1. Covington, Georgia
Covington is nicknamed “Hollywood of the South” for a reason. Over 140 productions, including The Vampire Diaries and Remember the Titans, have been filmed there. Its Victorian homes and tree-lined streets give films an authentic small-town charm. Many locals have become minor celebrities just by spotting production crews around town.
The town’s proximity to Atlanta, another filming hub, makes it easy for filmmakers to work efficiently. Covington embraces its movie-town status with guided tours and themed events. Small businesses often dress up storefronts for film shoots, adding to the charm. Even if you’re just passing through, you might recognize a street corner from a popular TV series.
2. Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, often called “Hollywood East,” has quietly become one of the U.S.’s most filmed cities. Its historic downtown streets and nearby beaches have hosted productions like Dawson’s Creek and Iron Man 3. The city even has a full studio, EUE/Screen Gems, which makes filming here seamless. Locals often spot crews setting up for big projects right in their neighborhoods.
The city’s film-friendly atmosphere isn’t just luck—it’s been cultivated over decades. Wilmington hosts the annual Cucalorus Film Festival, drawing filmmakers from around the world. Its charm blends Southern hospitality with cinematic history, making it unique. Visitors can tour sets or explore areas that have appeared on both TV and the big screen.
3. Santa Paula, California
Santa Paula has a cinematic history that dates back over a century. Gaston Méliès, brother of the famous Georges Méliès, filmed early silent films here in the 1910s. The town’s old-world architecture and surrounding citrus groves made it perfect for storytelling. Even today, film crews occasionally return to capture its timeless look.
Beyond the silent era, Santa Paula continues to attract filmmakers for smaller productions and commercials. Its quiet streets provide a peaceful alternative to the busy lots of Los Angeles. Residents often take pride in the city’s film legacy. It’s a small town with an unexpectedly big connection to Hollywood history.
4. Burbank, California
Burbank might feel like an obvious choice, but its charm is underrated. It’s home to Warner Bros. and Disney studios, where countless classics were made. Streets here have been used for filming everything from family comedies to epic blockbusters. Many residents walk past major movie sets without even realizing it.
The city also houses production offices, post-production houses, and animation studios. This concentration of entertainment infrastructure makes filming incredibly convenient. Beyond movies, Burbank’s local eateries and parks have appeared in TV shows repeatedly. For anyone interested in Hollywood history, it’s a living classroom.
5. Marfa, Texas
Marfa became famous as the filming location for Giant starring Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. The town’s wide-open desert landscapes create an iconic cinematic backdrop. Local buildings and streets retain the classic mid-century Texas feel that filmmakers love. Tourists often spot spots that are instantly recognizable from the film.
Marfa’s appeal goes beyond just one movie. Its minimalist aesthetic has inspired countless art projects and photo shoots. The town embraces its film fame while staying small and authentic. For filmmakers seeking something different from typical cityscapes, Marfa is a goldmine.
6. Camarillo, California
Camarillo has a cinematic history that dates back to the early 20th century. Gaston Méliès, brother of the famous Georges Méliès, filmed early silent films here in the 1910s. The town’s historic charm and proximity to Hollywood made it an attractive location for filmmakers. Even today, film crews occasionally return to capture its timeless look.
Beyond the silent era, Camarillo continues to attract filmmakers for smaller productions and commercials. Its quiet streets provide a peaceful alternative to the busy lots of Los Angeles. Residents often take pride in the city’s film legacy. It’s a small town with an unexpectedly big connection to Hollywood history.
7. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Hollywood, but it has its share of cinematic connections. The city has served as a backdrop for several films and television shows. Notable productions include the film The Avengers, which featured scenes shot in Cleveland. The city’s unique architecture and urban landscape have made it an attractive location for filmmakers.
Beyond its role as a filming location, Cleveland has a thriving film community. The Cleveland International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and audiences from around the world. The city’s rich cultural history and diverse neighborhoods continue to inspire creative projects. Cleveland’s contributions to the film industry are often overlooked but are significant nonetheless.
8. Pinewood Atlanta Studios, Georgia
Pinewood Atlanta Studios is a major film and television production facility located just outside of Atlanta. The studio has hosted the production of several high-profile films and television shows. Notable productions include Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Ant-Man. The state-of-the-art facilities and experienced workforce make it an attractive location for filmmakers.
The presence of Pinewood Atlanta Studios has had a significant impact on the local economy. The studio has created numerous jobs and has attracted other production companies to the area. The success of Pinewood Atlanta Studios has helped establish Georgia as a major hub for film and television production. The state’s film incentives continue to draw filmmakers from around the world.
9. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and unique architecture, making it a popular location for filmmakers. The city has served as the backdrop for numerous films and television shows. Notable productions include Interview with the Vampire and Treme. The distinctive atmosphere of New Orleans adds a unique flavor to any production.
Beyond its role as a filming location, New Orleans has a thriving film industry. The city hosts the annual New Orleans Film Festival, showcasing local and international talent. The film industry has become an important part of the local economy, providing jobs and boosting tourism. New Orleans’ contributions to the film industry continue to grow, cementing its place in Hollywood history.
10. Portland, Oregon
Portland’s eclectic mix of urban and natural landscapes has made it a favorite among filmmakers. The city has served as the backdrop for several films and television shows. Notable productions include The Goonies and Portlandia. The diverse settings available in and around Portland offer filmmakers a variety of options.
The city’s film community is active and supportive, with organizations like the Portland Film Office assisting productions. Portland also hosts the Portland International Film Festival, celebrating local and international cinema. The city’s commitment to the arts and film has helped foster a thriving creative community. Portland’s contributions to the film industry continue to grow, attracting filmmakers from around the world.
11. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s scenic beauty and historic architecture have made it a popular location for filmmakers. The city has served as the backdrop for several films and television shows. Notable productions include The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans. The picturesque landscapes and charming streets provide a perfect setting for storytelling.
Beyond its role as a filming location, Asheville has a vibrant arts community. The city hosts the Asheville Film Festival, showcasing local and international talent. The film industry has become an important part of the local economy, providing jobs and boosting tourism. Asheville’s contributions to the film industry continue to grow, solidifying its place in Hollywood history.
12. Bend, Oregon
Bend’s stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities have made it a favorite among filmmakers. The city has served as the backdrop for several films and television shows. Notable productions include Wild and The River Wild. The diverse settings available in and around Bend offer filmmakers a variety of options.
The city’s film community is active and supportive, with organizations like the BendFilm Festival promoting local cinema. Bend also hosts the annual BendFilm Festival, celebrating independent films and filmmakers. The city’s commitment to the arts and film has helped foster a thriving creative community. Bend’s contributions to the film industry continue to grow, attracting filmmakers from around the world.
13. Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham’s picturesque landscapes and historic architecture have made it a popular location for filmmakers. The city has served as the backdrop for several films and television shows. Notable productions include The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and The Killing. The diverse settings available in and around Bellingham offer filmmakers a variety of options.
The city’s film community is active and supportive, with organizations like the Pickford Film Center promoting local cinema. Bellingham also hosts the annual Bellingham Film Festival, showcasing local and international talent. The city’s commitment to the arts and film has helped foster a thriving creative community. Bellingham’s contributions to the film industry continue to grow, solidifying its place in Hollywood history.
14. Bismarck, North Dakota
Bismarck’s unique blend of urban and rural landscapes has made it an attractive location for filmmakers. The city has served as the backdrop for several films and television shows. Notable productions include Fargo and The River Wild. The diverse settings available in and around Bismarck offer filmmakers a variety of options.
Beyond its role as a filming location, Bismarck has a growing film community. The city hosts the annual North Dakota Film Festival, showcasing local and international talent. The film industry has become an important part of the local economy, providing jobs and boosting tourism. Bismarck’s contributions to the film industry continue to grow, attracting filmmakers from around the world.
This post 14 Small U.S. Cities That Secretly Have Hollywood Connections was first published on American Charm.
