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Tom is a filmmaker, producer, and marketing specialist based in Los Angeles.
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From the bustling streets of Birmingham to the quiet mystique of the Appalachian foothills, Alabama is a beautifully diverse and welcoming home for film production. At the heart of the state’s film industry lies the Alabama Film Office, a vital resource for filmmaking.
In this guide, we’ll explore all of the ways in which the Alabama Film Office supports filming in Alabama, from administering the state’s robust production incentive program to connecting filmmakers with locations and crew that can make their storytelling vision a reality. Let’s dive in!
The Alabama Film Office, operating under the Alabama Department of Commerce, plays an instrumental role in attracting, supporting, and promoting film and television production in the state of Alabama.
Founded in 1978 to stimulate economic growth and boost local employment, the Alabama Film Office has connected filmmakers with the tools and support they need to succeed for more than 45 years.
Over this time, the film office has built a thriving production community in the state and championed projects both large and small. Movies filmed in Alabama with the help of the Alabama Film Office include Big Fish, 42, Selma, and Get Out, among many others.
Television production, too, has found generous support from the Alabama Film Office, with series including the 2021 reboot of ABC’s The Wonder Years and a variety of unscripted programs all filming in Alabama.
Beginning in January 2025, the Alabama Film Office will have new leadership with the Department of Commerce with Meghann Bridgeman to head the organization as its new Director.
Under Bridgeman’s guidance, the Alabama Film Office is poised to continue building upon its impressive legacy. Bridgeman, who previously served as President and CEO of Create Birmingham, brings vast experience in creative and economic development to the new role.
Working alongside the dedicated team at the Alabama Film Office, Bridgeman aims to strengthen Alabama’s commitment to filmmaking and foster more production opportunities for Alabamians. With her direction, the Office will continue to support entertainment by providing projects the tools and resources they need to succeed in Alabama.
With a combination of competitive incentives, experienced local crew, and stunning filming locations, the Alabama Film Office ensures that productions have everything they need to thrive in the state.
Here are just a few of the ways the Alabama Film Office supports productions:
From the pristine white sand beaches stretching along the Gulf Coast to majestic timber forests shading the Appalachian foothills, Alabama boasts a surprisingly diverse geography.
The state’s abundant natural beauty, paired with the rich culture and character of cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, means there is no shortage of spectacular filming locations in Alabama.
To help filmmakers navigate the state’s many offerings, the Alabama Film Office has created a location directory. With over 1,000 listings organized by town and region, the location directory makes it easier than ever to discover the perfect Alabama location for your next production.
Search the directory’s map to explore listings by location, narrow results by style and architecture, and browse locations by photo before you even step foot in Alabama.
Finding the perfect location is half the battle; obtaining all the right permits to film safely and compliantly adds another level of complexity to pre-production. Thankfully, the Alabama Film Office can help simplify the film permitting process.
The Alabama Film Office serves as a liaison between filmmakers and local authorities, ensuring productions are connected with all the necessary resources to apply for any municipal or state permit required wherever they shoot.
As part of its mission to attract production to the state, the Alabama Film Office is committed to growing and supporting Alabama’s crew base.
Films shot in Alabama can easily find highly qualified crew through the Alabama Film Office’s crew directory and production professionals living in Alabama can get connected with gigs by registering to be included in the directory.
The Alabama Film Office also makes finding local vendors easy with its support services listings. Whether you’re searching for accommodations, an equipment rental house, VFX support, or local crafty—or all of the above—the Production Directory found on the film office’s website makes locating vetted service providers simple.
Alabama’s vibrant filmmaking community extends beyond production. The state is home to a number of film festivals including the Montgomery Film Festival, the Fairhope Film Festival, and the Yellowhammer Film Festival.
The Alabama Film Office can help filmmakers promote and showcase their work by connecting projects to the organizers of these festivals.
Along with the above mentioned resources, the Alabama Film Office is committed to supporting production through funding opportunities.
At the heart of the Alabama Film Office’s offerings is its competitive tax incentive program, designed to attract and retain productions within the state.
Alabama offers a fully refundable tax credit of 25% to 35% on qualified expenditures incurred within the state. This generous production incentive keeps Alabama competitive with other states in the region that offer film incentives, including Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
To qualify for Alabama film tax credits, productions must spend a minimum of $500,000 in Alabama. The program offers a 25% credit on eligible production expenditures and a 35% rebate on payroll paid to Alabama residents.
Productions must apply no later than 30 days prior to the start of any activities in Alabama and applications must be submitted to the Alabama Film Office. Before submitting an application, productions should reach out to the film office to discuss their projects.
The Alabama Film Office is dedicated to helping filmmakers succeed. You can connect with the office through its official website, where you’ll find detailed information about its services, incentive programs, and production resources.
For direct inquiries, you can reach the Alabama Film Office by phone at (334) 242-4195. Film tax credit questions can be directed to the office’s Film Incentives Specialist Brenda Hobbie at brenda.hobbie@film.alabama.gov.
The Alabama Film Office is also active on social media. Stay updated on the latest news, opportunities, and events by following the Alabama Film Office on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
In addition to the statewide services offered by the Alabama Film Office, filmmakers can benefit from the expertise of regional film offices in the state, including Film Birmingham, the Mobile Film Office, and the North Alabama Film Commission.
Film Birmingham serves the Greater Birmingham area, providing tailored support to productions filming in this historic region. With its diverse architecture and thriving arts scene, Birmingham has become a sought-after destination for filmmakers.
Film Birmingham’s services include assistance with permits, location scouting, and connections to local crew and vendors.
The Mobile Film Office serves the southernmost region of Alabama, including the historic city of Mobile and its surrounding areas. Known for its rich cultural history, stunning waterfront views, and antebellum architecture, Mobile offers filmmakers a unique blend of coastal charm and Old South elegance.
The Mobile Film Office provides comprehensive support for productions, including permitting assistance, location scouting, and connections to local resources.
The North Alabama Film Commission promotes the 16-county region of North Alabama, offering resources and guidance for productions of all sizes. This office specializes in connecting filmmakers with scenic locations, such as the Tennessee River, rolling Appalachian foothills, and the region’s many historic towns, making North Alabama a picturesque choice for filming.
The Alabama Film Office is more than a resource—it’s a partner for filmmakers seeking to bring their stories to life in the Heart of Dixie. By offering competitive incentives, expert guidance, and a wealth of production support, the office has established Alabama as a premier destination for film and television production.
Whether you’re considering filming in Alabama for the first time or returning for another project, the Alabama Film Office can help every step of the way.
For information about film offices across the country, visit Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center. Our Production Incentives Finder and State Incentive Map can help you find the perfect state for your next project.
