Another tour that my grandmother, whom I was visiting in Carolina Beach, wanted to take during my stay in the area. I've done some studio tours and whatnot before, having been to Los Angeles and some of the surrounding areas, and figured I'd give the tour of Screen Gem Studios a shot too. Felt a bit like herding cattle in the beginning - waiting in line, buying a ticket, being prodded past the concession table where they were selling t-shirts and water. For what it's worth? Everything is cash only. The 'herd' of us taking the tour was split into two groups, and each group had two guides. We were given the basic guidelines for the tour - no photography, no touching props, stay with the tour group/your party, etc - and then started on our way. We were shown the diner from Under the Dome, a jail set, as well as the sheriff's office. Additional portions of the tour included a look at the outside of some of the production buildings, as well as the back lot from a pretty significant distance away. At the end of the tour, we were taken inside to view the 'sizzle reel' for Screen Gem Studios, used to demonstrate the kind of production value that both THEY can provide, as well as various portions of the film industry in North Carolina. Considering there's various legislation about the film industry that's currently being reviewed, there was a pretty strong emphasis from our guides about supporting the industry, writing to local politicians in support of places like Screen Gems, and the like. TL;DR I wasn't impressed, considering you see maybe 3 small sets during the entire tour and everything else is far, Far, FAR off in the distance...or you just see the outside of a production building. I have to admit that I was pretty bored during this tour. read more

$12 for a tour, and you better be a DIE HARD "One Tree Hill" fan, or there is really nothing for you. You do not get to see their new water tank facility, which is what I really wanted to see. One thing I did learn, if you see a movie with "EUE/Screen Gems Production", then it was made in Wilmington, if the movie is missing the EUE, then it was done in Cali. read more

WORST TOUR EVER!!! -They charge you $12 (which is NOT specified anywhere on the website). -The only sets that you tour are One Tree Hill sets (which is NOT mentioned until after you buy your ticket). -You watch one video of the movies shot there in the screening room and the sound and picture quality are worse than 1980s televisions. -They DO NOT let you take pictures on any of the One Tree Hill sets either. It was pretty much a waste of time unless you are obsessed with One Tree Hill. Otherwise, your time and money are better spent at Wrightsville Beach read more

At the time we went on this tour in the summer of 2009, I didn't really watch One Tree Hill, but knew of the show. And that was the whole purpose of coming here. It was cool to see where they filmed it and after we went here I actually started catching up on some episodes. To see inside on the set, and the cool sports car they always showed. It could've been a little more to see... but overall it was cool. read more

Overall, my family enjoyed the tour even though none of us had watched "Under the Dome" nor "Sleepy Hollow." It was interesting to see one of the 10 sound stages and stand inside a couple of the sets from "Under the Dome." However, we were disappointed that the tour did not include a visit to the special effects water tank. Be careful, though, who your tour guides are. We quickly switched to another tour group because our original guides (two women and a guy) couldn't speak loud enough to be heard even though the two ladies, who kicked off the tour, were asked a couple of times to speak louder by several people which ironically had the opposite effect. Our new tour guides (three guys) had no problem being heard. However, it would be smart for a production studio like EUE/Screen Gems to invest in a portable PA system when giving tours that people pay money to attend. By the way, it's cash only for the tour admission and any merchandise (t-shirts, hats) that you'd like to purchase. read more

No more one tree hill, they showed us the diner and the sheriff office for Under the Dome. Was a very informative tour and me and my wife enjoyed it. Ran about an hour. No photography permitted. read more

Nice place to go. I learned a lot about how a movie goes and is made. It is a studio to visit. I do wish that they showed a lot of other studios and gave some demonstrations as how everything works and had some better props to show case. This was a great little adventure to just enjoy and have some. Just FYI you can't take no pictures so leave your cameras in the car or at home. read more

I don't watch any of the shows filmed here, but found the tour fascinating. I have a place at Sunset Beach and was looking for something new to do. Well worth the time and money to see how shows are made. read more

I understand the past reviewers' complaints, but you are getting ON SET. You will NOT get on set on any of the bog studio tours. This is first hand experience. The tour guides are friendly and open. Great tour and unfortunately the dawson's creek sets have now been retired but still worth the admission! read more