Movie Making

Southport and its surrounding area has a long history in the film business. Film makers have considered Orton Plantation a perfect set for movies such as The Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, the Notebook and other novel adaptations. Since the 1990s, the area has seen the bustle of set creation, film crews and location scouts searching the town for the perfect scene shot. The cemetery starred in one film, creating the eery mood for a suspenseful scene.

Currently there is set construction at the marina, a small cottage frame on the waterfront. Southport on stage once again. Using locations near Wilmington where Screen Gems and other film studios are busy makes sense and gives the area economy a boost. Tourists and residents alike have enjoyed watching the construction, visiting local restaurants and shops for meals and snacks while they spend a few hours near the docks.

Fishing, specifically shrimping, used to be the mainstay of the local economy. There were several active processing plants stretched along Southport's waterfront. The shrimping fleet was eradicated in the 1954 hurricane, Hazel that roared through the North Carolina coast and demolished the docks, boats and processing plants along with most of Oak Island structures. Now Southport caters to tourism and film makers and receives the benefits within town and the barrier islands.

Bald Head Island and several local residential communities have been featured in Coastal Magazine, on HGTV's Dream Home program and the area is often a background in clothing catalogs featuring beachwear. Whether in print or on film, Southport makes a beautiful backdrop for visitors. Visit Southport, down near the marina and see the newest creation of the film industry. Check back in a few months for updates on production, perhaps you'll recognize the view.