If you’ve driven down 23rd Street lately or tried to grab a coffee at Bespoke on a Tuesday morning, you’ve likely felt the shift. The trucks are back.

With recent major incentives boosting North Carolina's film budget and studios like Cinespace (formerly EUE/Screen Gems) and Dark Horse Studios ramping up capacity, "Wilmywood" is officially back in action. For property owners and investors in New Hanover and Pender counties, this signals a specific, lucrative rental market: the film industry workforce.

But film professionals—from A-list talent to lighting grips—don't just live "anywhere." They cluster in specific pockets of our region based on their budget, their hours, and their lifestyle.

1. Historic Downtown: The "Above-the-Line" Favorite

Directors, actors, and producers (often called "above-the-line" talent) frequently seek out the historic district of Wilmington.

The Draw: Walkability to high-end dining (like Manna or PinPoint), privacy in walled gardens, and the aesthetic charm that rivals Charleston or Savannah.

The Real Estate Play: Luxury condos with river views or renovated historic bungalows are premium targets here. These renters often need furnished, high-end short-term leases (3–6 months) and are willing to pay a premium for style and security.

2. Wrightsville Beach: The A-List Retreat

When big-budget productions come to town (think The Summer I Turned Pretty or Outer Banks style shoots), the lead talent often heads to Wrightsville Beach.

The Draw: Privacy and the ocean. After a 14-hour day on set, many stars want to decompress by the water.

The Insider Tip: The "off-season" (October–March) aligns perfectly with many production schedules. This creates a massive opportunity for owners of vacation rentals who usually see revenue dip in the winter. Film leases can fill that gap with reliable, high-budget tenants.

3. Mid-Town & The "Studio Zone" (23rd St. Corridor)

For the hundreds of crew members—camera operators, set designers, hair and makeup artists—commute time is money.

The Location: Neighborhoods surrounding the Cinespace lot (near the airport and 23rd St).

The Draw: Working on a set means 5:00 AM call times. Crew members often look for practical, low-maintenance housing in areas like Forest Hills or newer apartment communities in Murrayville. They prioritize quiet neighborhoods (for daytime sleeping) and quick access to the MLK Parkway.

4. The "Dark Horse" Effect: Ogden & Hampstead

With the rapid expansion of Dark Horse Studios on the northern end of Market Street, the rental geography is shifting north.

The Trend: We are seeing more production crew looking at Ogden, Porters Neck, and even Hampstead.

The Strategy: Investors should look at townhomes and single-family rentals in these areas. The commute to the Dark Horse stages is less than 10 minutes, avoiding the heavier traffic of college road.

Your Next Step

Renting to the film industry requires a specific approach—flexible lease terms, furnished options, and knowing how to market to production coordinators rather than just "Zillow surfers."

At Aspyre Realty Group, we understand the unique rhythm of Wilmington’s production schedules. We are experts in listening to the needs of investors and communicating those assets to the specific tenants who need them—whether that’s a star needing a gated retreat or a crew member needing a quiet condo near the studio. If you have a property you think is ready for its close-up, let’s review your rental strategy today.