Every time a new trailer is released for a show filmed in Wilmington, it serves as another reminder that this coastal city has earned its place in film and television history.
ABC recently gave viewers a first look at its upcoming series RJ Decker, and while the show stars familiar faces and is generating early buzz, what really stands out is where it was made. The pilot was filmed in Wilmington and nearby Carolina Beach, and production is continuing throughout the area — adding yet another title to the long list of projects that have called the Port City home.
Wilmington didn’t become known as “Hollywood East” by accident. For decades, filmmakers have been drawn here for its unique ability to transform into almost any setting. Historic downtown streets, quiet neighborhoods, coastal highways, and beaches all sit within minutes of each other. That flexibility, combined with experienced local crews and established studio facilities, makes Wilmington a natural fit for television production.
Projects like RJ Decker benefit from that legacy. The show’s first season has already received significant support through North Carolina’s film grant program, a reflection of both the state’s commitment to the industry and Wilmington’s continued role as a production hub. Ongoing filming permits in the area show that this isn’t a one-off visit — it’s an active, growing production.
What makes Wilmington special, though, isn’t just the scenery or the incentives. It’s the fact that the film industry is woven into daily life here. Residents are used to seeing production trucks downtown, crews working along the beach, or familiar streets appearing on screen months later. That creative energy brings jobs, supports local businesses, and adds to the city’s cultural identity.
For people considering a move to the Cape Fear region, this matters. A thriving film industry signals a dynamic local economy, national visibility, and a community that values creativity and storytelling. Wilmington continues to attract new productions not because of nostalgia, but because it still delivers exactly what filmmakers need.
And with every new trailer release, Wilmington’s title as Hollywood East feels less like a nickname — and more like a fact.