TRUE INDIE: The Best US Filming Locations for Indie and Low-Budget Filmmakers in 2026, According to Giggster

As most any indie filmmaker will tell you, securing locations on a low budget is one of the most challenging parts of the process. Recently, I was excited to learn about Giggster, a robust database of diverse, affordable filming locations worldwide that can be rented hourly, cutting out a lot of tedious location scouting. It’s essentially like AirBnb or VRBO, but for location rentals, connecting filmmakers directly with property owners over the site.

I also saw that Giggster had put out a report on the best and worst filming locations in the US for 2026, so I had to learn more. I had the chance to connect with Tyler Quiel, CEO, to find out how Giggster chose the best and worst locations, and how the site specifically helps independent filmmakers.

Rebecca: Please tell us about Giggster and what your company does to help independent filmmakers.

Tyler: Giggster allows filmmakers and production companies to book unique and affordable filming locations on an hourly basis. No matter what a film team has planned, we can offer everything from modern private homes and spacious lofts to blank canvas warehouses, working studios, expansive ranches, and much more.

We have over 45,000 carefully curated listings across the US, Canada, and Europe, and indie creators can find exclusive cinematic locations that were previously accessible only through conventional location services.

For independents specifically, Giggster removes much of the time-consuming scouting, from cold outreach and vague pricing to endless paperwork. With Giggster, you’ll find a transparent and easy-to-navigate workflow with quality photos, transparent rates, clear availability, optional insurance coverage, and client-to-host messaging all in one place.

Rebecca: You put together a comprehensive list of best and worst filming locations in the US for this year. How did you determine your list? What criteria are most important for filmmakers to consider when scouting for locations?

Tyler: In determining the top US filming locations, we looked at our location booking numbers and the usage volume. We also included client repeats and the size of the average project. Next, we compiled the data, including key factors such as crew availability, access to film gear, and permitting conflicts. To finish, we analyzed how far local incentives can stretch on an indie-sized production budget.

One thing to note this year is East Coast momentum. Filming location bookings are markedly higher in both New York and New Jersey. New Jersey now has studio campuses, and New York has introduced a $100M independent film tax credit of up to 40%. It’s easy to see why this combination of new infrastructure and attractive incentives is bringing more projects to the East Coast.

In relation to film scouting, the inviting criteria are the cost, diverse locations, workable logistics, and great incentives. The cost is very motivating when it’s an all-in cost, not just the day rate. Things to include are required permits, travel, and overtime. Great elements on the East Coast provide a much-needed diversity for producers. What we mean here is that they can find a large number of distinctive setups within a small radius, so their team can be efficient without having to move around.

If the logistics for each location are evident with adequate power sources, easy-to-access parking, nearby equipment sources, and knowledgeable, cooperative hosts, it makes for one-stop location scouting. The incentives are welcoming to all ranges of filmmakers, and it’s terrific when they work on an indie scale, not just for the high-finance budgets.

Specifically for ultra-low and low-budget indie filmmakers, the top locations Giggster determined are:

(Click on each state in the interactive map HERE to see its minimum production spend requirement and tax and project caps.)

Rebecca: There’s a lot of confusion out there about production tax credits/vouchers and how they work. Can you sum up what these financial incentives entail, and how they benefit indie and low-budget filmmakers? What kinds of requirements need to be met in order for a production to qualify for a tax credit?

Tyler: A state may say if you spend money here, we'll give you 20–40% back as a transferable credit, a rebate, or a refundable voucher you cash out after your expense audit is complete. For indie filmmakers, that important return can be the margin between a movie getting made or not. It extends the budget and makes it easier to attract equity or gap financing.

To qualify for the film production credit, you’ll typically need to meet a specified minimum in-state spend for things like salaries, goods, and services. Hiring a local crew is required, as is a detailed cost report filed with the state film office before you see the tax credit incentives.

We just published our 2026 report, which analyzes all 50 states across 14 metrics using 83+ data sources. New York is seeing impactful results with its generous independent tax credits, sales tax exemptions, and permit fee waivers, but [for larger projects] California still came out on top — 84 out of 100 — when you factor in its $750M annual filming fund allocation, refundable credits from 35% to 50%, expanded eligibility, and unmatched crew and location availability.

Rule of thumb: Each dollar you spend in a qualifying state becomes a dollar-plus when you use the production credits to your benefit.

Rebecca: There’s been a lot of news about production moving to Europe and other locales abroad. What, in your opinion, can US states do to compete to bring or keep production in the US?

Tyler: The draw to go abroad is there, and the US has to be aware and proactive. In 2025, the UK achieved ~$9.24 USD billion in production spending on high-end television and film. Romania offers an attractive 30% cash rebate, along with lower production costs, multilingual crews, and terrific connectivity to many European cities. Canada's weak dollar and up to 40%+ production tax credits keep it among the cheapest places for film production. We see this ourselves, and as a result, Giggster is expanding into Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Cologne, and Berlin because that's where our users are heading.

But the fix isn't just raising the percentage; it's offering both required stability and simplicity. When an incentive program changes every budget cycle or the funding cap runs dry by Q2, producers cannot underwrite financing against it. The states that are securing projects right now are doing three things well. 

First, there is a long-term commitment that’s reassuring. New York extended its film production incentives through 2036 and raised the annual funding cap to $800M. This enhancement lets producers plan for the future. Second, a solid and useful infrastructure is in place. New Jersey is developing film studios, designating 50+ "Film Ready" communities, and streamlining the scouting and permit processes. As well, the film offices are ready to work with filmmakers. Clear timelines are in place, responsive staff members are ready to help, and solid logistical support is at the ready.

Do those three things, and producers can say, ‘I don't need Prague for this.’ And for the ones who do go abroad — we'll be there too.