Resources
Looking for film schools, casting calls, equipment rentals, or local production companies? This guide connects you with everything you need to make films in Western North Carolina.
Table of Contents
The Local Community
The Local Community
What film schools are in North Carolina?
University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking (Winston-Salem)
Ranked #10 by The Hollywood Reporter (2025) and consistently recognized among the nation's top film schools. Offers undergraduate concentrations in animation, cinematography, directing, editing & sound design, producing, production design, or screenwriting, plus MFA programs in Creative Producing and Screenwriting.
University of North Carolina Asheville: New Media - Video Art + Design
UNC Asheville's New Media department offers a Video Art + Design track covering preproduction (story and scripts), production (shooting, lighting, recording audio), and post-production (editing, sound effects, visual effects). Hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment including green screen, VR production studio, and professional cameras.
Western Carolina University Film and Television Production Program (Cullowhee)
BFA program with industry-experienced faculty teaching in state-of-the-art facilities. Hands-on, experiential learning from the first semester. Almost 90% of graduates are working in the field or attending top graduate film programs.
Blue Ridge Community College: Film and Video Production
Two year program with 16 classes in Film and Video Production, including Camera/Lighting, Editing, Sound, Screenwriting, Producing, and animation. Faculty include industry professionals, experimental animators, and local filmmakers.
What film festivals are around?
View Film FestivalsWhat independent movie theaters are in town?
Asheville Brewing Company
Shows movies with full bar and restaurant. Free kids movies Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 6pm.
Fine Arts Theatre
Easygoing cinema showing 1st-run, art & independent films in an art deco/modern setting.
Grail Moviehouse
Currently closed due to Hurricane Helene damage. The locally owned three-screen cinema is working to relocate and reopen as Grail 3.0. Sign up for their newsletter at their website for updates on reopening plans.
What production companies are in town?
View Production CompaniesWhat other resources are in town?
The Actor's Center of Asheville
Professional acting classes, audition coaching, and one-on-one training for film, television, commercials, and stage. Led by working actor Kevin Patrick Murphy.
Meisner acting technique
Meisner technique classes taught by Kelley Hinman in Asheville and Charlotte. For actors of all levels.
Refinery Creator Space
AKA The Refinery. A space for artists to work, collaborate, and grow their creative businesses.
Screen Artists Co-op
Collective of professional actors offering audition taping, headshots, and acting classes at all levels.
Screen Artists Talent
Boutique talent agency representing professional screen actors in Western North Carolina.
What resources are there online?
North Carolina Film Office — The official film office for the entire state, serving all regions including Western North Carolina.
Asheville Movies — Western North Carolina's source for film reviews, essays, and interviews with local and national film industry figures. Follow their Facebook page and Patreon.
Facebook groups
A place to post audition and performance reminders.
Group for Asheville artists, arts-world professionals, and enthusiasts to connect and share what's happening in the arts.
A central place for casting and audition notices in and around Western North Carolina.
The Asheville Female Filmmakers Group is open to women and gender minorities. We're here to empower and encourage! Monthly meetings for women and gender minorities only.
This group is for anyone interested in the production of movies and videos in the Asheville, NC area.
Community discussion group for West Asheville covering local topics and classified ads.
Mission is to show both the major/indie film industry that Western NC has talent in actors and production crew.
Getting Started
Where do I start?
Say you have an idea but you don't yet know people in the film community. Where does one begin? With a producer. Check out the Filmmaker Directory and reach out to anyone listed as a producer. That will help you get the ball rolling!
Where can I find cast and crew?
Browse Filmmaker DirectoryFinding Actors
Backstage - 50-mile radius of Asheville
Acting agencies in the area:
- Asheville: The Actor's Center of Asheville and Screen Artists Talent
- Charlotte: Bold Talent and Carolina Talent Agency
- Greenville SC: Millie Lewis
- Hickory: Brock Agency
- Raleigh: KU Talent and Devise Talent Agency
- Wilmington: Maultsby Talent Agency
- Charleston SC: Coastal Talent Agency
- Regional: Evolution Talent Agency and JTA Talent
Casting platforms:
Finding Crew
North Carolina Film Office: Crew Listing (WNC region)
Crew job platforms:
- ProductionHUB - Directory
- Staff Me Up - Jobs
- Stage 32 - Asheville, Charlotte
Who offers rentals in town?
For equipment: AVL Camera Grip & Lighting Rental, Ride High Productions, and Ball Photo.
Charlotte: Film Production Offices & Warehouses (offices, warehouses, and studios)