| By KC Ifeanyi
Alabama has played host to an odd assortment of guests. Aliens, giant aquatic creatures and conniving tobacco CEOs have all passed through the state, not for a vacation but for cinematic intentions. Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Big Fish and The Insider, respectively, are just a few of the films that have helped to establish the state's position as a filming location. The Country to Film In
Since it's considered one of the most biologically diverse states, it's no wonder Alabama has the uncanny ability to mimic just about any location in the United States. This feat, according to Tommy Fell, location coordinator for the Alabama Film Commission, is one of the commission's biggest selling points with potential clients. "We have locations that can really match just about anywhere around the country. Geographically, we're the only state that touches the Gulf of Mexico and the Appalachian Mountains, so we have some really great, white beaches on the gulf and mountain ranges in the northeast that can rival anywhere in the eastern part of the United States," Fell says. Fell notes that Alabama is not only diverse geographically but in locations as well. Sites range from courthouse squares to authentic battleships to downtown metropolises, drawing documentaries, music videos, industrials, television series and sporting events. "One thing we're trying to focus on right now with our office is to show what a variety of productions comes to Alabama. It's not just the features; there's so much more that happens here." Fell says filmmakers often choose Alabama for the sake of authenticity, wanting to capture the stories that originated in the state. High-profile names with roots in Alabama include Martin Luther King Jr., Hank Williams, Rosa Parks (The Rosa Parks Story) and Hank Aaron (Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream). "We probably receive more calls from people wanting to do stories set in Alabama because of our history and our location. Sometimes filmmakers come to us wanting to do the great stories about Alabamians."
Lack of Incentives Still Produces Honey Perhaps the one major factor holding Alabama back from being a prime filming location is its lack of incentives. Earlier this year, Alabama Sen. Tom Butler introduced two bills in the state house in hopes of renewing the sales, use and lodging exemptions that expired in September 2006. Although the incentives bills did not pass, Fell says the film commission's efforts in pulling in filmmakers has not been deterred. "Just because we don't have the incentives, it doesn't mean we're not working hard," he says, and credits the film commission's work ethic for bringing the film Honeydripper to Alabama. Honeydripper, which recently wrapped production, is a musical drama set in 1950s rural Alabama. Danny Glover stars as Tyrone Purvis, owner of the local juke joint Honeydripper Lounge that's steadily losing business. Against his better judgment, he hires a young electric guitarist to boost profits. "I know [director] John Sayles brought Honeydripper to Alabama just because we got out and worked a little harder on that film," Fell says. Not that they're letting up on efforts to get the lawmakers on board. "We've just got to do a little more to educate the state government on the positive benefits that incentives would bring to filmmaking in Alabama," says Fell, noting, "We're aware of what the other states around us are doing." Festival Spotlights Locals This September marks the ninth annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, set in downtown Birmingham. Although it also attracts tourists and film lovers, Fell says the festival is really for local aspiring directors that range from high school students to seasoned professionals. "[The festival] has helped to nurture our in-state filmmakers and has really elevated a lot of those guys that may not have had a chance to have their films viewed anywhere else." Fell also notes that, even though Alabama has had its share of big-name movies pass through - Big Fish, Failure to Launch, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby - the film commission's number one priority is their denizen directors. "What's most important to us in this office is our in-state filmmakers and supporting them, be it the independent films, the production companies or just the crew people." Alabama Exports: Mary Badham (Birmingham) - Mary made her acting debut in 1962 with her Oscar-nominated performance of Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. She came out of a 39-year acting hiatus to play Mrs. Nutbush in Cameron Watson's Our Very Own (2005). Amber Benson (Birmingham) - Even though Amber will star in several upcoming movies - including Kiss the Bride, Strictly Sexual and One-Eyed Monster - her most popular performance remains as Tara Maclay, a lesbian witch on the hit TV show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Lucas Black (Speake) - This young actor has several high-profile films under his belt already with roles in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Jarhead, Friday Night Lights, Cold Mountain, All the Pretty Horses and Sling Blade. Nell Carter (Birmingham) - Nell has had a colorful career in both music and acting, with her most notable performance as Nellie Ruth Harper, the sassy housekeeper in the '80s sitcom "Gimme a Break!" Courteney Cox-Arquette (Birmingham) - Courtney's career is marked with several milestones, including roles in "Family Ties," Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Scream and even a cameo in the Bruce Springstein's music video "Dancing in the Dark." However, her most recognizable role to date is Monica Gellar on the long-running TV show "Friends." She's also maintained her fame post "Friends" with the FX series "Dirt." Louise Fletcher (Birmingham) - Louise is probably best known for her Oscar-winning performance as Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, but has also had recent success with films such as The Last Sin Eater.
Orlando Jones (Mobile) - Orlando's career was jumpstarted when he landed a spot in the original cast of the sketch comedy TV show "Mad TV." Since then, he has had roles in films that include Office Space, The Replacements, Bedazzled, The Time Machine, Drumline and I Think I Love My Wife. Jim Nabors (Sylacauga) - Jim's best-known role is undoubtedly the goofy and lovable Gomer Pyle in the '60s sitcom "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." He's also starred in musical-turned-movie The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas as Deputy Fred. Wayne Rogers (Birmingham) - Wayne had small roles in films such as Cool Hand Luke and The Glory Guys before landing a spot in the popular TV show "M*A*S*H" as Army Capt. "Trapper John" McIntyre. Channing Tatum (Cullman) - This model-turned-actor has had success with films that include Coach Carter, Havoc, She's the Man and Step Up. Films shot entirely, or in part, in Alabama:
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Failure to Launch (2006)
When I Find the Ocean (2006)
Murderball (2005)
Big Fish (2003)
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
The Insider (1999)
Mississippi Burning (1988)
The River (1984)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) | 
