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West Virginia Film Office

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West Virginia Film Office
Agency overview
Formed1980
JurisdictionWest Virginia
Headquarters
Agency executive
  • Dave Lavender
Parent agency
West Virginia Department of Economic Development
Websitewestvirginia.gov/wvfilm/

The West Virginia Film Office is a state government agency tasked with recruiting and supporting motion picture, television, and digital media production within the state of West Virginia.[1] Operating as a division under the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, the office manages the state's film tax incentives, coordinates local crew and casting calls, and maintains a database of regional filming locations.

History

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The original West Virginia Film Office was founded in 1982, and operated until early 2018, when Governor Jim Justice signed legislation dismantling the agency and terminating the state's original $5 million film tax incentive program. The closure followed a state legislative audit which concluded that the tax credit yielded a low economic return on investment and failed to create a self-sustaining film ecosystem within the state. Following the dissolution, film marketing responsibilities were temporarily absorbed into the state's general tourism bureau.[2]

In 2022, the West Virginia Legislature passed the Film Industry Investment Act. The legislation formally reinstated the West Virginia Film Office under the Department of Economic Development and introduced a restructured, uncapped tax credit system requiring a minimum in-state spend of $50,000 for eligible productions.[3] Later that year Dave Lavender was selected to become the first manager for the office.[4][5]

Economic impact

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Following its reinstatement, the office reported a sharp increase in localized filming activity. Independent media sources documented that the agency assisted with more than 100 media productions during both the 2024 and 2025 calendar years.[6] In early 2026, outside production companies utilizing the state's tax incentive brought an aggregate spend of $37.3 million into the West Virginia economy between the 2022 relaunch and the first quarter of 2026.[7]

Infrastructure

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The West Virginia Film Office manages the state's digital Reelscout database, which catalogs more than 5,000 local filming locations and serves as a directory for over 1,700 in-state crew members and production assets.[7] The office also works alongside regional organizations to support the growth of Appalachian cinema, coordinating with 13 emerging independent film festivals across the state.[8]

Notable West Virginia films

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Due to West Virginia's plethora of unique and diverse filming locations and film-friendly environment, the state has drawn an assortment of renowned filmmakers. Notable films and television shows produced in West Virginia are listed below.

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ Jewell, Summer (June 29, 2026). "Four-year anniversary of the West Virginia Film Office". WSAZ. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  2. ↑ "West Virginia Legislature 2018 Audit Report" (PDF). West Virginia Legislature. 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Bill Would Revive West Virginia Film Tax Credits". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  4. ↑ Jewell, Summer (June 29, 2026). "Four-year anniversary of the West Virginia Film Office". WSAZ. Retrieved August 11, 2026.
  5. ↑ Bruce, Maxwell. "There And Back Again: How W.Va.'s Film Office Is Back With A Mission". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved August 11, 2026.
  6. ↑ Young, Maria. "High Profile W.Va. Movies Highlight Growing Film Industry". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved July 24, 2026.
  7. 1 2 Hinchman, Amanda (July 16, 2026). "The Future of Film is in West Virginia". Appalachian Voices. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  8. ↑ Sibray, David (June 16, 2026). "West Virginia film industry growing as 13 new film festivals emerge across state - West Virginia Explorer". Retrieved July 23, 2026.
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