When it came time to shoot the first season of "One Tree Hill," WB execs thought they'd follow the small-town location formula that had saved big bucks on "Dawson's Creek." So, they contacted the Wilmington (N.C.) Regional Film Commission, negotiated a personalized incentive package, and relocated down South.
"But once we got into it," notes "Hill" exec producer Joe Davola, "the advantages were much more than financial."

Now in its fifth season, "Hill" continues production in Wilmington, Davola says, because the crew is professional and connected, and the lush scenery mirrors the script. Location rental is more accessible and affordable than in Los Angeles, and a state tax incentive established in 2006 refunds the CW (the show's current network) 15% of cost.

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