Film producers are choosing second-tier filming hubs over big-budget locations, and these three are worth considering
By Helene Martin
Big cities have long dominated the silver screen. Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Empire State Building have been scenic backdrops for many decades; however, the spotlight is shifting to emerging film production locations.
As major production cities face rising costs and red tape, producers are turning to second-tier film hubs like Oklahoma, Alberta and Portugal. These second-tier filming hubs offer diversity, affordability and efficiency – and they’re not just backups anymore. The new age of moviemaking is here, and non-traditional film production cities and towns are the place to create.
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Why Producers Are Leaving the Usual Markets
Los Angeles and New York City are among the most popular on-screen destinations. Between your classic buddy cop shows, CGI-filled intergalactic wars, and city romances, these locations are well-cemented in filming history. But lately, producers have been leaving these iconic destinations.
Soaring costs, permit delays, overcrowding, lack of flexibility, and location monotony are just the tip of the never-ending iceberg. While the big cities like LA, NYC, and Atlanta hold undeniable charm, the cons are starting to outweigh the pros for film producers. Emerging film production locations, while not perfect, do not have the laundry list of issues that come with well-established film destination cities.
Productions running on a tight budget also know that to achieve a good ROI, they need to look elsewhere. That is where second-tier filming hubs come in. Here are three surprising up-and-comers, where producers are flocking to film their next hit.
Case Study – Oklahoma’s Climb to Relevance
Sitting right above Texas is the often-overlooked state of Oklahoma. Known for its oil production and twisters, it is not most people’s first thought when making a movie. While Oklahoma has a storied history of filmmaking dating back to the 1920s, the last two decades have seen increased interest in highlighting the southern state. Learn more about Oklahoma’s focus on the local film industry here.
Filming Killers of the Flower Moon. Photo credit: Oklahoma Film + Music Office Facebook
Starting in 2001, the Compete with Canada Act was enacted to help drive filmmakers to Oklahoma. In recent years, big-name productions – Twisters, Stillwater, and Killers of the Flower Moon, to name a few – have brought this alternative filming destination to the forefront. Highlighting an authentic Oklahoma, with its rolling prairies and steep mountain ranges, brings a unique charm that you can’t replicate in traditional filming locations.
The Oklahoma Film & Music Office supports the wave of interested filmmakers, stating, “We’re offering producers a blank canvas – with savings.” The Filmed in Oklahoma Act of 2021 provides filming incentives for eligible productions, making them a great emerging film production location. Starting with a 20% base incentive, check out Oklahoma’s filming incentives for more information.
Portugal – Streamlined Permits and Scenic Range
Ornate architectural wonders dating back to the Late Middle Ages and stunning natural wind-carved cliffs are just the beginning of what makes Portugal one of the best emerging film production locations. If you are looking to infuse your project with historical backdrops or local culture, this coastal country is hard to beat.
Praca do Comercio Square in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo credit: Freepik
Portugal offers an excellent opportunity for every production, from dramatic period pieces to action-packed thrillers. Featured in the House of the Dragon, the hilltop villages and dramatic castle ruins set the perfect scene for ancient feuds. The cities of Lisbon, Vila Real, and Viseu gave a gorgeous countryside backdrop for Fast & Furious X’s explosive car chase.
If the sweeping views weren’t enough to sell you, then the Portugal film production incentives are sure to impress. Boasting some of the most competitive cash rebate programs in Europe, the Portugal Film Commission offers rates as low as 25% on eligible expenditures. For all information and to apply to their film rebate program, visit the Portugal Film Commission’s website.
Alberta, Canada – Hollywood’s Northern Frontier
Horsethief Canyon in Alberta, CA, Canadian Badlands. Photo credit: Travel Drumheller Facebook
Alberta, Canada, is nicknamed the Energy Province because it produces most of Canada’s crude oil. So why is Alberta attracting film production in 2025 and 2026? Between stunning locations and generous tax credit rates, there is a lot to love in the Canadian Badlands.
Featured in the 2023 smash hit The Last of Us, over 180 Alberta locations were utilized to set the scene for this post-apocalyptic drama. Horsethief Canyon from Ghostbusters: Afterlife was also a one-of-a-kind Alberta filming location – as well as the town of Drumheller, the Dorothy Ferry Bridge, and many more. Even slightly older films like Interstellar were backdropped by Alberta’s rugged landscape. If you are interested in shooting your next production in the Great White North, get a complete Canadian Film Incentives Guide here.
Take note that while these featured shows and movies take place in the United States, Alberta is used as an unbeatable alternative for filming. So, no matter when or in what period your next project is set, Alberta is an emerging film production location. With rates of 22% or 30%, visit their website to take part in the FTTC program.
What Makes Second-Tier Filming Hubs a Smart Choice
There are various reasons to consider a second-tier filming hub for your next project.
Cost-Effective: Starting with the obvious: budget. Film productions rack up costs – in labor, permitting, lodging, infrastructure, etc. – in the blink of an eye. Not only do these emerging film production locations often come with lower costs, but they also offer rebate incentive programs. Film productions boost local economies, and in turn, the regional economies are giving back to your film production – it’s a real win-win!
Diverse Scenery & Easy Navigation: Oklahoma, Portugal, and Alberta are picturesque destinations, each with their own unique history and natural beauty. And once you have landed, there is so much opportunity. The diverse terrain and the plethora of available filming locations within easy driving distance make these destinations even more appealing.
Local Film Commissions: These alternative film destinations also come with a built-in support system. The local film offices or regional commissions offer a robust network. You can utilize these offices not only to help with rebate program applications, but also to serve as a great connection to local crew development.
The purpose of these destination rebate programs is to drive regional economic growth, and local crew development is key to that. Whether you look at local universities, trade programs, or businesses, there are plenty of avenues to explore.
Tips for Choosing Non-Traditional Film Production Cities
Now that you are invested in using an emerging film production location, you must nail down where you want to go. There are many great choices, maybe too many!
#1 – Create a Budget Map
To narrow it down, try starting with a budget map. Compare costs across the regions that you are interested in. Whether they are domestic or international, costs depend on various factors. And don’t just consider straight production cost – make sure to research all expenses accrued over the duration of filming.
#2 – Choose a Versatile Location
Depending on the type of film you are shooting, location versatility is key. Want to make one town look like five unique locations? Some destinations just won’t fit that bill. In-depth location research is needed to make sure all your production needs are met.
#3 – Utilize Local Filming Incentives
No matter how far you go, crew availability varies by location. So, make sure to maximize the destination’s incentive programs. Things like local hires, rural filming, and post-production credits offer a window of opportunity for their rebate programs – and can sometimes boost your incentive percentages.
No matter what, don’t let all these considerations weigh you down with indecision. Prioritize the most essential destination requirements and select a filming hub that best suits your needs.
Additional Resources
Whether you’re seeking a second-tier filming hub or well-known icons to shoot your next work of art, Destination Film Guide has you covered. We provide a robust Film Incentive Guide that covers North America, Canada and the Tropics, with updated information and other resources to get your project up and running.
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Featured image: Oklahoma celebrates Film Day in 2025. Photo credit: Oklahoma Film + Music Office Facebook.
