s However, also home it’s also to in breathtaking home breathtaking natural natural Angeles unmatched anywhere NorthtoAmerica. environments environments that that from range arid deserts fromalong arid to deserts to Surrounding states offerrange robust incentives, lush forests. lush Allforests. four states Allurban four in this states region in this offer region offer with rugged natural scenery, hubs and generous incentives generous or ortobenefits attract projects, to attract projects, dramatic coastlines, idealincentives forbenefits any project.
and they are andeach theyhome are each to distinct home to combinations distinct combinations of urban hubs of urban and vast hubsoutdoor and vast vistas. outdoor Thevistas. The pristine coastline pristineof coastline Oregon of lends Oregon rugged lends natural rugged natural landscapeslandscapes while the bustling while thestreets bustling of downtown streets of downtown LA provideLA numerous provide numerous filming opportunities filming opportunities for a for a myriad of scenes. myriad of Whether scenes.you're Whether filming you're a period filming a period piece or a piece science-fiction or a science-fiction story, this region story, this is region is brimming with brimming possibilities. with possibilities.
WASHINGTON WASHINGTON
OREGON OREGON
I NCE NT IV EINCE SYMBOL NTIVEKEY SYMBOL KEY
This state offers ThisFilm state offers Film Sales Tax Relief. SalesThis Tax Relief. This is a type of tax is acredit type of tax credit set up to help set film up to help film production companies production companies reduce the amount reduce of the amount of tax they havetax to they pay. have to pay.
This is a state This is a state that offers Hotel that offers Hotel Occupancy Tax Occupancy Relief Tax Relief for film productions for film productions when hotel stays when hotel stays meet a required meet a required length of time. length of time.
NEVADA NEVADA
CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA
This state has This a Sunset state has a Sunset Provision: an Provision: automatican automatic repeal of therepeal entire of or the entire or sections of the sections law/ of the law/ contract once contract said date once said date is reached. is reached.
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NORTH AMERICA FILM INCENTIVES
Photo credit WashingtonFilmworks Facebook
Filming a scene from Train Dreams in Washington State.
CALIFORNIA
NEVADA
INCENTIVE: Refundable, Non-Transferable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $1M
35% - 45%
BONUS: Uplifts available for out-of-zone filming, visual effects and local-hire labor; relocating TV series may qualify for higher base credit. Contact the film office for details.
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
12% - 25%
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Additional 5% available for the majority of Nevadaresident below-the-line crew; an additional 5% available for qualified rural-county filming. Contact the film office for details.
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions apply through the California Film Commission during designated application windows. Applicants must meet California spend or principal photography requirements; final certification requires required documentation and CPA agreed-upon procedures review.
APPLICATION: Productions must apply before principal photography begins. Applications are subject to public hearing and approval; productions must complete the project within 18 months, submit an audit within 270 days of completion and use credits within four years of issuance.
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2030
SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2031
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FROM COASTLINE TO SOUNDSTAGE
OREGON INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate (OPIF / Greenlight Oregon) MINIMUM SPEND: $1M (OPIF) / $75K (Greenlight)
WHY PRODUCTIONS CHOOSE THE AMERICAN WEST
20% - 26,2% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE Established studios, vendors and post-production resources support projects of every size.
BONUS: Regional OPIF uplift may be available for qualifying production work outside the Portland metro area; Greenlight Oregon can add up to 6.2% on Oregon-based payroll. Contact the film office for details.
PACIFIC COAST SCENERY Cliffs, beaches and waterfronts provide instantly recognizable settings.
AUDIT: Yes
DIVERSE NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS Forests, mountains, deserts and urban centers can all be found within the region.
APPLICATION: Productions must contact Oregon Film before applying. OPIF applications must be submitted before production begins and include required materials such as script, budget, schedule, finance plan, proof of funding and letter of intent. Approved productions enter into a contract with Oregon Film; final rebate payment requires audit documentation.
CREATIVE TALENT Access to experienced creative professionals remains a major draw. GLOBAL ACCESSIBILITY International air service and transportation networks support worldwide productions.
SUNSET DATE: January 1, 2030
WASHINGTON INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate / Funding Assistance Program MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
30% - 35%
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through Washington Filmworks before production begins. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis or through designated funding windows; approved projects must submit final documentation and cost verification before payment. SUNSET DATE: June 30, 2030
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Photo credit California Film Commission Facebook
INCENTIVE
BONUS: Up to 35% available AMOUNT for episodic series with six or more episodes; smallbudget and rural commercial programs may offer separate funding opportunities. Contact the film office for details.
Retro filming location in California.
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FILM INCENTIVES: CANADA
CANADA TAX INCENTIVES
CANADA TAX INCENTIVE TYPES Rebate Refundable Tax Credit Grant
YT NT
NU NL
BRITISH COLUMBIA
ALBERTA
MANITOBA
SASKATCHEWAN
QUEBEC
FROM MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES TO COSMOPOLITAN
CITIES, CANADA OFFERS ICONIC LOCATIONS FROM MOUNTAINBY LANDSCAPES COSMOPOLITAN ACCOMPANIED GENEROUSTO INCENTIVES CITIES, CANADA OFFERS ICONIC LOCATIONS
esides Canada’s internationally recognized film
ACCOMPANIED GENEROUS INCENTIVES locations BY (Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal), the Great
White North holds a wealth of movie locations across esides Canada’s internationally recognized film its picture-perfect provinces. Between the boreal forest and locations (Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal), the Toronto skyline, location scouts can create stories of any the Great White North has a wealth of movie genre and receive financial relief by way of the Canadian locations across its picture-perfect provinces. Location Film Production Tax Credit.
scouts can create cinematic magic with any genre, from the boreal forest to the Toronto skyline, and receive financial relief through the Canadian Film Production Tax Credit. DestinationFilmGuide.com
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PE
ONTARIO
CANADA CANADA FILM FILM INCENTIVES INCENTIVES 2026
B B
NB
NOVA SCOTIA
I NC ENTI VE SY MBO L K E Y
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.
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Photo credit Screen Nova Scotia Facebook
Behind the scenes of the feature Little Loraine, filmed in April 2026 on Cape Breton Island.
ALBERTA (AB)
BRITISH COLUMBIA (BC)
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: None
MINIMUM SPEND: None
BONUS: 30% tax credit rate available for productions owned by an eligible Alberta-based corporation; 22% rate applies to other eligible productions. Contact the film office for details.
22% - 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Regional, distant location, DAVE, film training, scriptwriting and major production credits may apply, depending on production type and eligibility. Contact the film office for details.
36% - 40% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes
AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions apply through Alberta’s Film and Television Tax Credit online portal. Applications may be submitted up to 120 days after principal photography begins in Alberta; principal photography must begin no later than six months after the Authorization Letter is issued, and final deliverables are due within 42 months.
APPLICATION: Productions apply through Creative BC for the required certificate. Domestic productions apply under Film Incentive BC; service productions apply under the Production Services Tax Credit. Budget 2026 eliminated PSTC pre-certification for productions first incurring accredited B.C. labor on or after October 20, 2025.
SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: None
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CANADA TAX INCENTIVES
MANITOBA (MB)
NOVA SCOTIA (NS)
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate / Production Incentive Fund
MINIMUM SPEND: None
30% - 65%
BONUS: Frequent Filming, INCENTIVE Manitoba Producer and Rural/ AMOUNT Northern bonuses may apply under the Cost-of-Salaries option; Manitoba Production Company bonus may apply under the Cost-ofProduction option. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions apply through Manitoba Film & Music’s online portal. Productions may choose either the Cost-of-Salaries Tax Credit or the Cost-ofProduction Tax Credit once production is complete and expenses are paid. Deeming requests for nonManitoba labor must be submitted before principal photography.
MINIMUM SPEND: $25K
25% - 32% INCENTIVE
BONUS: Distant location and AMOUNT shooting-day bonuses may apply for productions filming outside the Halifax Regional Municipality; local content bonuses may apply based on Nova Scotia ownership/creative elements. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through the Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund before principal photography begins. Approved projects enter into an incentive agreement, and final payment requires required cost reporting, with audited production cost statements required for productions over $500K.
SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: None
ONTARIO (ON)
QUEBEC (QC)
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: None / $1M (service productions)
MINIMUM SPEND: $250K CAD
BONUS: Regional, first-time producer and Ontario-based computer animation/VFX credits may apply, depending on production type and eligibility. Contact the film office for details.
21.5% - 45% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through Ontario Creates for certification. Domestic productions apply under the Ontario Film & Television Tax Credit; service productions apply under the Ontario Production Services Tax Credit. Credits are claimed through the Canada Revenue Agency after certification and required documentation.
BONUS: Additional 16% available on qualified labor costs for computer-aided animation, visual effects and chroma-key work. Contact the film office for details.
25% - 41% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through SODEC for the required certificate, with the credit jointly administered by SODEC and Revenu Québec. Final claims are filed with Revenu Québec and require supporting cost documentation. SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: None
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SASKATCHEWAN (SK) INCENTIVE: Cash Grant MINIMUM SPEND: None BONUS: Frequent filming, rural filming and Saskatchewan post-production bonuses may apply; total bonus value is capped at 10%. Contact the film office for details.
25% - 40% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film & Television Production Grant. The program includes Saskatchewan, Service Production and Apprenticeship streams; awards are not first-come, first-served and are prioritized based on Saskatchewan production activity and economic impact.
NORTH OF ORDINARY THE CANADA ADVANTAGE DIVERSE LANDSCAPES From rugged coastlines and towering mountains to prairies, forests and Arctic tundra, Canada offers remarkable geographic variety. FOUR-SEASON FILMING Distinct seasonal changes provide authentic spring, summer, fall and winter settings throughout the year. DOUBLE FOR ANYWHERE Canadian locations regularly stand in for U.S., European and international destinations on screen. COMPETITIVE INCENTIVES Federal and provincial tax credits help productions maximize budgets while accessing exceptional locations and talent.
Photo credit Canva
SUNSET DATE: None
Quebec, Canada Old Quebec City.
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FILM INCENTIVES: TROPICAL
TROPICS TAX INCENTIVES
HAWAII
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CUBA MEXICO
TROPICS INCENTIVE TYPES
PUERTO RICO HONDURAS GUATEMALA
NICARAGUA
VAT Tax Refund VAT Refund/Exemption
COSTA RICA PANAMA
Tax Credit Rebate I N C ENTI VE SY MBO L K EY
TROPICS FILM TROPICAL INCENTIVES 2026 FILM INCENTIVES PROJECT A TROPICAL BACKDROP GIVEGIVE YOURYOUR PROJECT A TROPICAL BACKDROP OR AN OR AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN ATMOSPHERE
TT
he island nations and tropical locales of Central America and he island nations and tropical locales of Central America the Caribbean offer lush, colorful backdrops for your project and the Caribbean offer lush, colorful backdrops for after just a short flight. Locations such as Hawaii and Puerto your project after just a short flight. Locations such as Rico allow a large cast and crew to establish a production without Hawaii and Puerto Rico allow a large cast and crew to establish passports or needing to pass through international customs, while a production without passports or needing to pass through nations like Mexico and the Dominican Republic pair enticing tax international customs, while nations like Mexico and the incentives with locations that are impossible to replicate. From the Dominican Republic pair enticing tax incentives with locations pristine beaches of Trinidad & Tobago to the colonial missions of that are impossible to replicate. From the pristine beaches of Puerto Rico, there is surely a location in Central America or the Trinidad & Tobago to the colonial missions of Puerto Rico, there Caribbean for your perfect shot. is surely a location in Central America or the Caribbean for your perfect shot.
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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.
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Photo credit Canva
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
COSTA RICA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
INCENTIVE: VAT Refund / Tax Incentive MINIMUM SPEND: $500K BONUS: Temporary import of production equipment may be duty-free; foreign cast and crew payments may qualify for income tax/withholding exemptions. Contact the film office for details.
Up to 11.7% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: No
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
BONUS: 18% VAT exemption may apply; local production company, screen credit and loan-out registration requirements apply. Contact the film office for details.
APPLICATION: Productions must obtain a Temporary Tax ID (NITE), work with a local accountant and submit required spending reports to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance. Paperwork should begin at least 30 days before spending begins.
AUDIT: Yes
SUNSET DATE: None
SUNSET DATE: None
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25%
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
APPLICATION: Productions must obtain a shooting permit and submit supporting documents and CPA-audited receipts to DGCINE for review under Law 108-10.
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TROPICS TAX INCENTIVES
HAWAI’I
MEXICO
INCENTIVE: Refundable Tax Credit
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $100K BONUS: 27% applies to qualified production costs on neighboring islands; 22% applies to Oahu. Contact the film office for details.
22% - 27% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: No APPLICATION: Productions must register to do business in Hawai’i, obtain a General Excise Tax license and register with the Hawai’i Film Office/ DBEDT at least seven days before the start of principal photography. SUNSET DATE: December 31, 2032
MINIMUM SPEND: $40M (narrative/animated features and series) / $20M (documentary features/series) / $5M (animation, VFX or post-production processes)
Up to 30% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: Higher scoring may be tied to national supplier use, filming/spend outside metropolitan areas, cultural value and workforce training criteria. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through the designated single-window process and Technical Committee. Final compliance requires documentation of qualifying Mexican expenses, a positive tax-compliance opinion and a CPA report from a SAT-registered public accountant. SUNSET DATE: September 30, 2030
PANAMA
PUERTO RICO
INCENTIVE: Cash Rebate
INCENTIVE: Transferable Tax Credit
MINIMUM SPEND: $500K
MINIMUM SPEND: $50K / $25K (documentaries and short films)
BONUS: None listed. Contact the film office for details. AUDIT: Yes
APPLICATION: Productions must contact the Panama Film Commission before proceeding with application materials. Qualified expenses include pre-production, production and post-production costs incurred in Panama. SUNSET DATE: None
25%
INCENTIVE AMOUNT
BONUS: 40% applies to qualified Puerto Rico resident/local spend; 20% applies to qualified nonresident costs. Development payments may qualify if 50% or more of production is developed on the island. Contact the film office for details.
20% - 40% INCENTIVE AMOUNT
AUDIT: Yes APPLICATION: Productions apply through Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce and must receive approval/decree before claiming credits. Final claims require qualified expenditure documentation and cost verification. SUNSET DATE: None
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Locations | Crew | Weather FilmFlorida.org