After the conclusion of industry-wide strikes, the Netflix series ‘Outer Banks‘ is set to resume filming its fourth season in the Wilmington area. This development comes as a significant boost to the local film industry, with filming activities scheduled from late November until early December. The show, which has its home base in Charleston, South Carolina, had initially planned to shoot in Wilmington in July, targeting locations like Fort Fisher on Pleasure Island and Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach. However, these plans were put on hold due to the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA actors’ strikes.
Now, with the strikes resolved, the production is back on track. Kimmie Stewart Casting, responsible for the series’ extra talent, has issued a casting call for various roles including beachgoers, bartenders, and school kids. Notably, Wilmington holds a special significance for the show’s creators, Jonas Pate and Joshua Pate, who grew up in the region, and Shannon Burke. The Town of Wrightsville Beach has confirmed filming at the Oceanic, with notable scenes involving stunt performers and emergency vehicles. Director Jonas Pate expressed his preference for Wilmington’s beaches over Charleston’s for filming, further highlighting the area’s importance to the series. ‘Outer Banks‘, a story of adventurous teenagers, has gained immense popularity on Netflix, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wilmington’s Film Industry Revival with ‘Outer Banks’
The filming of ‘Outer Banks‘ Season 4 marks a significant upturn for Wilmington’s film industry, which had experienced setbacks due to legislative changes and industry strikes. The decision to film in Wilmington, the hometown of series creator Jonas Pate, signals a return of major productions to the region. The series, which had to move its filming to South Carolina in previous seasons, is now utilizing North Carolina locales once again. The filming in Wilmington, scheduled to last for several weeks, includes major scenes at Fort Fisher and Crystal Pier, as well as a motocross race scene in Pender County. This shift back to North Carolina is attributed to the expiration of parts of HB2, a controversial bill that had previously deterred film productions from the state.
The return of ‘Outer Banks’ to Wilmington is seen as an economic boon, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and film industry. The town of Wrightsville Beach has expressed excitement about the series filming in the area, noting the economic and entertainment benefits it brings. This revival of film production in Wilmington, paired with the end of the writers and actors strike, is considered timely for the community’s economic growth. For those looking to be a part of the show, opportunities for extras are being actively posted by Kimmie Stewart Casting.
In summary, ‘Outer Banks‘ Season 4 filming in Wilmington is a significant event for the local film industry. It not only marks the return of major productions to the area but also contributes to the economic and cultural landscape. The involvement of local talent and the utilization of picturesque local sites add a unique charm to the series, making it a matter of pride and excitement for the Wilmington community.
