WNC’s storytelling spirit finds a home in new film project
A local hero comes home to Western North Carolina for the first time in 20 years, potentially reigniting a longtime feud with an old nemesis and proving that some things always stay the same.
An A-list celebrity’s opulent new golf and country club has changed the town forever, proving that some things don’t. High school sweethearts reunite, a search and rescue team has its hands full saving new residents unfamiliar with the unforgiving terrain and a young girl escapes an abusive home, encouraged by the healing power of horses — that’s the gist of a new locally-shot series aiming to put the North Carolina mountains back on Hollywood’s map.
“There’s nowhere else like it,” Melanie Star Scot said of Western North Carolina. “I always come back home. When I wrote this, I wanted to showcase what I call ‘my mountains.’”
Scot, a screenwriter, director and producer with deep roots in the region, has spent years crafting a series that showcases the region’s natural beauty, culture and resilience. Her project, “Journey to Eden Falls,” also aims to revitalize the local film industry and reverse the exodus of qualified workers to states competing for filmmakers with economic incentives.
A vision rooted in place
Scot’s passion for her home is palpable. She envisions “Eden Falls” as a series filmed entirely in Western North Carolina, with exteriors set in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon and Transylvania counties. The project’s blend of local landscapes, businesses and cultural landmarks create a sense of connection for local viewers and a sense of awe for everyone else.
“I want people to see their mountains and places they’ve frequented as kids,” Scot said. “It’s about giving the audience little Easter eggs that make them proud.”
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While many screenwriters face pressure to relinquish creative control to studios, Scot has fought tirelessly to retain her vision, crediting her collaboration with high-powered film execs for keeping her dream alive.
Beyond storytelling, she sees “Eden Falls” not only as an opportunity to engage in some serious storytelling, but also to revive the region’s struggling film industry. The early 2000s saw a mass exodus of filmmakers and crews from across the southeast to Georgia, where generous incentives transformed Atlanta into a burgeoning production hub. North Carolina, once a thriving film destination, has been playing catch-up ever since.
North Carolina offers a 25% rebate on qualifying expenses up to $15 million per season for television and streaming services with a minimum spend of $500,000 per episode, and $7 million for feature films with a $1.5 million minimum spend, along with a number of other incentives. The program, administered by the North Carolina Film Office, is funded to the tune of $31 million each fiscal year, with unused funds rolling over into the next fiscal year.
“That’s a very legitimate figure for a quality production,” she explained. “It’s exactly what would pay our North Carolinians.”
Georgia, however, offers a 20% transferrable tax credit along with other conditional incentives that can make filming there more lucrative.
“There’s been progress [in North Carolina],” Scot noted. “A new studio just opened in Wilmington, and more productions are coming back. I want to be part of that rebuild.”
Accordingly, she plans to hire local talent and craftspeople, from carpenters and electricians to set designers and production assistants. The economic impact, she emphasized, extends beyond the direct hires and is part of the reason states offer incentives.
“When we come into a town, we’re eating at restaurants, shopping at stores, and staying at local hotels and Airbnbs,” she said. “The economic ripple effect is significant, and it’s a fun, uplifting industry that brings communities together.”
Hopefully, Scot said, interior sets will be built in refurbished, hurricane-damaged warehouses, further contributing to the region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.
“After all we’ve been through these last three months, we need something uplifting,” she said. “This project can provide jobs and rebuild morale.”
From development to production
“Eden Falls” is currently in the development and pitching phase; a Jan. 11 screening in Waynesville is an invite-only event for cast, crew and potential investors designed to secure the funding necessary to move into pre-production.
“This screening is to get it made,” Scot said. “Once we’re there, I’ll absolutely hold screenings for the general public, but for now we need to stay focused.”
Scot’s confidence in the project stems from the overwhelmingly positive feedback she’s received from Hollywood professionals and local supporters alike. With the guidance of her industry connections and the enthusiasm of her team, she’s optimistic about “Eden falls” reaching global audiences while staying true to its Appalachian roots.
For those interested in supporting or investing in “Eden Falls,” Scot is encouraging contact through her email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“This is more than just a show,” she said. “It’s a chance to rebuild, to inspire, and to show the world the beauty and resilience of western North Carolina.”
