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The Most Profitable Filming Locations in 2024

Ever wondered which cities gave filmmakers the biggest financial edge last year? The right filming location can make or break a movie’s success, and in 2024, some cities proved to be goldmines—while others fell flat. 

Topping the list was London, where The Beekeeper raked in a jaw-dropping $153M in profit. Internationally, Toronto remained a powerhouse destination, attracting big-budget productions and delivering strong returns. But not every city had a winning year—Jerusalem, for example, took a hit when The Book of Clarence struggled at the box office.

So, which cities were the smartest bets for filmmakers in 2024? Here’s a data-driven breakdown from Giggster, revealing the most profitable filming locations, the biggest box office hits, and why these cities stood out.

Methodology

Our analysis looked at key financial factors to determine the most profitable filming locations of the year, including:

  • Budget – The total cost of making the film, from pre-production to post-production.
  • Marketing Expenses – The money spent on advertising, promotions, and distribution.
  • Box Office Revenue – How much the movie earned in both domestic and international markets.
  • Total Profit – The final earnings after subtracting all expenses.
  • Primary Filming Locations – The cities where most of the production took place. 

How We Did It

To rank each city, we totaled the profits of all films primarily shot in that location. This way, a single blockbuster wouldn’t unfairly skew the results—consistency across multiple films mattered!

We tallied the total earnings of all movies predominantly filmed in each city to rank them. This way, a single blockbuster wouldn’t unfairly skew the results—consistency across multiple films mattered!

Things to Keep in Mind

No analysis is without its gaps. Things like tax breaks, currency fluctuations, and behind-the-scenes costs can all affect a film’s bottom line in ways that aren’t immediately visible. Plus, making money isn’t the only reason filmmakers choose a location—infrastructure, talent availability, and government support also play a huge role.

Still, by focusing on the numbers, we’ve pinpointed the top filming hotspots of 2024—places where movies didn’t just look great but made serious money.

Most Profitable Filmmaking Cities in 2024

London, England, UK

Top Film: The Beekeeper (2024)
Total Profit: $153M

London’s place at the top of the film industry isn’t by chance—it’s built on a mix of top-tier studios, iconic locations, and a production system that runs like clockwork. Big-name franchises like Harry Potter and James Bond have made the most of what the city offers for years. In 2024, that momentum continued with productions like Next Life, The Running Man, and season two of Hijack, all filming in or around London. The standout success of The Beekeeper only adds to the city’s reputation as one of the most influential and reliable hubs for global filmmaking.

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Top Film: Civil War (2024) 
Total Profit: $92M

Atlanta is still a top choice for major productions thanks to its mix of affordability, authentic American backdrops, and a well-established film industry. In 2024, the movie Civil War took full advantage of the city’s diverse locations, further cementing Atlanta’s reputation as a go-to spot for filmmakers looking to shoot big on a smart budget.

Middletown, New Jersey, USA

Top Film: Mean Girls (2024)
Total Profit: $81M

New Jersey may not be as well-known as Hollywood, but its suburban charm and tax incentives make it an appealing choice for filmmakers. Being in close proximity to New York City allows productions to tap into major metropolitan resources without the high costs. ​In the past few years, Atlantic Highlands and Middletown, New Jersey, served as filming locations for at least two notable productions: What Lives Here and Mean Girls. The latter one became a hit and demonstrated the financial potential of filming in Middletown.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Top Film: Trap (2024)
Total Profit: $66M

Nicknamed “Hollywood North,” Toronto has built a strong reputation for hosting major studio film productions. In 2024, it was named the “Best Place to Live and Work as a Movie Maker” and celebrated for its professional crews, stunning locations, and extensive studio facilities. The city's versatile urban landscape allows it to stand in for various global locations, making it a filmmaker’s dream.

Least Profitable Filming Locations

Cartersville, Georgia, USA

Top Film: Miller’s Girl (2024)
Total Profit: -$4.5M 

Georgia has gained a reputation for being a film-friendly state thanks to competitive tax incentives, but not every film succeeds. Miller’s Girl struggled commercially, highlighting the risks associated with certain locations.

Jerusalem, Israel

Top Film: The Book of Clarence (2024)
Total Profit: -$60.2M

While much of The Book of Clarence was also shot in Matera, Italy, a city with a landscape very similar to Jerusalem, significant scenes were filmed with authenticity in Jerusalem, the principal setting of the movie. Despite its historical significance, Jerusalem poses unique challenges for filmmakers. Political tensions, high production costs, and logistical hurdles can make it a risky choice for big-budget productions. The substantial loss from The Book of Clarence underscores these difficulties, making it one of the least profitable filming locations in 2024. 

Fastest-Growing Filming Locations 

Attractive Tax Incentives

Numerous regions provide significant tax incentives to attract film productions. For example, the state of Georgia offers a base 20% tax credit, with an additional 10% available for productions that feature the state’s logo, making it a prime destination for filmmakers. Similarly, the province of British Columbia offers production services tax credits of up to 28%, available to both domestic and international producers.

Diverse and Scenic Locations

Natural landscapes and versatile settings play a crucial role in location selection. New Zealand, with its dramatic landscapes, continues to attract large-scale productions, especially in the fantasy and adventure genres. Similarly, Vancouver, Canada's diverse urban and natural backdrops make it a favored stand-in for various U.S. cities in film and television productions.​

Skilled Local Workforce

A well-trained local crew base reduces production costs and increases efficiency. Georgia's investment in training programs, such as the Georgia Film Academy, ensures a steady supply of skilled professionals, supporting the industry's growth.

Government Support and Stability

Stable and well-supported government policies foster a reliable environment for long-term investment in the film industry. The UK, for instance, has enhanced its tax credit system to attract more productions, resulting in a significant rise in film and television projects. Productions with budgets of up to £15M can now claim a 53% relief on qualifying expenses, while those with budgets up to £23.5M are also eligible for the Independent Film Tax Credit (IFTC), with a tapered relief structure in place.

Predictions for 2025: Where Will Filmmakers Shoot This Year? 

The 2025 TV & Film Outlook Report states that the United States led the world in 2024 with a staggering $14.5 billion in production spending, demonstrating the continued growth of the worldwide film industry. Right behind are the UK ($5.91B) and Canada ($5.4B), followed by Australia and New Zealand ($2.04B), and Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic ($1B) combined.

However, other nations are taking significant steps to draw in filmmakers with tax benefits, first-rate infrastructure, and distinctive filming landscapes, even though these places are already well-known industrial titans.

Italy: Hollywood’s New European Hub

Italy is rolling out the red carpet for international productions with a generous 40% tax credit for projects that hire local talent (30% for productions using foreign crews). The country has also set an €18M ($19.7M) cap for international co-productions, requiring at least 30% of filming to take place in Italy. With projected revenue growth of 4.17%, Italy’s film industry is on the rise.

Czech Republic: A Rising Star in Film Incentives

Prague is quickly becoming a top choice for filmmakers thanks to increased incentives—now up to 25% for live-action projects and a 35% credit for digital production and animation. To sweeten the deal, the maximum incentive has tripled to $19M per project, making it one of the most filmmaker-friendly destinations. And with a new financing model launching by 2026, the Czech Republic is only going to get more popular.

Hungary: The Second-Largest Film Hub in Europe

Hungary has locked in its 30% tax incentive for another six years, ensuring that productions keep pouring in. With $910M in annual production spending—a fourfold increase in just five years—Hungary is now Europe’s second-largest film hub after London. Over 100 international productions are shot here every year, taking advantage of Budapest’s stunning architecture and cost-effective production environment.


Cost-Efficient Filming Locations

Filmmaking is an expensive endeavor, but choosing the right location can make a significant difference in the budget. Some cities and countries offer a perfect mix of affordability, tax incentives, and infrastructure, helping filmmakers maximize their resources.

The cost of making a film varies depending on location, scale, and production value. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Hollywood Blockbusters: $100M–$200M+
  • Mid-Budget Films: $20M–$50M
  • Independent Films: $1M–$10M
  • Low-Budget Productions: Under $1M

Costs can be reduced by 20–50% when filming in economical locales, particularly for independent and mid-budget movies.

Cost-Benefit Comparison

Filming in Los Angeles, New York, or London doesn’t come cheap—costs in those cities can be double what you'd spend elsewhere. It can cost twice as much to film in Los Angeles, New York, or London as it does to shoot in more affordable places. Think about these analogies:

  • Atlanta vs. Los Angeles: Because Georgia offers large incentives and lower labor expenses than LA, filming there can save up to 40%.
  • Budapest vs. London: Because Hungary offers a tax refund of up to 30% on production costs, making a movie there is roughly 25% less expensive than in the UK and 35% less expensive than in the US.
  • Compared to New York, Toronto offers comparable cityscapes at a significantly lower cost, along with extra tax breaks.

Local Impact: How Film Productions Boost Labor, Vendors, and Businesses

From on-camera talent to backstage technicians, the film and television industries sustain millions of employment and produce a significant amount of worldwide export revenue. It employs 2.32 million people countrywide in the USA, paying them about $229 billion a year. For instance, Black Panther in Georgia employed over 3,100 locals, earning $26.5M, while the television series This Is Us brought $61.5M to California. In New York, The Post and The Greatest Showman contributed over $108M to the local economy.

In 2024, several cities experienced significant economic benefits from film and television production:​

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Greater Phoenix's film industry generated $29.1 million for the local economy in 2024. More than 3,000 local crew members, 1,800 performers, and more than 1,100 shoot days were involved in these projects. They also resulted in the booking of almost 4,700 hotel nights.

Hartford, Connecticut, USA

Thanks to big-budget TV and movie productions, Connecticut's entertainment sector expanded dramatically. Production firms were drawn to the state by the film tax credit, which supported an additional 45,000 workers in industries including accountancy, healthcare, and hospitality, in addition to directly producing over 14,000 employment opportunities.

Texas, USA

Texas put forth a $498 million incentive package in 2024 to encourage domestic TV and film production. With this huge investment, the state hopes to draw in more projects that will support local companies and generate employment. Texas is positioned as a competitive center for the industry thanks to the incentive, which includes up to $450M in tax credits and $48M for TV advertisements and mini films.

Most Versatile Filming Locations

Cities often shine as versatile stars on screen, effortlessly transforming to match various genres and eras. Their flexibility doesn't just fuel creativity—it also helps filmmakers save money and boost profits.

Toronto: The Ultimate City Chameleon

Toronto's vibrant architecture and busy streets allow it to easily transition into famous American cities like New York and Chicago. These cities were convincingly portrayed in a number of well-known movies, including American Psycho (2000), The Incredible Hulk (2008), and Red (2010). Its futuristic skyline also makes it a favorite for sci-fi productions, perfectly capturing imaginative cityscapes without limits in science fiction like Pixels (2015).

Atlanta: A Hub for Every Genre

With its ability to effortlessly transition from thrilling action blockbusters to compelling historical dramas, Atlanta has emerged as a filmmaker's paradise. Its mix of contemporary, sleek structures, green areas, and varied neighborhoods makes it a great location for historical dramas, sci-fi, and even contemporary action movies. Among the best productions that were set in Atlanta were Captain America: Civil War (2016), The Tomorrow War (2021), and The 5th Wave (2016).

Cape Town: Bridging Continents Seamlessly

Cape Town is uniquely versatile, convincingly portraying both European elegance and rich African landscapes. Notable examples include London Calling (2024), Blood Diamond (2006), and In My Country (2004).  From quaint European streets and historic architecture reminiscent of London or Paris to vibrant local markets and vast savannahs representing diverse African settings, filmmakers appreciate the city's adaptability and authenticity.

The rise of virtual production, which allows for cost savings, creative flexibility, and efficient workflows; a growing preference for hybrid filming models that combine studio-based, on-location, and virtual techniques; and an emphasis on sustainability and diversity initiatives are some of the major industry trends influencing film and television productions in 2025.

Virtual Production

  • Pros: Authentic realism, visual variety, actor immersion, minimal set-building, natural scenery.
  • Cons: Weather uncertainty, logistical complexity, costly permits, limited control, scheduling challenges.
  • Insight: Rapid adoption, ideal for CGI-heavy films, often combined with studio filming.

On-location Filming

  • Pros: Showcases unique environments, can provide a boost to local economies, delivers authentic visuals.
  • Cons: Vulnerable to weather issues, expensive to coordinate, offers less control over the environment.
  • Insight: Despite the challenges, it remains a favorite—audiences still respond strongly to real-world settings.

Studio-based Filming

  • Pros: Controlled environment, predictable schedules, convenient logistics.
  • Cons: High fixed costs, creative limits, and an artificial feel.
  • Insight: well-suited for large-scale productions, growing investments in modern studios.

Conclusion

Film production is a highly demanding endeavor, requiring meticulous planning, substantial resources, and responsible management. The success—or failure—of films like The Beekeeper in London or the underperformance of The Book of Clarence in Jerusalem illustrates how critical strategic decisions are in choosing locations, managing budgets, and navigating logistical complexities. 

Choosing the perfect filming location isn't just about scenery—it involves weighing factors like infrastructure, tax incentives, talented local crews, and audience preferences. Cities with robust film-friendly policies and enticing financial benefits often give filmmakers the winning edge. Ultimately, the magic happens when filmmakers cleverly balance creative dreams with practical realities, highlighting just how much passion, responsibility, and careful planning go into bringing memorable movies to life.

Eager to get started on your own film? Сheck out what Giggster has to offer from a huge database of filming locations that not only look great on screen but also offer financial and logistical advantages!