Film and entertainment experts believe that Birmingham will become a prime location for entertainment productions as a major film shoot wraps up this weekend. Hallmark spent months in Birmingham working on the production of Niama in Nashville. Known for its historic ironworks, Birmingham is also known for its lights, camera and action entertainment industry. It’s a call that The Farrell’s venue manager, Susan Zuber, never expected. “When he first called, I just couldn’t believe he was a location scout, so it was very exciting,” Zuber said. “It was very special.” The Farrell was one of several Birmingham venues chosen to be the set for the unreleased film Niama in Nashville. The TV movie is one of more than 40 productions filmed in Birmingham this year. These projects totaled $10 million — $6 million was spent on location, according to the director. Moody estimates the cast and crew spent more than five weeks on location. And 50% of the crew for this particular production was hired locally. “It’s a great opportunity to continue growing our local crew so we can continue hiring locally and entertaining more than one film at a time,” said Moody. Moody said there are incentives to attract production companies. “From a $500,000 project to a $20 million project, you get 25% off everything you spend on site,” Moody said. “You get a 35% rebate on anyone you hire in the state of Alabama.” Zuber hopes they’ll settle here more often after seeing the city’s magic. “We have many charming communities in the Birmingham area and many great venues. and lots of great shops and hotels,” Zuber said. Moody said part of Birmingham’s growing film footprint is building a sound stage to support other big productions. Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers planned to shoot in Birmingham, but without that essential soundstage, no deal could be reached.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama —
Film and entertainment experts believe that Birmingham is poised to become a premier entertainment production location as a major film shoot wraps up this weekend.
Hallmark spent months in Birmingham working on the production of Niama in Nashville. Known for its historic ironworks, Birmingham is also making a name for itself in the entertainment industry for lights, cameras and action.
It’s a call that The Farrell venue manager Susan Zuber never expected.
“When he first called, I just couldn’t believe he was a location scout, so it was very exciting,” Zuber said. “It was very special.”
The Farrell was one of several Birmingham venues chosen to be the set for the unreleased film Niama in Nashville.
The TV movie is one of more than 40 productions filmed in Birmingham this year. These projects totaled $10 million – $6 million was spent locally.
“The hotels they stay in, the places they use, the restaurants they eat in, the crew they hire,” said Jessica Moody, director of programs and operations at Create Birmingham.
Moody estimates the cast and crew spent more than five weeks on location. And 50% of the crew for this particular production was hired locally.
“It’s a great opportunity to continue growing our local crew so we can continue hiring locally and entertaining more than one film at a time,” said Moody.
Moody said there are incentives to attract production companies.
“From a $500,000 project to a $20 million project, you get 25% off everything you spend on site,” Moody said. “You get 35% on everyone you hire in the state of Alabama.”
Zuber hopes they settle here more often after seeing the city’s magic.
“We have many charming communities in the Birmingham area and many great venues. and lots of great shops and hotels,” said Zuber.
Moody said part of Birmingham’s growing film footprint is building a sound stage to support other big productions. Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers planned to shoot in Birmingham, but without that essential soundstage, no deal could be reached.
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