It goes without saying that Oregon is a fantastic destination for on-site filming for TV shows, films, and more.The state has acquired a reputation as a hub for top-notch animation and has plenty of scenic beauty and skilled teams.
Two Oregon locations are honored in the latest list of “The Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2025” by MovieMaker magazine, which, according to its website, is for anybody who loves producing movies and focuses on the art and craft of films and cinematic TV.
The first line of the MovieMaker article states that the annual list was unaffected by the flames in Los Angeles. Since Los Angeles and New York City are so evidently the world’s entertainment capitals that they don’t need to be listed, they have been in our Best Places Hall of Fame for five years. They will survive.
The article continues by explaining how cities are chosen, stating that we think the greatest locations to live and work as a filmmaker are those where you will really produce films: There will be enough businesses in your ideal city or town for you to find a day job there that is at least close to the industry, but yet gives you the time and space you need to work on personal projects you enjoy.
The Best Big Cities and Best Smaller Cities and Towns are the two categories into which the MovieMaker list is divided. Oregon’s representation in both groups demonstrates the Beaver State’s adaptability.
Portland is ranked number fourteen on the list of 25 major cities. Parts of the city can easily pass for New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and a number of other places, and the Rose City receives roses because of its combination of beauty and adaptability. The mountains and ocean are also only a short drive away. It’s also a nice spot to unwind from the stress of the industry because of the residents’ emphasis on healthy living and delicious meals.
Along with tax incentives, warehouse space suitable for sound stage use, and crew members with experience working on commercial, TV, and film projects, the article also highlights recent productions in the Portland area, such as Netflix’s Night Always Comes and Amazon Studios’ TV series Criminal.
The renowned Powell’s Books, numerous record and comic book stores, neighborhood movie theaters like The Hollywood Theatre, and the well-stocked video store Movie Madness all demonstrate Portland’s deep appreciation for analog culture despite its modernity, according to MovieMaker.
Are you wondering which five major cities are the best places to live and work as a filmmaker? Calgary, Alberta, Canada is ranked number five on MovieMaker, followed by Chicago, Illinois, at number four; busy, busy Atlanta, Georgia, at number three; Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at number two; and Albuquerque, New Mexico (Breaking Bad fans may recall the show’s ABQ locales) at number one.
There are ten entries on the list of the greatest smaller cities and towns (really eleven because Missoula, Montana, and Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, tie for ten), and Ashland comes in at number seven.
Quite poetically, the Ashland chapter opens with stories echoing through the oak trees of Ashland, which is well-known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Recently, independent films such as Ernie and Emma (Bruce Campbell’s project), Pelican and Backseat Driver, shorts like In a Pickle, and an upcoming HBO feature documentary have been released in this picturesque, quaint town of around 21,000 people.A 25 percent cash rebate on goods and services and a 20 percent cash rebate on labor are among the state tax incentives. The rebates increase marginally for productions shot in locations other than the Portland metropolitan region, such as Ashland. Filming in Oregon state parks is free, because the state does not impose any sales taxes. The local crew is enthusiastic, and among the top 30 film schools in the United States and Canada is Southern Oregon University’s Digital Cinema program. The Ashland Independent Film Festival is one of the local festivals.
Knoxville, Tennessee, at number nine; Las Cruces, New Mexico, at number eight; St. Petersburg, Florida, at number six; Savannah, Georgia, at number five; Providence, Rhode Island, at number four; Wilmington, North Carolina, at number three; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at number two; and Santa Fe, New Mexico, at number one are the other smaller cities and towns on the MovieMaker list.
Stories by
Kristi Turnquist
-
Oregon ranks high in yet another Valentine s Day category, according to study
-
Portland-born Kaitlin Olson s High Potential renewed for Season 2 on ABC
-
Longtime KOIN-TV anchor Jenny Hansson leaves to join Oregon attorney general s office
-
Big Blue film festival in Newport aims to celebrate connection to the ocean
-
Mention of a Goonies sequel prompts Today show, other media to geek out
Kristi Turnquist discusses entertainment and features. You can contact her at [email protected] or 503-221-8227.https://bsky.app/profile/kristiturnquist.bsky.social and@Kristiturnquistand
Your support is essential to our journalism. Please sign up for a subscription at OregonLive.com/subscribe right now.
