The Revolutionary War era drama “TURN: Washington’s Spies” will film portions of its fourth and final season in Virginia.
Portions of the previous seasons of the AMC series have been filmed at Colonial Williamsburg, although it’s unclear if crews will return to town or film elsewhere in the state.
“As a history buff and a supporter of Virginia’s film industry, I am excited to welcome ‘TURN: Washington’s Spies’ back for a fourth and final season of filming,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe wrote in a news release announcing the show’s presence in Virginia. “This is a great show, with plenty of action, memorable performances by a fantastic cast and vivid recreations of an important chapter in our history. We can always count on AMC for high-quality programming, and we are proud to continue our partnership as we work to build a new Virginia economy.”
Williamsburg has been the site of some of the TURN scenes in previous seasons. Richmond was another hot spot for filming. The show last filmed in Williamsburg early last November.
“We were very fortunate to host season 2 and 3 production of AMC’s ‘TURN: Washington’s Spies’ through a partnership facilitated by the Virginia Film Office. The show’s popularity demonstrates the undiminished relevance and appeal of the Revolutionary era that Colonial Williamsburg interprets,” said Colonial Williamsburg spokesman Joe Straw. “Production queries are typically fielded close to the date of actual filming. We are of course open to continued collaboration with our partners both at the Film Office and with the network.”
The series is based on Alexander Rose’s book “Washington’s Spies,” a historic thriller telling the story of America’s first spy ring.
The story is about Abe Woodhull, played by Jamie Bell, a farmer living on British-occupied Long Island. He and his childhood friends become an instrumental group of spies called the Culper Ring, which not only aids George Washington, played by Ian Kahn, but lays the framework for espionage techniques still used today.
“As one of the original colonies and host to transformative events throughout America’s history, Virginia has been the perfect background for this story about the years that led to the founding of our nation,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The show’s production in Virginia has had an immensely positive effect on our film industry and on the Commonwealth’s economy as a whole. We have been honored to partner with AMC for three rewarding years, and we are proud to host the final season.”
Season four picks up the story as the spies reach a significant turning point in the war, with both the British and the Americans reeling from monumental losses and betrayals, according to AMC.
“‘TURN: Washington’s Spies’ is a series that we have been able to share with viewers because of our extraordinary partnership with Governor McAuliffe and the Virginia Film Office,” said Stefan Reinhardt, Co-Head of AMC Studios. “Being given access to historically significant shooting locations and such distinct physical backdrops has made our cast and crew feel even more welcomed in the community. The availability of such highly qualified local talent helps bring the history of the Culper Ring to life in Virginia, and we look forward to once again showcasing the state as we film our fourth and final season.”
Season four of “TURN: Washington’s Spies” will be eligible to receive a film tax credit and grant. The exact amount is based on the number of Virginia workers hired, Virginia goods and services purchased, and deliverables, including Virginia tourism promotions.
AMC has broadcast more than 80 commercials promoting Virginia and popular tourist destinations as part of the arrangement with the Commonwealth for previous seasons. Additionally, the Virginia Tourism Corporation has established TURN: The Trail, which features locations from the filming of “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” as well as other Colonial-era sites across the state.
Vaughan can be reached by phone at (757)345-2343.
