If you’re a fan of heartfelt stories or Christian music, you’ve likely heard of I Still Believe, a romantic musical drama that captures the inspiring yet emotional journey of Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp and his first wife, Melissa Lynn Henning-Camp. Directed by the talented Andrew and Jon Erwin, this film brings their real-life love story to the screen, blending themes of faith, love, and resilience. At NetFilming, we delve into the filming locations that brought this touching story to life, providing you with a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic unfolded. From the sunny beaches of Alabama to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, let’s explore the key places where I Still Believe was filmed.
A Glimpse into I Still Believe
I Still Believe tells of the romance between Camp and Melissa, the object of his affection, while both were in college. Their love is put to the test when Melissa is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, causing Jeremy to question his faith as he deals with the possibility of losing her. The film’s emotional weight and powerful music hit hard for audiences, and its settings have a lot to do with making the story feel real. Production Filming occurred mostly in Alabama, with a couple of scenes shot in California in May and June 2019. The locations selected both speak to the story’s soul and the directors’ ability to select places that can double for many others.
I Still Believe Filming Locations
The romantic musical drama film I Still Believe was primarily filmed in Alabama, with additional scenes shot in California. Here are the key filming locations:
Mobile County, Alabama
Most of I Still Believe was shot in Mobile County, Alabama, because it’s a location exuding the small-town, heartfelt feel that matched Jeremy and Melissa’s story. The Erwin Brothers, who were raised in nearby Birmingham, knew the area and used it to double for Indiana, where the real Jeremy and Melissa were from, along with certain parts of Southern California. Mobile County’s diverse landscapes, from lush campuses to charming city streets, made it an ideal backdrop.
One of the critical sites was Spring Hill College at 4000 Dauphin Street in Mobile. This campus was converted to Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, California, where Jeremy and Melissa had met. The West End college’s picturesque campus, with historic buildings and green lawns, was an ideal backdrop for scenes depicting their early romance. Certain areas, such as the Commons, featuring the Barter Student Center, the Marnie and John Burke Memorial Library and St. Joseph’s Chapel, were used for both interior and exterior shots. These settings lent a cozy, relatable collegiate feel that invites you right into the story.
Mobile itself is a bustling, historic city, known for having the first Mardi Gras in the United States, which dates back to the 1700s. You might check out a popular destination such as the Mobile Botanical Gardens, Bienville Square, Cathedral Square or the Mobile Museum of Art if you go. These sights contribute to the allure of the city, even if they didn’t have a direct spot in the film. The local vibe lent I Still Believe a grounded, real feel that fit the emotional tone.
Baldwin County, Alabama
Another prime filming location was Baldwin County, Alabama, and the coastal city of Gulf Shores. This is where the movie’s now iconic concert scene was filmed, and it wasn’t just any set — it actually was Hangout Music Festival, a raucous three-day festival that takes place every May on Gulf Shores’ public beaches. The festival, which is a mix of rock, hip-hop and indie music, set the stage for a high-energy scene in which Jeremy performs on stage.
Actor KJ Apa, who plays Jeremy Camp, surprised festival-goers when he took the stage, blending seamlessly into the real crowd. The production team even cast local musicians to play band members, including members of Fairhope’s indie/alt rock band Strange Her, Mobile’s The Underhill Family Orchestra, and bassist Christian Heiden. This choice added authenticity, as the crowd applauded and cheered for real during the take, which conveyed the atmosphere of a real music gig. If you find yourself in Gulf Shores, you can check out The Hangout Restaurant at 101 E Beach Boulevard, which is near the festival site and is a hangout staple and live music destination.
Filming in Gulf Shores wasn’t just about the festival. The area’s stunning beaches and relaxed atmosphere helped reflect the Southern California settings in Jeremy’s story. Executive producer Scott Lumpkin, a Fairhope native, shared with WKRG-TV how the production gave local talent a chance to shine. Young adults from Mobile worked in various roles, from camera operators to set dressers, making I Still Believe a true community effort. The local connection made the movie even more meaningful in that Alabama natives played a part in bringing this lovely story to the screen. If you’re looking to make it a vacation, Gulf Shores has additional attractions, including the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Pelican Place at Craft Farms, and Waterville USA amusement park.
Hermann, Missouri
While Alabama was the main hub, the production team also ventured to Hermann, Missouri, for a short but impactful scene. This moment captures a river town right before Jeremy gets on a bus, adding a quiet, reflective beat into the story. Hermann’s small-town character, scenic river views and historic sensibility made it the perfect setting for this brief but significant moment. The quaint streets and natural beauty of the town helped bring out the emotional depth of Jeremy’s experience.
Los Angeles, California
To round out the filming, the team headed to Los Angeles, California, for a few additional scenes. They actually shot in Redondo Beach, a city on the coast of Santa Monica Bay. This site was used to depict the Southern California locations central to Jeremy Camp’s true life, as some of his story unfolds in the region. The Municipal Pier in Redondo Beach, which extends out into the Pacific Ocean, provided a scenic setting that contributed a measure of coastal beauty to the movie. The area’s laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere helped tie the movie’s settings together, blending seamlessly with the Alabama footage.
Los Angeles is, of course, a film mecca and is home to studios like Walt Disney, Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. Its world-class infrastructure and professional crews make it a destination of choice for productions, and “I Still Believe” took advantage of its flexibility. The easy thing about filming in the city is the mix of urban energy and beachside charm, so it wasn’t hard to find those diverse places we needed for the story. Other movies and shows filmed in LA, such as You, Get Out, and The Devil All the Time, emphasize its role as a filming home base. For I Still Believe, Redondo Beach’s relaxed vibe was a perfect match for the movie’s emotional and musical tone.
Why Alabama Was the Perfect Choice
You might wonder—why shoot in Alabama when the story takes place elsewhere? According to the Erwin Brothers, Alabama offered both the scenic variety and cost-efficiency needed for the film. Furthermore, since the directors are originally from Alabama, they were able to work with local crews and communities more easily.
This decision turned out to be a great one. Alabama’s landscape provided everything from college campuses to coastal beaches and small-town charm—all in one state. It allowed the film to stay authentic while managing production costs effectively.
Other notable movies filmed in Alabama include
- Get Out
- The Devil All the Time
- USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage
- Gerald’s Game
I Still Believe Official Trailer
The movie I Still Believe is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Must Read: Where Was Murderbot Filmed? Top Apple TV+ Show Locations
