Disney TV pilot “Saltwater” set to film in Kure Beach

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Disney Entertainment is bringing a new television pilot to Kure Beach later this month, with filming expected to take place from July 29 through Aug. 6, pending final approval of a film permit by the Kure Beach Town Council.

The project, titled “Saltwater,” a TV series based on the 2006 movie “Aquamarine,” follows a teenage girl who returns to her late mother’s coastal hometown after a storm and discovers a mysterious connection to the ocean, uncovering family secrets, local legends and her own extraordinary destiny.

According to a memo from Recreation and Events Director Nikki Keely, the town has already approved public property impacts related to production preparations. Council members are now being asked to approve the remaining permit requests, which include road closures, parking restrictions, beach access closures, intermittent traffic control and the temporary use of several town facilities.

Filming Schedule

Production activities are scheduled as follows:

• Preparation: July 15-30
• Filming: July 29-Aug. 6
• Rain dates: Aug. 10-14
• Wrap: Aug. 11-21

Primary filming locations include the Kure Beach Pier, beach strand, and the Seven Seas Inn.

What Residents Can Expect

Filming will bring temporary changes for residents and visitors throughout downtown Kure Beach.

Several public parking spaces on Atlantic Avenue, Fort Fisher Boulevard, East L Avenue and near the Kure Beach Community Center will be reserved for production vehicles and crew throughout various stages of filming.

A temporary road closure is also planned for North Atlantic Avenue between K and L avenues on Monday, Aug. 3, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vehicles dropping off and picking up children attending Junior Guard Camp will still be allowed access.

Intermittent traffic control is planned on North Fort Fisher Boulevard on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., pending approval from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Beachgoers will also notice temporary closures and restricted access. Beach Access #100 will be closed during weekday filming from July 29 through Aug. 6, while Beach Access #99 will remain closed throughout much of the production schedule. Pedestrian traffic along the beach strand and portions of the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk will be temporarily paused during active filming.

Special Effects and Production Requests

The production has also requested several temporary exemptions to town ordinances to accommodate filming.

These include permission to use a gas-powered fire pit, fireworks and sparklers during scenes, subject to coordination with the Kure Beach Fire Department and required pyrotechnics permits. Production crews are also requesting approval to operate vehicles on the beach strand, temporarily remove signage at Beach Access #99, and leave certain production equipment on the beach during filming while maintaining emergency access.

Additional requests include access to town fire hydrants for water use and the placement of lighting equipment on the beach.

Town Services to Continue

Town officials said emergency vehicles will always have the right of way and municipal services are expected to continue without interruption throughout production. Department heads will coordinate with the production team to minimize disruptions.

The production team has also indicated it will make every effort to keep ADA parking spaces available to the public and is working to secure all necessary state permits, environmental approvals and insurance documentation before filming begins.

If approved, the Recreation Department will continue working with Disney Entertainment and town departments to coordinate the production and communicate any schedule changes to residents.

Filming is expected to conclude in early August, with production wrap activities continuing through Aug. 21.