The Rutherford County Film Commission Has Chosen Dustin’s Way Collective to Develop a New Website Aimed at Promoting the County as a Destination for Film, Television, Commercial, and Digital Media Pro

The Rutherford County Film Commission has chosen Dustin’s Way Collective to develop a new website aimed at promoting the county as a destination for film, television, commercial, and digital media production.

The project is funded by the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), which uses occupancy tax revenue from overnight lodging to support tourism promotion and economic development. Created under state law in 1991, the TDA currently operates at the maximum 6% occupancy tax rate.

Officials said the new site will work alongside the state’s production portal, filmnc.com, operated by the North Carolina Film Office. While the state platform serves as the main hub for incentives and permitting, the county’s website will highlight local services, location access, and production coordination.

Film inquiries and scouting efforts are coordinated with state and regional partners, including the Western North Carolina Film Commission.

Past productions in Rutherford County include Dirty Dancing, The Last of the Mohicans, Firestarter, and My Fellow Americans, filmed across areas such as Forest City, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock State Park, and surrounding mountain communities.

“Rutherford County offers a unique combination of scenic landscapes, historic downtowns, small-town charm, and outdoor recreation opportunities that make it an attractive location for productions of all sizes,” said Donnie Haulk, chair of the Rutherford County Film Commission. “We are excited to partner with Dustin’s Way Collective to create a website that effectively showcases these assets and helps connect filmmakers with the resources they need.”

Haulk, who also serves as a county commissioner, said the goal is to streamline access for production teams and strengthen the county’s role in North Carolina’s growing film industry.

The website will support broader efforts to increase awareness of filming opportunities, encourage production activity, and generate economic benefits for local businesses and communities.

Planned features include filming location highlights, production resources, community information, contact details for film inquiries, permitting guidance, logistics support, and a vendor directory for local services and crews.

Development is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with additional updates to follow.