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Black Dog movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Black Dog filmed?

1998

City Locations

Wilmington, Charlotte, NC; Madison, Atlanta, GA (USA)

Location Types

Film Studio, Riverside

Location Styles

Retreat, Shipping Yard/Dock, Industrial Style, Colonial

About Black Dog

Engulf yourself in the adrenaline-pumping suspense of Black Dog, a gripping 1998 American action thriller. Directed by the talented Kevin Hooks, this riveting film showcases the dynamic interplay between characters brought to life by renowned Hollywood icons. The film features a compelling lineup led by the unforgettably charismatic Patrick Swayze, accompanied by the versatile Randy Travis and the remarkable Meat Loaf. The narrative unfolds around the life of Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze), a trucker and ex-con. Laden with intense drama and unyielding suspense, the plot sees Jack being manipulated into a dangerous situation of transporting illegal arms. This thrilling journey propels the audience into a realm where Jack has to combat relentless obstacles that thwart intentions of hijacking the coveted load, all while striving to safeguard his family. Although not flaunting any awards, Black Dog proudly offers top-notch performances and a heart-racing plot that keeps viewers on the edge. The movie provides an enticing blend of action and thrill, capturing the essence of classic American cinema of the late 90s. Additionally, Black Dog didn't impress critics, as it only achieved a 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on an analysis of 21 reviews. Despite this, the film has become a cult favorite amongst movie buffs and RADwood car aficionados, being regarded as one of the final action road movies to utilize practical effects, marking the conclusion of a cinematic era. According to audience polls conducted by CinemaScore, the film was given a mediocre average grade of "C+" on their A+ to F scale.

Black Dog Locations

The 1998 action thriller Black Dog, featuring the late Patrick Swayze, presents a cinematic journey across the diverse landscapes of the United States. The movie's high-octane scenes are predominantly filmed in North Carolina and Georgia, capturing the essence of these regions while constantly on the move. Indoor scenes were mainly shot at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in North Carolina and Atlanta Stage Works in Georgia. Other filming locations include the charming towns of Cleveland, Madison, and Charlotte. Although the film is known for its action sequences and dialogues, it also features scenic beauty that adds to its visual appeal. Snow’s Cut Park in Wilmington, N.C., is a significant part of this picturesque backdrop. This tranquil spot, where Patrick Swayze's character, Jack Crews, contemplates his emotional turmoil, has become a landmark for fans of Black Dog. While the film may not be celebrated for its performances, Swayze's screen presence has undoubtedly left a lasting impression. After completing the action sequences in Georgia, the production moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. It was here that a tragic accident occurred, injuring three crew members when an explosion detonated beneath a big rig before a safety meeting. Despite the tragedy, a trip to the filming locations of Black Dog offers a unique experience for movie fans and those interested in movie production. Walking through these locations, one can almost feel the thrilling chase sequences' pulsating energy and appreciate the landscapes' serene beauty. It is a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who work behind the scenes to bring such films to life.

Jack tries to get back to everyday life scene in Black Dog

Charlotte, NC

After Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze) is released from prison, he tries to return to normalcy. Jack works as a truck mechanic in a local repair shop in New Jersey, as he cannot drive himself due to his criminal record. Nevertheless, an unexpected opportunity arises when Frank Cutler (Graham Beckel), his manager, offers him a generous sum of money to transport a shipment of toilets from Atlanta to New Jersey. This part of the film was primarily shot in North Carolina, with Charlotte being one of the key filming locations. Known as a significant commercial hub, Charlotte beautifully juxtaposes its modern city center, Uptown, with historical sites. The Levine Museum of the New South, which delves into the post-Civil War history of the South, and the hands-on science displays at Discovery Place are among the city's notable landmarks. Moreover, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in Uptown, with its interactive exhibits and films, pays tribute to the sport of auto racing, adding another layer of dynamism to the city's character. To visit Charlotte, you can fly to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which offers numerous domestic and international flights. From the airport, Uptown Charlotte is about a 20-minute drive. You can also reach Charlotte by Amtrak train or Greyhound bus, both of which have stations in the city. Once in Charlotte, exploring the city is easy with public transportation options like the LYNX Light Rail, streetcar, or bus.

Jack reveals the truth during the trip scene in Black Dog

Cinespace Studios, 1223 N 23rd St, Wilmington, NC

Jack (Patrick Swayze) discovers that his cargo, which was supposed to be toilets, is filled with illegal firearms worth over $3,000,000, according to the ATF. He also learns that Wes (Brian Vincent) has been leaking their location to Red (Meat Loaf) throughout the journey. To further complicate matters, Jack finds out that Sonny (Gabriel Casseus) is an undercover FBI agent after Red tragically kills him in a failed hijack attempt. This high-stakes sequence, pivotal to the film's plot, was primarily shot indoors at what was then known as EUE/Screen Gems Studios. Today, it is part of Cinespace Film Studios, a series of film studio facilities spread across the US and Canada. Founded in 1988 by Greek-Canadian Nick Mirkopoulos, Cinespace acquired the Wilmington, NC facility in 2003 from EUE/Screen Gems. Cinespace Film Studios in Wilmington has a rich history, having been the shooting location for over 300 films, commercials, and television projects, including popular shows like 'One Tree Hill' and Dawson's Creek. The studio is still operational today, although it remains closed to the public due to ongoing productions. Fans interested in learning more or trying to arrange a visit should contact the administration for more information. To get to Wilmington, you can fly into Wilmington International Airport. From there, the studio is approximately a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, you can catch a Greyhound bus or Amtrak train to Wilmington, both of which have stations in the city.

Jack bandages his wound scene in Black Dog

Snow's Cut Park, 9420 River Rd, Wilmington, NC

One of the pivotal scenes unfolds at Snow's Cut Park in Wilmington. In this sequence, Red (Meat Loaf) and his henchmen attempt to hijack the truck driven by Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze). Despite being shot in the arm during the altercation, Jack manages to thwart their plans and forces Red's truck off the road. After this intense encounter, Jack stops at Snow's Cut Park to tend to his wound. With its serene surroundings, the park serves as a momentary refuge for Jack amidst the chaos. Here, he recalls a crucial piece of information revealed by Sonny (Gabriel Casseus), who had been killed earlier. He realizes that the FBI is tracking their location. Prompted by this revelation, Jack searches his truck and discovers a tracking device, which he later hands off to another character, leading the FBI on a wild goose chase. Famed for its appearance in the movie Black Dog, Snow's Cut Park is strategically located opposite the Intracoastal Waterway and Carolina Beach. The park, which owes its name to Major William Arthur Snow, was a significant undertaking in the 1930s to link Seagate with the river. Regrettably, ongoing shoreline erosion led to the permanent closure of Snow's Cut Park in 2021. Despite the closure, fans can still glimpse the park's former beauty from the nearby Snow’s Cut RV Retreat, just 10 miles south of downtown Wilmington, before the bridge to Carolina Beach. It will take 20 minutes from the downtown NC-132 S and US-421 S.

The train explosion scene in Black Dog

North Carolina State Ports Authority, 2202 Burnett Blvd, Wilmington, NC

Jack Crews (Patrick Swayze) and his team leave the docks for the impound lot when Red (Meat Loaf) ambushes them and makes a final attempt on Jack's life. Their vehicles collide, leading to Red losing control of his truck. The truck flips over multiple times before colliding with a train and exploding in a spectacular display. This intense and suspenseful sequence was shot at the North Carolina State Ports Authority in Wilmington. The authority is a state-established organization responsible for developing and managing seaports in Morehead City and Wilmington, North Carolina. The Port of Wilmington provides terminal facilities that handle a range of operations, including bulk, container, breakbulk, and ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) services. While the site may not be open to the public due to operational requirements, fans and visitors interested in the location should contact the administration for more information or potential visiting opportunities. To reach the North Carolina State Ports Authority, travel to Wilmington. The port is roughly a 20-minute drive from the Wilmington International Airport. Alternatively, you can use Greyhound buses or Amtrak trains with stations within the city for easier access. If you're coming from Charlotte, a car journey via the US-74 E route will take approximately three hours.

Conclusion

Black Dog is a film that captures the essence of the late 90s action genre, featuring Patrick Swayze in a role that would mark one of his last significant appearances in action cinema. The film takes viewers on a thrilling ride through North Carolina and Georgia, with key scenes shot at EUE/Screen Gems Studios and Atlanta Stage Works. The film also features the charming towns of Cleveland, Madison, and Charlotte, adding to its visual appeal. Visiting the filming locations could provide a unique experience for movie fans or those interested in movie production. Walking through these locations, one can almost feel the thrilling chase sequences' pulsating energy and appreciate the landscapes' serene beauty.