Where Was "The Help" Movie Filmed? A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Hello there, movie buffs! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of film locations as we explore where "The Help" movie was filmed. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and where was movie the help filmed.

The Help: A Brief Overview

Before we delve into the filming locations, let's quickly recap The Help. This 2011 drama, directed by Tate Taylor, is an adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel of the same name. The movie tells the story of African-American maids working in 1960s Mississippi and their relationship with the white families they serve. It's a powerful tale of racism, friendship, and courage, starring an exceptional cast including Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer.

Where Was "The Help" Movie Filmed? The Search Begins

You might be surprised to learn that The Help was not filmed in Mississippi. Despite the story being set in the small town of Jackson, Mississippi, the movie was primarily shot in Atlanta, Georgia. So, why the change of location? Well, it all comes down to practicality and financial incentives.

The Allure of Georgia

Georgia offers generous tax incentives to attract film and television productions. In fact, it's one of the most film-friendly states in the U.S., with a 20% transferable tax credit for productions spending $500,000 or more, or hiring a minimum of five local residents. These incentives made Georgia an appealing choice for "The Help" producers.

Exploring the Filming Locations

Now that we know Georgia was the primary filming location, let's explore some of the key spots where The Help was filmed.

The Historic District of Covington

Covington, a charming city about 30 miles east of Atlanta, served as the main location for the fictional town of Jackson, Mississippi. Many of the movie's exterior scenes were shot here, including the homes of the white families and the maids' modest dwellings. Some notable locations include:

- The Skeeter Phelan House: This beautiful Victorian home, located at 116 W. College Street, was used as the exterior for Skeeter's family home. Inside, however, the scenes were filmed on a set built at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. - The Hilly Holbrook House: This elegant home, situated at 114 W. College Street, was used as the exterior for the Holbrook family's residence. Like the Phelan house, the interior scenes were filmed on a set in Atlanta.

The town of Social Circle, about 40 miles east of Atlanta, was used for several exterior scenes. The most notable location is the Old Courthouse, which served as the backdrop for the scene where Skeeter and Hilly meet with the local chapter of the Junior League.

The Inside Scoop: Tyler Perry Studios

While many of the exterior scenes were filmed in Covington and Social Circle, most of the interior scenes were shot on soundstages at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. This sprawling complex, owned by media mogul Tyler Perry, served as the production hub for "The Help". Here, sets were built to replicate the interiors of the homes and other locations seen in the movie.

The Help's Impact on its Filming Locations

The production of "The Help" had a significant impact on its filming locations. Covington, in particular, experienced a surge in tourism after the movie's release. Many visitors flocked to the city to see the filming locations and experience the charm that drew the production there in the first place.

Moreover, the movie's success helped to put Georgia on the map as a major player in the film industry. Since then, the state has attracted numerous high-profile productions, including Marvel Cinematic Universe films, "The Walking Dead", and "Stranger Things".

Wrapping Up: Where Was "The Help" Movie Filmed?

So there you have it, folks! We've explored the fascinating world of where "The Help" movie was filmed. From the charming streets of Covington to the bustling soundstages of Tyler Perry Studios, each location played a crucial role in bringing this powerful story to life.

Next time you watch "The Help", keep an eye out for these iconic filming locations. It's amazing how these real-world spots helped to create the fictional world of Jackson, Mississippi.

Until next time, movie lovers! Keep exploring the fascinating world of film locations.