A Guide to Baltimore’s Film Scene
Baltimore has a long and storied history in the film industry, dating back to the early days of cinema. The city has been home to some famous filmmakers and actors, and it has served as the backdrop for countless films, from classic Hollywood blockbusters to independent indie films.
In recent years, Baltimore’s film scene has experienced a resurgence, with a growing number of productions filming in the city. This is partly due to the city’s diverse architecture and landscapes and its competitive film tax credit program.
Venues
Baltimore has various film venues, including theaters, screening rooms, and production studios. Some of the most popular venues include:
- The Charles Theatre: The Charles Theatre is a historic movie theater that shows a variety of films, including new releases, classic films, and independent films. The theater also hosts some film festivals and events throughout the year.
- The Maryland Film Institute: The Maryland Film Institute is a non-profit organization promoting film education and appreciation. The organization operates some screening rooms and production studios and hosts various film festivals and events throughout the year.
- The Baltimore Soundstage: The Baltimore Soundstage is a production studio that films movies, television shows, and commercials. The studio is in a former warehouse in the Fells Point neighborhood.
Festivals
Baltimore hosts several film festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include:
- Maryland Film Festival: The Maryland Film Festival is a week-long annual festival in May. The festival features a variety of films, including new releases, classic films, and independent films.
- Baltimore Jewish Film Festival: The Baltimore Jewish Film Festival is a week-long festival in November every year. The festival features a variety of films that explore Jewish culture and heritage.
- Baltimore Animation Film Festival: The Baltimore Animation Film Festival is a two-day festival in February every year. The festival features a variety of animated films, including shorts, features, and documentaries.
Other Resources
In addition to the venues and festivals listed above, some other resources are available to filmmakers in Baltimore. For example, the Baltimore Film Office provides various services to filmmakers, including location scouting, permitting, and tax credit assistance. There are also several film production companies and crews located in Baltimore.
Tips for Filmmakers in Baltimore
Here are a few tips for filmmakers in Baltimore:
- Network with other filmmakers: Some networking opportunities are available to filmmakers in Baltimore. For example, the Maryland Film Institute hosts events throughout the year, including mixers and workshops.
- Take advantage of the city’s film resources: The Baltimore Film Office and the Maryland Film Institute provide various services to filmmakers. Be sure to take advantage of these resources when planning your production.
- Submit your films to festivals: Baltimore hosts several film festivals yearly. Submitting your film to a festival is a great way to get your work seen by a wider audience.
Conclusion
Baltimore has a vibrant and growing film scene. With its diverse architecture and landscapes, competitive film tax credit program, and variety of film resources, Baltimore is a great place to make a movie.