Lights, Camera, Rhode Island: A Guide to Movies Filmed in the Ocean State

Hello there, movie buffs! Today, we're going to take a whirlwind tour of the movies being filmed in Rhode Island. This charming little state, nestled in the northeast corner of the U.S., might be small, but it's packed a mighty punch in the film industry. So, grab your popcorn and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and movie being filmed in rhode island.

Why Rhode Island, You Ask?

Before we dive into the movies, let's talk about why Rhode Island has become a hotspot for filmmakers. With its diverse landscapes, historic architecture, and tax incentives, it's a dream come true for production teams.

- Diverse Scenery: From the bustling streets of Providence to the serene beaches of Newport, Rhode Island offers a smorgasbord of locations that can double for just about anywhere. - Historic Charm: With its colonial-era buildings and quaint New England villages, Rhode Island is a history buff's paradise. - Tax Incentives: The Rhode Island Film & Television Tax Credit offers a 25-30% refundable tax credit on qualified expenses, making it an attractive option for productions.

The Big Screen Takes on Rhode Island

Now that we've got the why out of the way, let's talk about the movies being filmed in Rhode Island. We've got a mix of blockbusters, indie flicks, and even a few TV shows. So, let's roll 'em!

Amistad (1997)

Our journey begins with this powerful historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie, which tells the true story of a 19th-century slave ship rebellion, was primarily filmed in Rhode Island. The crew transformed the former Naval War College in Newport into a slave ship, while the state's historic buildings and landscapes stood in for various African and American locations.

There's Something About Mary (1998)

This hilarious Farrelly brothers comedy put Rhode Island on the map for many moviegoers. The film follows Ted, a high school nerd who hires a private investigator to find his prom date, Mary, 13 years after they parted ways. The movie was largely filmed in the Ocean State, with many scenes shot in and around Providence, including the iconic "zipper" scene on the Pell Bridge.

The Departed (2006)

Martin Scorsese's crime thriller, based on the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, was largely shot in and around Boston. But fear not, Rhode Island fans! The film features several scenes shot in the Ocean State, including a memorable chase scene through the streets of Providence.

Moonstruck (1987)

This enchanting romantic comedy, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage, was mostly filmed in New York City. However, Rhode Island got its moment in the sun with a few key scenes shot in Newport, including the iconic "I'm his wife!" scene at the Cliff Walk.

Dollhouse (2009-2010)

This sci-fi series, created by Joss Whedon, was primarily filmed in California. But Rhode Island fans will recognize several locations from the show, including the now-defunct Dorrance Street Theatre in Providence, which doubled as a nightclub in the series.

Rhode Island's Small Screen Moments

We can't talk about movies being filmed in Rhode Island without giving a shout-out to the small screen. Here are a few TV shows that called the Ocean State home:

Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-1999)

This critically acclaimed police procedural was set in Baltimore but filmed primarily in Rhode Island. The show's production team transformed the former National Guard Armory in Cranston into the Baltimore Police Department's homicide unit.

The Wire (2002-2008)

This gritty crime drama was set in Baltimore but, like Homicide, was largely filmed in Rhode Island. The show's production team used several locations in the Ocean State, including the former Ivor Street School in Providence, which doubled as a Baltimore school.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it, folks! Our whirlwind tour of the movies being filmed in Rhode Island. From historical dramas to comedic classics, the Ocean State has played a starring role in some of Hollywood's biggest hits. So, the next time you're watching a movie or TV show, keep an eye out for Rhode Island's unique charm.

Who knows? You might just see your favorite local hangout or historic landmark up on the big screen. Until next time, keep your eyes peeled and your popcorn ready!