Written by new-contact on Apr 11, 2012. Posted in On Location

North Carolina plans promotional strategy after Hunger Games location filming

Regional authorities in North Carolina are planning how to take advantage of the stunning global success of The Hunger Games, which filmed in the state. The film has made more than USD300 million in the US alone and Lions Gate is making feverish plans for the sequel.

Madison County, in the west of the state, was used for scenes set in untamed woodland where the film’s protagonist hunts wild game at the start of the film. Local outlet the Asheville Citizen-Times reports that plans include updating the location photo library around the town of Marshall and the city of Asheville, as well as identifying more clearly undeveloped land, historic buildings and other locations of note that might interest producers.

Doug MacKenzie worked on Hunger Games as Key Assistant Location Manager and told the outlet: “There are location fees, but there is also a lot of spill-over money. There is a trickle-down effect. The proximity to Asheville is a big bonus, but [production crews] will come because of the large tracts of undeveloped land.”

There are location fees, but there is also a lot of spill-over money. There is a trickle-down effect. The proximity to Asheville is a big bonus, but [production crews] will come because of the large tracts of undeveloped land.

Doug MacKenzie, Key Assistant Location Manager

Finalising the shoot locations near the town of Marshall was a four-month process and two weeks were spent building a 12-foot electric fence that’s an iconic image in the story.

Steve Garrison is County Manager in Madison and also spoke to the outlet: “What makes Madison County an ideal spot for filmmakers is the level of preservation of our historical towns, our beautiful and pristine geography, our cultural and farm heritage and the inviting nature of our citizens.”

North Carolina is rapidly placing itself as a major production hub, partly as a result of its 25% tax credit. Iron Man 3 is also scheduled for a local shoot this spring.

(Stills images copyright: Murray Close/Lions Gate Films Inc)