Connie Nelson - Film Junkies Guide to North Carolina

Film Junkies

Guide to

North Carolina

The authors wish to dedicate

Film Junkies Guide to North Carolina

to their significant others, families, and friends.

Copyright 2004 by Connie Nelson and Floyd Harris

All rights reserved under

International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

The paper in this book meets the guidelines

for permanence and durability of the Committee on

Production Guidelines for Book Longevity

of the Council on Library Resources.

Design by Debra Long Hampton

Cover image -

Greensboros Carolina Theatre NyghtFalcon Photography

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Nelson, Connie, 1959

Film junkies guide to North Carolina / by Connie Nelson and Floyd Harris.

p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN 0-89587-269-2 (alk. paper)

1. Motion picture locationsNorth Carolina. 2. Television program locationsNorth Carolina. 3. ActorsHomes and hauntsNorth Carolina. 4. North CarolinaDescription and travel. I. Harris, Floyd,

1959 II. Title.

PN1995.67.N74N45 2004

384.809756dc22

2004003914

Contents

Welcome to Film Junkies Guide to North Carolina, a lively look at some Tar Heel locations through a prism that blends history with pop culture. In writing this book, we believe we have broken new ground. Very few comprehensive resources exist for North Carolina film locations, and none in this format. We believe this to be the first travel guide based on movie locations in our great state.

The subjects herein are touched by Hollywood glamour and independent and indigenous filmmaking spunk. Youll also find a sprinkling of favorite haunts and hangouts frequented by visiting stars and celebrities. Its a guide for movie fans who want to visit particular locations, as well as an entertaining companion for Hey, isnt that ? armchair travelers watching a favorite film at the theatre or at home. Maybe well even settle a few bets.

Filmmakers have been visiting North Carolina since the dawn of celluloid. The past 25 or so years have brought in many big-time stars and directors. Independent filmmaking and the home-grown industry have blossomed. Weve aimed for a nice mix of Oscar winners and obscure gems, cult classics and documentaries. Weve also presented both the prominent locations and a few off the beaten path. Youll discover locations where theres a lot to see and do (downtown Wilmington and Lowes Motor Speedway) and a few where the circus has definitely left town (the Sleeping with the Enemy house, the Last of the Mohicans fort, and the Black Knight castle). Some locations boast of the movies made there (Buckner Hill Plantation, Lake Lure, and Durham Bulls Athletic Park). Many are wonderful attractions in their own right (Biltmore House, the Battleship North Carolina, and Old Salem). There are even movie studios in the mountains (Blue Ridge Motion Pictures) and on the coast (EUE/Screen Gems Studios) that offer guided tours. In the case of those locations that are in neighborhoods or private residences, please honor trespassing laws.

Of course, everyones interested in how and where the stars tasted the local culture. Weve provided a healthy sampling of where a star or two may have eaten, shopped, spent the night, or generally hung out. And weve attempted to do so with tact and respect. It goes without saying that said stars will probably not be there when you visitand if they are, please be respectful.

North Carolina has an impressive list of film locations. If weve left out your favorite, well try to catch it next time. Youll also find a subjective comment or two on the various films. These opinions are ours. Were film junkies who are justifiably proud of North Carolina filmmaking. Well see you at the movies. In the meantime, here are a few facts to ponder.

In 2003, Governor Mike Easley announced that for the 18th consecutive year, North Carolina ranked third in the nation (behind California and New York) among filmmaking states, based on direct revenues derived from production.

Since the North Carolina Film Commission was formed in 1980, the state has attracted over 600 features, nine network television series, and more than $6 billion in production revenue. Thats a return of more than $1,000 for every dollar spent by the agency.

Filmmakers and visitors seek similar qualities in choosing destinations. From the mountains to the coast and across the Piedmont, North Carolina offers an irresistible package: a moderate climate with four distinct seasons; a variety of landscapes and architectural styles; unique attractions and locations; excellent accommodations and restaurants; abundant natural beauty; and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Truly, nothing could be finer.

It is our hope that you will enjoy Film Junkies Guide to North Carolina not only as a travel guide but also as an entertaining account of North Carolina pop culture. While we have tried to be as comprehensive as possible, many locations are not included. Given space constraints, we have had to make some very difficult decisions regarding cuts. And please know that we have made every effort to ensure accuracy. However, references were often contradictory. Some research is based on oral history, and memories do fade. We will try to correct any errors in future editions.

If you know of movie locations or star tracks that we have overlooked, or if you notice an error in this guide, please write to the publisher so we can consider it for a future edition.

The entries in this guide should not be considered endorsements or recommendations, but merely as useful information for exploring North Carolinas film connections.

Film Junkies Guide to North Carolina is divided into three sections: The Coast (east of 1-95), The Piedmont (west of 1-95 and east of 1-77), and The Mountains (west of 1-77). Credits in italics indicate a feature film, while credits in quotation marks indicate a television production. Locations, of course, are places where filming has occurred; Star Tracks indicate places celebrities have frequented; the books sidebars contain information related to movies or celebrities; Film Junkie Trivia includes little-known movie facts.

A film junkie is defined as one who derives inordinate pleasure from, or is dependent upon, contact with or knowledge of motion pictures and people or places associated with the motion-picture industry.

All right, film junkies, prepare for a 432-page fix!

Without the assistance of film commissioners and location managers, this book would not have been possible. Throughout our research, we relied heavily on their input. As a result, we have gained a much deeper understanding of and respect for the talents of good location managers. They, along with directors and cinematographers, are largely responsible for the look of a film. Its truly a crime that their names appear buried in the film credits. So, the next time youre watching the credits roll, give a nod to the unsung heroes of the film industry.

Wed like to thank location managers E. Michael Hewett, Geoffrey Ryan, Doug Whitley, Lance Holland, and Vick Griffin; North Carolina film commissioner Bill Arnold; Randy Schumacher and Paula Wyrick of the North Carolina Film Office; the staff of the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development, especially photographer