Join the Crew
Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox
Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox
Tom is a filmmaker, producer, and marketing specialist based in Los Angeles.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
Tucked within the rugged Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is a state rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. With charming small towns, sweeping vistas, and storied landscapes, the aptly named Mountain State offers filmmakers an unparalleled backdrop for storytelling.
At the heart of this film-friendly state is the West Virginia Film Office, an organization dedicated to transforming creative visions into cinematic reality.
In this article, we’ll explore everything the West Virginia Film Office has to offer. From location scouting to tax credit programs, from regional support to workforce development, we’ll cover what filmmakers need to know about producing their next project in the Mountain State.
Established in 1982 to champion the state’s film industry, the West Virginia Film Office operates under the Department of Economic Development. Its mission is simple yet impactful: attract filmmakers to the state, support their productions, and foster economic growth through visual storytelling.
The office is a one-stop hub for location resources, skilled workforce connections, and logistical support. Dave Lavender, head of the West Virginia Film Office, recently sat down with Wrapbook Co-founder Cameron Woodward to chat about how his office empowers filmmakers in the state. You can check out their conversation on Wrapbook’s On Production podcast here!
By offering essential filmmaking resources and funding, Lavender and his dedicated team ensures that filmmakers have the tools they need to succeed in West Virginia and contribute to the state’s rich cinematic legacy.
Classics such as The Night of the Hunter, The Deer Hunter, and The Silence of the Lambs have all found inspiration among the wooded hills of West Virginia. More recent movies filmed in West Virginia with the support of the film office include We Are Marshall, J.J. Abrams’s sci-fi thriller Super 8, and Little Accidents.
Today, the West Virginia Film Office continues to support production of all types—features, television, and commercial—by offering robust incentives, valuable resources, and personalized assistance.
The West Virginia Film Office is more than just a government entity—it’s a creative ally.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways that the West Virginia Film Office helps productions thrive in the Mountain State.
One of the West Virginia Film Office’s most invaluable services is location scouting support.
From rolling farmlands to dramatic mountain ranges, the state offers a rich diversity of locations that make movies shot in West Virginia truly unique. With its extensive Locations Library, the West Virginia Film Office enables filmmakers to explore potential settings before even setting foot in the state.
Whether shooting a period drama or an action-packed thriller, filmmakers are sure to discover perfect, captivating locations that will elevate their West Virginia production.
Once you’ve found the perfect filming location, the next step is usually securing all the necessary film permits for your shoot.
Thankfully, the West Virginia Film Office provides indispensable assistance with permitting and logistical planning. Navigating regional regulations can be daunting, but the office serves as a liaison between productions and local authorities, streamlining the process.
Whether you’re filming in communities like Huntington and Morgantown, or taking advantage of West Virginia’s natural beauty at one of many state parks, the West Virginia Film Office can help make sure you have all the required film permits.
West Virginia is home to many creative and experienced filmmaking professionals. The West Virginia Film Office’s Crew and Support Services Directory connects filmmakers with these talented local professionals.
Whether you are in search of a local cinematographer or set designer, the Crew and Support Services Directory can help ensure your production is staffed with experienced individuals familiar with the state’s filmmaking environment.
To help showcase the work of the state’s many talented filmmaking professionals, the West Virginia Film Office also champions and supports a number of local film festivals.
Whether you’re ready to get your project in front of audiences or just want to attend festivals such as the Mtn Craft Film Festival, the West Virginia International Film Festival, and the Appalachian Film Festival, the West Virginia Film Office can help you connect with festival patrons and organizers.
In addition to these essential filmmaking resources, the West Virginia Film Office supports the state’s film industry by providing generous film funding through West Virginia film tax incentives.
One of the most compelling reasons to bring your production to West Virginia is the state’s Film Industry Investment Act.
With this program, the West Virginia Film Office administers a competitive film incentive of up to 31% in transferable tax credits on qualified expenditures.
Productions that spend at least $50,000 on eligible production expenses in a single calendar year can qualify for this West Virginia film tax credit—that’s one of the lowest minimum spend requirements in the country!
Adding to the program’s appeal, above-the-line and below-the-line residents and nonresidents all qualify for the tax credit. The program also has no project cap and no annual funding cap, so there is no set limit to the amount of money a project can earn back on eligible payroll and production spend.
For more information on the West Virginia film tax credit, check out Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center. There we have a comprehensive breakdown of the program and its requirements, plus guides to film tax incentives offered by states all across the country.
Filmmakers interested in exploring West Virginia’s resources will find it easy to connect with the West Virginia Film Office through their official website. There you’ll find everything from tax credit guidelines to location databases and crew directories.
For direct inquiries, the Film Office is available via email at wvfilm@wv.gov and by phone. To get the latest updates from the West Virginia Film Office, follow it on Facebook.
In addition to digital resources, the West Virginia Film Office values personal connections. Filmmakers are encouraged to reach out for consultations, whether they’re in the early stages of planning or deep into production logistics.
While the West Virginia Film Office provides statewide support, regional film offices add another layer of localized expertise. The go-to regional film office in West Virginia is the Clarksburg Film Bureau.
The Clarksburg Film Bureau serves as a gateway to the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant community.
Located within a few hours’ drive of major metropolitan areas, Clarksburg offers filmmakers convenience and variety. Its historic districts, featuring over 40 unique structures, provide an ideal backdrop for movies filmed in West Virginia.
The Clarksburg Film Bureau goes above and beyond by offering personalized support to filmmakers. From assisting with permits to connecting productions with local vendors and talent, the bureau ensures a seamless experience.
With unique resources like The Morris—a revitalized warehouse offering production offices and props—Clarksburg is an essential stop for any filmmaker considering West Virginia.
The West Virginia Film Office is more than a resource; it’s a partner in creative storytelling. By offering competitive incentives, unparalleled location diversity, and comprehensive support, the office has established the Mountain State as a premier destination for film and television production.
To connect with the West Virginia Film Office, visit its website. To learn more about film offices and unique local film resources across the country, check out Wrapbook’s Production Incentive Center.
