Alabama Mountain Lakes/Film Office
Info
Locations
Incentives
Film Credits
Contact
Introduction to Alabama Mountain Lakes/Film Office
Spotlight on the North Alabama Film Office: Two Years of Lights, Camera, Action!
In just two years, the North Alabama Film Office has emerged as a rising star in Alabama’s creative economy, helping turn the scenic beauty, historic charm, and cinematic backdrops of the region into a go-to destination for filmmakers across the country.
Since its launch, the Film Office has played an instrumental role in supporting productions across North Alabama’s 16 counties. From independent films and streaming series to commercials and documentaries, the organization has helped location scouts and production teams navigate the region’s landscapes, logistics and local partnerships with ease. Its work is creating new job opportunities, boosting tourism and bringing national attention to the state’s northern gateway.
A key to the Film Office’s success has been its ability to build strong relationships—not just with film professionals, but with city leaders, location owners and community
members who make filming possible. From coordinating permits to connecting producers with local talent, the office serves as a trusted guide for anyone looking to shoot in the region.
Productions That Call Alabama Mountain Lakes/Film Office
“Filmmakers are discovering what we already knew—North Alabama is a storyteller’s dream,” says Tammy Reist, President/CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association.
“Whether you’re looking for historic downtowns, stunning riverfronts, rural farmland, or dramatic mountain views, it’s all right here—and our Film Office helps bring it to life.”
Production Credits
- Zero
- Failure to Launch
- Muscle Shoals
- Saving Harmony
- The Nocturnal Third
- The One Warrior
A Few Filming Locations in Alabama Mountain Lakes
The 16 Counties of Northern Alabama
The 16 Counties of North Alabama
Blunt County
Colloquially known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama,” historic structures include Swann and Horton Mill Covered Bridges and dramatic deep river gorges, perfect for period pieces and nature scenes. Rickwood Caverns State Park provides underground limestone formations and fossils, while rolling foothills, sparkling rivers, expansive farmlands, and quaint rural towns offer numerous backdrops for myriad projects.
Cherokee County
Discover stunning boulder fields and sandstone cliffs at Cherokee Rock Village, which makes for great alien terrain. Outdoor scenes pair well with quiet communities along the Tennessee River for rural dramas and southern-inspired films. Historical architecture and cultural appeal can be found in the town of Cherokee and at Helen Keller’s birthplace, Ivy Green.
Colbert County
Music history flows through this county, including the FAME Recording Studio, and dynamic riverfront settings, waterfalls, springs, and canyon landscapes. Whether you’re filming a music documentary, an outdoor commercial, or an independent southern film, you can find it here.
Cullman County
Think farm country where rolling pastures are dotted with painted barns and grain silos. Working farms, like Fortner Farm (used in a Hallmark feature), provide filmmakers with country settings and film-ready locations for rural projects.
DeKalb County
Capture stunning waterfalls, cliff-side views and deep canyons at Little River Canyon Nature Preserve for dramatic natural scenery. Cherokee Rock Village is also part of DeKalb County (shared with Cherokee County).
Etowah County
Glimpse impressive Victorian architecture and riverfront greenspace in smaller historic towns like Gadsden, perfect for old Southern charm and small-city characters. Waterfront staging is abundant in places along the Coosa River and Lake Guntersville, which include boating and tranquil scenes.
Franklin County
This county in the Tennessee River Valley comprises cozy river towns, including Russellville, which lend farms and wooded areas to outdoor projects. Quiet, rural roads wind through pastoral landscapes, along with riverscapes and serene forest settings.
Jackson County
Meeting at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this county is ideal for high-elevation filmmaking on Lookout Mountain. Stunning waterfalls, hiking paths, scenic byways, foggy mornings, and bucolic small towns provide the perfect backdrop for period projects and several outdoor scenes.
Lauderdale County
The historic town of Florence has an authentic Southern downtown, including antebellum homes and architecture, and canals for unique shots and romantic scenes. Filmmakers will appreciate the juxtaposition of Wilson Dam and Shoals wetlands, with functional industrial and natural settings combined.
Lawrence County
An area of Muscle Shoals wetlands extends into Lawrence County, which also includes rustic towns and river bluffs. This tranquil farm country provides backdrops filled with bridges and expansive fields, perfect for family dramas and heritage-themed projects.
Limestone County
If you’re looking for vintage car trails, scenic byways and bike paths that meander through rolling farmlands and sleepy towns, Limestone County is the place. The county features antebellum architecture and a historic town square for period-based films. They also host numerous festivals, creating a lively atmosphere.
Madison County
Filmmakers seeking urban backdrops will find a plethora in places like Huntsville, which includes high-tech facilities, vibrant murals along the Huntsville Mural Trail and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. This region is a dynamic setting, ideal for sci-fi, tech, futuristic, city/suburban, and gritty urban productions.
Marion County
Marion is an eclectic mix of rural communities, forested areas, vast farmland, and Shoal Creek. Its location is ideal for productions featuring rural landscapes, family and heritage narratives, outdoor adventures, and historical films.
Marshall County
This county is home to Guntersville Lake and State Park, offering marinas, waterfront landscapes, lakeside cabins, and forested areas. Small historic towns boast old courthouses and Southern charm, perfect for family-friendly productions and period pieces.
Morgan County
Situated along the Tennessee River, Morgan County is home to Decatur and Hartselle, offering urban riverfront backdrops, rail lines and industrial filming opportunities. Bucolic farmland and wooded expanses in eastern Morgan offer mid-size town storytelling for rural projects.
Winston County
Bankhead National Forest boasts rugged landscapes, including rushing waterfalls, caverns, and dense forestland, perfect for thrilling wilderness pieces, nature-focused films and historical narratives. Mountain roads and small historic towns provide a rustic and Southern atmosphere for all types of productions.
Learn More
Alabama Mountain Lakes Film Incentive — What You Need to Know
The Alabama Mountain Lakes (AML) Film Office vets each project individually and decides both if you qualify and how much of the state incentive pool you receive. Bring a solid budget, schedule and regional-impact pitch—those factors carry weight during review.
Core financials
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25 % rebate on all qualified in-state spend (goods, services, non-resident payroll). alabamafilm.org
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35 % rebate on Alabama-resident payroll. alabamafilm.org
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Applies only to the first US $20 million of Alabama expenditures; dollars above that threshold do not earn credits, effectively setting a soft per-project ceiling. alabamafilm.orgWrapbook
Program capacity & outlook
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The state funds US $20 million per fiscal year in total incentives (scheduled to rise to $30 million starting Oct 1 2025, pending final rule adoption). Entertainment Partners
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Minimum local spend to apply: US $500 000. Cast & Crew
Cash-flow mechanics
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Rebates are issued as a refundable tax credit—convertible to cash even if you owe zero Alabama income tax.
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Credits can be assigned to lenders so you can borrow against the expected payout during production.
Why base in AML Country?
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Dramatic Tennessee-Valley mountains, waterfalls and lakes within a 90-minute drive of Nashville’s talent pool.
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Film-friendly municipalities that streamline road closures, drone waivers and state-park access.
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AML Film Office supplies no-fee location pulls, crew/vendor rosters and compliance coaching so your paperwork clears audit the first time.
Learn More About Rebates & Incentives
Unlock the Perfect Backdrop for Your Production
CONTACT
North Alabama Film Commission
Thereasa Hulgan
(256) 523-8766
www.northalabamafilm.org