West Virginia Locations in National Spotlight 

In addition to giving West Virginia some national attention, the production companies who are shooting footage or taking photos, are giving the state an economic boost as well. “These companies are contributing to the state's economy by hiring our work force and spending money on equipment rentals, location rentals, food, travel, accommodations and more,” said Pam Haynes, West Virginia Film Office director.

Be sure to look for West Virginia locations that were showcased in these upcoming shows and magazines:

• MTD of Cleveland spent several days in the New River Gorge area shooting still photographs and video for Cub Cadet, a manufacturer of riding tractors, utility vehicles, commercial mowers and compact tractors. Carl Fowler, owner and photographer for Design Photography Inc. of Cleveland, said that based on his experience in the state, he is strongly encouraging more of his clients to consider West Virginia locations for their advertising and marketing campaigns.  "I've shot everywhere and nothing compares to our company's positive experience in West Virginia," Fowler said.  "The local production coordinator we hired in Fayetteville, Marcie Cruz, was top-notch. She and everyone else involved with the shoot were accommodating beyond our expectations."  Fowler's company also took advantage of one of the Film Office's incentives, "River On Demand™," which is a service made possible by the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Haynes said that MTD sought increased water flow along the Gauley River during a portion of their shoot, "and the Corps delivered."

Cub Cadet’s ads will appear in publications, such as Field & Stream, ATV Illustrated, Side X Side Action, ATV Magazine and UV Magazine starting April 2009 and will continue throughout the year.

• Authentic Entertainment of Los Angeles filmed for a half-day on March 30 at The Greenbrier for a Food Network show, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” The show will feature a secret dish prepared by Chef Peter Timmins that will be revealed during the broadcast. “We were thrilled to be selected for this series. It is a terrific opportunity to showcase The Greenbrier’s cuisine,” said Lynn Swann, spokeswoman for The Greenbrier.

• The Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern,” recently filmed at Snowshoe and Helvetia. Brian Ball, chef at Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s Embers restaurant, created an unusual menu of squirrel for Zimmern. Jamie Cope, location services manager with the West Virginia Film Office said, “The Travel Channel was really excited about all the options in West Virginia. Not just for finding odd things to eat, but for the great scenic backdrops that are such an integral part in the show.”

The “Bizarre Foods” episode featuring West Virginia is scheduled to air May 5.

• The Outdoor Channel's popular "Dirt Trax Television" returned to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail for more filming last week.  The show has filmed along the trail several times. The most recent episode aired a couple weeks ago and featured American Idol finalist Bucky Covington. There are currently four episodes for the Hatfield-McCoy Trail posted on Dirt Trax's "video portal" at http://dirttraxtv.com. An air date for last week's filming has not been announced.

• The Learning Channel returned to Fayette and Raleigh counties for several more days of filming for its reality series “Toddlers & Tiaras.” Filming began on March 30 and culminated with the April 4 West Virginia Walk of Fame Pageant in Beckley.  After scrutinizing hundreds of pageants across the country, TLC chose West Virginia along with Texas, Georgia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania for its 10-episode documentary series. TLC first filmed in the state last November and December. This episode already aired in mid-March. West Virginia work force was hired and vendors used during both shoots.

 “Toddlers & Tiaras” goes behind the scenes of the child beauty pageant world and profiles a number of young contestants from all different ages and backgrounds, as well as their fanatical parents. The West Virginia Walk of Fame episode is scheduled to air July 21 on TLC. 

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