Hollywood loves the Lowcountry. Whether it’s feature films, scripted dramas for television, Netflix series, HBO original programming, or reality shows, there’s a whole lot of filming going on around here.
It began several decades ago. Many beloved movies and shows have Charleston and its surrounding islands and beaches as prominent settings (more about those in a minute).
And the trend of filming here just seems to be picking up each year. Case in point…
Suncoast on the IOP
Keep an eye peeled, because a major motion picture is being filmed here right now. In fact, they were on the Isle of Palms just the other day, taking over some of the businesses at Front Beach along Ocean Boulevard. The scene involved a Super Bowl party, with the characters watching the game at a bar.
The movie is called “Suncoast.” Written and directed by Laura Chinn, it stars Woody Harrelson and Laura Linney.
Here’s how IMDB describes the drama: “Suncoast, inspired by Chinn’s life experience from the early 2000’s, follows a teenager living with her strong-willed mother, who must take her brother to live at a specialized facility.”
The rest of the cast includes a slate of young up-and-coming actors including Ella Anderson, Ariel Martin, Nico Parker, Amarr, Daniella Perkins, Drew Broderick, Andrew Dicostanzo and Dexter Tillis.
The movie is actually set in Florida, but the film’s production was drawn here due to the beautiful beaches and small town charm. One of the movie’s producers, Francesca Silvestri, had this to say: “We’ve been here since August and we’re in love with Charleston and the wonderful people that live in this wonderful city. We’re actually cheating it for Florida.”
They’ve been filming all around here, including in Mount Pleasant, James Island and Moncks Corner.
Your chance to be in a movie!
Work on this production will continue into the month of November. So there’s still time for you to get in on it, and possibly step onto the silver screen.
They’ve been casting for extras (and even some featured roles that are Director Picture Picks). They also need cars that were built prior to the year 2005, which is when the film is set. Pay rates vary whether your car is parked or actually driven in the scene.
Here’s a link to Kimmie Stewart Casting’s page with all the details on how to apply, which you can do via email.
Other Productions Filming Here
The Righteous Gemstones - HBO’s hit crime show launched in 2019 and follows the ups and downs of a megachurch patriarch and his complicated family. Starring John Goodman, Adam DeVine and Edi Patterson, and helmed by Danny McBride - who lives on nearby Sullivan’s Island - the third season is currently in production. Filming locations have included the Citadel Mall, The Gaillard Center, North Charleston Coliseum, Atlantic Aviation (a private jet port near Charleston International), Sticky Fingers in Mount Pleasant, and the Shem Creek Boardwalk.
Outer Banks - Like Suncoast, here’s another production that films the Lowcountry as a stand-in for another coastal region. Produced by Netflix, Outer Banks became a huge pandemic hit and the #1 streaming show. Currently filming its third season as well. See if you can spot popular locations like Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, Breach Inlet, IOP, Sullivan’s Island, and the gorgeous downtown venue Lowndes Grove, which was used as “Tanneyhill Estate” in the show.
Southern Charm – Bravo’s reality show has been filming the adventures of certain young (and not so young) bon vivants around town for eight (!) whole seasons now - enough to see countless hookups, breakups, and children born and raised. T-Rav and Cameran may not be on it anymore, but Shep still is, along with Kathryn, Craig, Whitney and the gang. Shep and Olivia both live here on the Isle of Palms. Craig lives in nearby Snee Farms, and you can visit his pillow store “Sewing Down South” on Upper King Street.
Southern Hospitality – Bravo’s brand new Southern Charm spin-off featuring Leva Bonaparte and her many restaurants, namely Republic Garden & Lounge on Upper King Street. It is set to debut on Monday, November 28th on Bravo.
Past productions that filmed in Charleston…
Here are just some of the many, in chronological order:
North and South (1985) - Big budget TV miniseries that featured Boone Hall Plantation and the Calhoun Mansion. Stars included starring Elizabeth Taylor, Patrick Swayze, Kirstie Alley, Johnny Cash and Hal Holbrook.
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) with Bruce Willis.
Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995) with Jim Carrey.
The Patriot (2000) - Powerful movie about the roots of the Revolutionary War, starring Mel Gibson and the late Heath Ledger. Locations included homes on Meeting and Tradd Streets, South Carolina Society Hall, Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston, Middleton Place and Cypress Gardens.
Cold Mountain (2003) with Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger.
The Notebook (2004) - The ultimate date movie/chick flick based on Nicholas Sparks’ beloved book, starring Rachel McAdams as Allie and Ryan Gosling as Noah. Filming locations include Boone Hall Plantation, American Theater on King Street, College of Charleston, High Cotton on East Bay, the Old Village of Mount Pleasant and Cypress Gardens.
Dear John (2010) – Another Nicholas Sparks’ book brought to life by Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, with scenes on the beach at the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s, Folly and Edisto.
Army Wives (2007-2013) - The popular Lifetime series filmed all over Charleston and especially at the old Naval Base.
Halloween (the 2018 version) starring Jamie Lee Curtis. Locations include Old Windermere in West Ashley, Military Magnet High School and Mount Pleasant’s Burton’s Grill.
So come check out in person, what all the filming’s about.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger