Cutting-edge technology is reshaping the way productions survey filming sites
EXPLORING NORTH AMERICA’S SPOOKIEST FILMS
Uncover chilling tales behind some of the most iconic horror filming locations in the US
8 Exploring Nor th Ame rica’s Spookiest Film Locations
Uncover chilling tales behind some of the most iconic horror filming locations
14 Big-Box Relics & Abandoned Malls
Learn how filmmakers transform abandoned sites into ready-to-shoot film locations
18 ADA-Compliant Filming Locations
Discover how to identify accessible sites to avoid retrofitting
22 Deep-Dive Filming: Inside Underwater Film Studios
Explore submerged sound stages and filming tanks that bring aquatic scenes to life
28 High-Tech Film Location Scouting Tools
Cutting-edge technology is reshaping the way productions survey filming sites
34 Benefits of Working with Film Commissions
Discover how to establish and maintain crucial partnerships in the industry
38 12 Must-Attend Film Festivals
Take a journey through some of North America’s most dynamic cinematic festivals
44 Working with Local Film Crews Abroad
Before the cameras roll, consider these tips when filming in a foreign country
48 Under the Radar US Towns
Examine regions rolling out the red carpet for film productions
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. SITE INSPECTIONS
Montana Film Office
Glacier Country, MT
Yellowstone Country, MT
City of Palmdale, CA
Simi Valley, CA
Atlantic City, NJ
Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
76 502 Film & Louisville Film Office
St. Joseph, MO
St. Louis, MO
Oneida County Tourism
Binghamton, NY
Reading & Berks County, PA
Massachusetts Film Office
Alabama Mountain Lakes
St. Pete-Clearwater, FL
British Virgin Film Commission
American West
Tropics
Filmmaking in the Golden Age of Access
Visual storytelling has been a part of our existence since the dawn of the Silent Era and Talkie Boom. Filmmakers are now navigating the Cine-Tech Age, where AI and innovative technologies are weaving their way through the industry’s architecture and changing the way productions are created. In this robust Destination Film Guide, we explore game-changing film location scouting tools in 2025, how to develop strong industry partnerships, location-first filmmaking trends, and so much more.
Regardless of what you’re producing, working with film commissions is essential, and we explain how to establish successful partnerships for seamless filming. If your production company is traveling abroad, we advise on how to work with local talent and crews, including cultural considerations and collaboration tips.
Location-first filmmaking is an emerging trend for costeffective productions. We explore the intrigue of ready-to-shoot sites, from abandoned malls and big-box relics to spooky locations crawling with inspiration. We also help eliminate retrofitting nightmares with a breakdown of ADA-ready filming locations and what constitutes an accessible film set.
Take a deep dive into the world’s most impressive underwater film stages and tanks, where masterful aquatic scenes are captured for blockbuster hits. Explore under-the-radar US towns that are rolling out the red carpet for film productions with attractive incentives and filmmaking perks.
Finally, in celebration of visual storytelling, explore the mustattend film festivals throughout the year with our in-depth list of top events, including FilmQuest in Provo, Utah, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, and an exciting new festival entering the circuit this year.
Director David Fincher once said, “In film, we sculpt time, we sculpt behavior and we sculpt light.” Shape the next red carpetworthy production using our in-depth guide today.
Stay inspired and keep the cameras rolling!
Heather Dale, Managing Editor
Editorial & Advertising Office 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527
Production Manager – Michael Caravette michael@ptmgroups.com
Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com
Contributing Writers –Courtney Lind, Helene Martin, Miles Dobis, Kendall Perry, Lorelei Skurzewski.
Southeast and Midwest – Cheryl Rash P 563.613.3068 • F 815.225.5274 cheryl@ptmgroups.com
East – Diane Meglino P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 diane@ptmgroups.com
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: Filming in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Photo credit: Chris Murray/Unsplash
Exploring North America’s Spookiest Film Locations: Horror Icons & Their Haunting Histories
UNCOVER CHILLING BEHIND-THE-SCENES TALES OF NORTH AMERICA’S MOST ICONIC HORROR FILMING LOCATIONS AND LEARN WHY THESE SPOTS STILL HAUNT FANS TODAY.
BY HELENE MARTIN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Immerse yourself in the world of haunted tourism, from iconic horror locations such as The Shining’s Stanley Hotel to lesserknown gems like The Fog’s Lighthouse. These iconic horror movie locations have compelling backstories and behind-the-scenes mysteries to uncover. Whether you want to satisfy a morbid curiosity or need a spinechilling inspiration for the next big horror movie, we have compiled North America’s spookiest film locations for your next ghostly adventure.
Why
Horror
Film Locations Captivate Audiences
Do you enjoy searching for meaning in the unknown? Are you hoping
to happen upon a spirit? Or do you simply want to get in the mind of a movie director? There are many reasons why the horror genre attracts so many people, and haunted filming locations allow you to go a step further by visiting the on-screen world in real life.
A few real-life haunted sites have become so iconic that they are woven into the cultural fabric of the horror genre and beyond. You cannot simply book a room at The Stanley Hotel or tour Camp Crystal Lake without acknowledging the rich history found there. Movies have a way of transforming and amplifying buildings and places into pieces of pop culture notoriety. By visiting these iconic
Photo credit: Unsplash
Showcasing film commissions with outstanding locations along with attractive financial incentives 58 Montana Film Office
Glacier Country, MT
Yellowstone Country, MT
City of Palmdale, CA
Simi Valley, CA
Atlantic City, NJ
Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
Akron/Summit CVB
Louisville Film Office
St. Joseph, MO
St. Louis, MO
Oneida County/Film Utica
British Virgin Film Commission
“By immersing ourselves in the state’s culture and collaborating with local professionals, we gained an insider’s perspective that informs the heartiness, sincerity, and work ethic shaped by Montana’s environment and conditions.” – Wild Foods, a 2024 Big Sky Film Grant recipient
“One of the most rewarding things about filming in a rural town in Montana was getting to know the residents who joined us on set. It was a pleasure listening to their stories and hearing how they feel this particular film related to them and their town.” – Daughter of the Plains, a 2024 Big Sky Film Grant recipient
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 any of the diverse landscapes in Montana shows those nicknames are well deserved. Spectacular national parks—Yellowstone and Glacier—are highlights of an incredible landscape of roaring rivers, dramatic mountain ranges and serene prairies. Montana has been the site of historical battles, prehistoric dinosaurs and unforgettable vacations, and its blend of landscapes will appeal to productions who seek an epic scope.
Established in 1974, the Montana Film Office at the Montana Department of Commerce markets the state as a business destination for production companies and provides technical assistance to productions that choose Montana. It is the responsibility of our office to ensure the state is filmfriendly. We work with producers to find locations that fit their script and serve as their liaison through every phase of their production.
Producers have come to depend on the office to help navigate permitting, understand regulation processes, and assist with location nuances. In the film industry, time really is money. A state’s willingness and ability to facilitate filmmaking is a factor for the location.
FILMING LOCATIONS
Yellowstone Film Ranch
This Western backlot near Livingston is styled after 1800s gold rush towns. It uses five fully functional interior/ exterior sets with support buildings against Emigrant Peak and the Paradise Valley. The 28 structures include a church, a saloon, a general store, and a barn. A main street allows for shootouts and establishing shots. Nearby is a trapper’s cabin and a homestead house and barn.
Missoula
Montana’s “Garden City,” situated along the Clark Fork River, offers access to indoor and outdoor filming locations. New production studios,
The Two Medicine River carves a deep path through the mountainous terrain.
Photo courtesy of Montana Film Office
Treasure State Studios and Story House, Inc., offer space and equipment for all your production needs. An hour away in Hamilton is Pharohplex Studios and the stunning Bitterroot Valley.
Butte
The largest historic district in the country was transformed for the location shoot of 1923 starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Productions can utilize the stately mansions, Victorian architecture and numerous ghost towns nearby. The Highland Mountains and the east ridge of the Continental Divide surround the city.
Old Montana Prison
This historic site in Deer Lodge is the oldest Territorial Prison in the Western United States, dating back to 1870. It was decommissioned in 1979 and is available for filming. The facility houses cell blocks, warden’s quarters, a chapel, gates, and impressive walls of grey sandstone. The Old Montana Prison also serves as an auto museum with hundreds of classic cars on display.
Billings
Montana’s largest city offers easy access to the Yellowstone River, Crow Indian Reservation and local talent. Popular locations include the Billings Depot (a massive passenger station), the Moss Mansion (a 28-room building with original furnishings) and the Rimrocks (an environment of ancient sandstone cliffs and hiking trails).
FILM CREDITS
The Unholy Trinity, Broke, Mending the Line, Outlaw Posse, Butcher's Crossing, Yellowstone, 1923, The Revenant, Certain Women, A River Runs Through It, Far and Away, God's Country
MONTANA
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
MONTANA FILM OFFICE
montanafilm@mt.gov (406) 841-2876
montanafilm.com
REBATES
Montana offers the Big Sky Film Grant for both resident and nonresident filmmakers. For more information on Montana’s incentives, please visit our website: https://commerce.mt.gov/ Business/Programs-andServices/Montana-FilmOffice/Incentives/
Scan to discover more of what the Montana Film Office offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com
The serene Powder River.
Virginia City shops.
The Rocky Mountains.
“The Thompson-Nicola region has played a starring role in productions of all kinds, and the Movie Map is a great way to explore that legacy. We’re proud to support filmmakers and showcase the incredible variety of locations our region has to offer.”
— Terri Hadwin, Film Commissioner, Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
THOMPSON-NICOLA
The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission (TNFC) has launched an interactive Movie Locations Map that invites locals, visitors and film fans to explore where their favourite scenes were filmed throughout the region. From blockbuster movies to cult TV shows, the map highlights the cinematic history of the area—and makes it easy to plan your own film-inspired adventure. As a fullservice film commission, the TNFC proudly supports productions from start to finish and continues spotlighting the region’s unique role on screen. Explore the map at filmthompsonnicola.com.
The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission (TNFC) is a full-time, full-service film commission based in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. As a department of the ThompsonNicola Regional District (TNRD), the TNFC promotes the region’s diverse landscapes—from desert canyons and historic towns to mountain lakes and rolling grasslands—to filmmakers worldwide. Productions of all sizes are supported every step of the way, making this region a favorite backdrop for stories told on screen.
To help showcase the area’s onscreen highlights, the TNFC has launched a brand-new Movie Locations Map. This interactive tool allows you to explore where iconic scenes from movies, TV shows, music videos, and
commercials were filmed throughout the region. You can also determine whether a location is accessible to the public and where to stream or borrow each production.
Whether you're a local, a visitor or a film fan, it’s a fun and easy way to see the cinematic side of the ThompsonNicola region—and maybe even plan your own movie-inspired road trip. Check it out at: filmthompsonnicola.com.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
The Vic Café
Located on Victoria Street in downtown Kamloops, The Vic is a historic building that made a cameo in the 2017 Power Rangers movie. During filming, the area was transformed into the fictional town of Angel Grove, with
Photo courtesy of Thompson-Nicola
The Vic featured in bustling street scenes. Its classic architecture helped bring the small-town feel to life, showcasing Kamloops’ versatility as a film location.
Clearwater Station Bridge
The Clearwater Station Bridge in Clearwater, British Columbia, served as a filming location for the 2005 neo-noir thriller Deepwater, starring Lucas Black, Peter Coyote and Mía Maestro. This picturesque bridge contributed to the film's moody atmosphere, enhancing the suspenseful narrative set in a remote town.
McAbee Fossil Beds
Located near Cache Creek, the McAbee Fossil Beds offer a dramatic, desert-like landscape that has drawn filmmakers to the region. Alien Trespass (2009) used the site to mimic 1950s California, while Afghan Luke (2011) also filmed scenes at the site, showcasing the area's cinematic potential.
Coldwater Hotel
Merritt's historic Coldwater Hotel, with its distinctive copper dome, was featured in the pilot episode of Smallville (2001–2011). The downtown area surrounding the hotel was transformed into the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas, during the 1989 meteor shower scene. The Coldwater Hotel's classic architecture provided an authentic backdrop, enhancing the show's depiction of Smallville's early days.
FILM CREDITS
The Last of Us season 2 (2025), Jurassic World Dominion (2022), Power Rangers (2017), 2012 (2009), The A-Team (2010)
Various tax incentives are offered to attract film and television productions to the Thompson-Nicola region of BC.
As part of its full-service support, TNFC helps productions navigate and take full advantage of these opportunities. For more information on available incentives and rebates, visit: filmthompsonnicola.com/ tax-incentives
Scan to discover more of what Thompson-Nicola Film Commission offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com
The Vic Café in downtown Kamploops.
Clearwater Station Bridge.
McAbee Fossil Beds.
Photo courtesy of Thompson-Nicola
Photo courtesy of Thompson-Nicola
Photo courtesy of Thompson-Nicola
REBATES AND INCENTIVES
Apocalyptic House, Fort Qu’Appelle Valley (as seen in Die Alone).
Funding is available as a grant of up to 40% of eligible Saskatchewan expenditures, to a maximum of $5 million. Two streams are offered: the Saskatchewan Stream and the Service Production Stream.
Scan to discover more of what CREATIVE SASKATCHEWAN offers productions at DestinationFilmGuide.com
CREATIVE SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan is known as the “Land of the Living Skies,” and the opportunities for your next production are as endless as our horizons. Saskatchewan is over 250,000 square miles of wide-open prairie spaces, fields of golden wheat and vibrant blue flax flowers, over 100,000 quiet lakes, rolling valleys and grasslands, sand dunes, and beautiful boreal forests.
FEATURED LOCATIONS
Apocalyptic House, Fort Qu’Appelle Valley
Nestled in the rolling valleys of Fort Qu'Appelle, this farmhouse is the perfect setting for your next creative project. This move-in-ready film set offers a unique and picturesque backdrop. Surrounded by lush, grassy fields and scenic hills.
Gravelbourg
Located in south-central Saskatchewan, Gravelbourg is known as the “Cultural Gem of Saskatchewan.” This hidden treasure boasts European flair and wellpreserved heritage buildings.
River Landing, Saskatoon
Saskatoon is the cultural hub of the province. The South Saskatchewan River flows throughout the urban area, providing picturesque views and highlighting the nine river crossings, aptly nicknaming Saskatoon, “Bridge City.” With a blend of stunning historical architecture and a vibrant cityscape, Saskatoon is great for any drama, sitcom or romantic comedy.
Buffalo Pound Provincial Park
As one of Saskatchewan’s beautiful
provincial parks, Buffalo Pound offers scenic mountain bike trails, the historic Nicolle Homestead, and a bison range. Located near Moose Jaw, the province’s third-largest city, the park is quintessentially “Saskatchewan” in its natural beauty and charm.
FILMS: Die Alone
Guardians of the North A Cowboy Christmas Flat Out Food
