Where Are Movie Shoots And Productions Taking Place Today?

When most people think of U.S. production shoots for movies and television shows, they think of California (Hollywood) and New York. Add Georgia to the list, as well as some international locales. It’s important to know where shoots are taking place, particularly when writing film production insurance.

Georgia on My Mind

Georgia is where dozens of movies and TV shows are shot. The state was on a roll pre-pandemic and regained its momentum once production resumed. In September 2021, Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp announced that an “estimated 40,000 production workers will find jobs at 75 projects, which are expected to start filming over the next 18 months,” according to Project Casting. Major movies and television shows that have been filmed in Georgia include Jumanji, Creed 3, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Stranger Things, Jungle Cruise, and Ozark.  Part of what draws filmmakers to Georgia is that the state doesn’t put a cap on its tax credit incentives like California and New York.

Other states that have attracted film productions due to their generous tax breaks and financial incentives include New Mexico, where Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul were filmed, and Louisiana, where Jurassic World, and Now You See Me were shot. 

O, Canada

Canada is also a big draw for movie and television productions, and several cities are making investments to get a bigger piece of the production pie, according to Canadian news outlet CIC News. The premier of Nova Scotia in March met with decision-makers at Disney, Netflix, NBC, and other studios to discuss its interest in getting more film and television production work. Nova Scotia invested $23 million to grow its film industry. Burnaby, British Columbia, is also building a 300,000-square-foot film studio. The Hollywood Reporter recently reported that Stratagem Studios in Toronto, which hosted shoots for Marvel’s Hawkeye and Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown, has announced plans to build two purpose-built clear-span stages of 20,000 square feet each at a cost of $20 million.

London Calling

Walt Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros. have also made substantial investments in the United Kingdom. In 2019, Disney signed a long-term lease at Pinewood Studios outside of London, according to the LA Times, while Netflix in 2021 re-upped its agreement with Shepperton Studios, locking up 17 sound stages. Warner Bros. has its own studios at Leavesden, near London.

It’s important to note that California is looking to hold on to its reign in the film industry. Governor Gavin Newsom, according to the Hollywood Reporter, in July signed a bill that provides the film and television industries with an additional $330 million in tax credits (in addition to the $330 million the state already provides to Hollywood as part of its current incentives program). Newsom is expected to sign another bill that would extend the credits until 2030.

Sources: Project Casting, CIC News, Hollywood Reporter, LA Times