**Top 5 Cities to Film in West Virginia**
West Virginia is a state filled with natural beauty, historical charm, and unique settings that make it a fantastic location for film production. From stunning mountains to peaceful rivers, the landscapes in this state provide filmmakers with plenty of variety. In addition to its beautiful nature, West Virginia has charming cities that are welcoming to filmmakers. These cities offer a blend of historical architecture, small-town atmosphere, and modern convenience. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of West Virginia. In this article, we will take a look at the top five cities to film in West Virginia.
1. **Charleston**
Charleston is the capital and largest city in West Virginia. It is a great city for filming because it has a mix of urban and rural settings. In Charleston, filmmakers can find everything from modern downtown buildings to historical sites and scenic parks.
One of the most famous landmarks in Charleston is the State Capitol, with its grand design and stunning dome. This building is often featured in films for scenes that need a grand or official setting. Additionally, the city’s historical districts, such as the East End, offer filmmakers beautiful old houses and tree-lined streets.
Kanawha State Forest, located just outside the city, provides a peaceful and natural backdrop for outdoor scenes. The forest has scenic hiking trails, streams, and plenty of greenery. This makes it perfect for films that need a natural or wilderness setting.
Charleston also has a supportive local government that is used to working with filmmakers. The process for getting filming permits is straightforward, and there are plenty of local resources to help with production needs.
2. **Huntington**
Huntington is the second-largest city in West Virginia and is known for its historical charm. The city sits along the Ohio River, giving filmmakers access to beautiful waterfront views. Huntington’s downtown area has a blend of historical architecture and modern buildings, providing a variety of settings for different types of films.
Marshall University, located in Huntington, is often used in films that need a college campus setting. The university’s classic buildings and well-maintained grounds make it an ideal location for scenes set in schools or universities. The movie *We Are Marshall*, a film about the university’s football team, was filmed in Huntington, bringing attention to the city’s filming potential.
Ritter Park, one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, is another popular filming location. With its wide open spaces, walking paths, and gardens, the park is perfect for outdoor scenes. Whether you’re shooting a romantic film or a family-friendly production, Huntington offers a variety of great locations.
3. **Wheeling**
Wheeling is a small city with a rich history and plenty of character. Located along the Ohio River, this city has preserved much of its historical architecture, giving filmmakers a great selection of old buildings and charming streets. The city’s history as a transportation hub in the 19th century is still visible in its grand buildings, which make perfect settings for period films.
One of the most famous landmarks in Wheeling is the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. Built in 1849, this bridge is one of the oldest in the United States and offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River. The bridge, along with the riverfront, has been used in films that need picturesque views or historical settings.
Wheeling is also home to the Capitol Theatre, one of the largest and oldest theaters in the state. This historic building has been used for film premieres and live performances, but it is also a great location for filming scenes set in grand theaters or old performance halls.
Oglebay Park, a large park with rolling hills, gardens, and a lake, is another popular location in Wheeling. The park’s peaceful beauty makes it perfect for outdoor scenes, especially those that need a serene or natural setting.
4. **Morgantown**
Morgantown is home to West Virginia University, making it a lively city with a youthful vibe. Filmmakers who are looking for a college town setting will find Morgantown to be a great choice. The university’s campus is filled with beautiful buildings and open spaces that work well for scenes set in schools or academic settings.
Beyond the campus, Morgantown has a charming downtown area with a mix of historical buildings and modern shops. The local culture is vibrant, and the city’s festivals and events can provide filmmakers with plenty of inspiration.
Morgantown is also surrounded by natural beauty. Cooper’s Rock State Forest is located just outside the city and offers stunning views of the Cheat River Canyon. The forest’s rocky cliffs, dense woods, and scenic overlooks make it a great location for films that require dramatic or adventurous outdoor scenes.
Because of its large student population and arts scene, Morgantown is a welcoming city for filmmakers. The community is used to hosting events and productions, making it easy to find local support and resources for filming.
5. **Parkersburg**
Parkersburg is a city with a rich history and scenic surroundings, making it a perfect filming location. Located at the junction of the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers, Parkersburg has a charming downtown area filled with old buildings, giving it a classic small-town feel. This city is a great option for films that need a quiet, picturesque setting.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is one of the most popular filming locations in Parkersburg. The island, located in the Ohio River, is home to the Blennerhassett Mansion, a beautiful 19th-century estate that has been restored to its former glory. The island’s peaceful setting and historical significance make it a great location for period pieces or films set in the past.
In addition to its historical sites, Parkersburg has several parks and nature trails that offer filmmakers a variety of outdoor settings. Fort Boreman Park, with its scenic views of the Ohio River, and the North Bend Rail Trail, a long trail that passes through tunnels and forests, provide stunning backdrops for outdoor scenes.
Parkersburg’s small size and welcoming community make it easy to work with local officials to secure permits and set up film shoots. The city is proud of its history and is always happy to help filmmakers capture its beauty on film.
West Virginia offers filmmakers a wide range of locations, from historical cities to stunning natural landscapes. Whether you need a bustling capital city, a charming small town, or peaceful outdoor scenery, West Virginia has the perfect backdrop for your film. Charleston’s mix of urban and natural settings, Huntington’s historical charm, Wheeling’s rich history, Morgantown’s vibrant college town atmosphere, and Parkersburg’s picturesque beauty make these five cities the top places to film in the state. With friendly communities and supportive local governments, filmmakers will find West Virginia to be a welcoming and rewarding place to bring their stories to life.
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