TV Series 'TURN,' to Return for 4th Season of Filming in Virginia

The AMC TV series “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” will return to Virginia for a fourth and final season, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced Friday.

Based on Alexander Rose’s book “Washington’s Spies,” “TURN” is a historical thriller set during the Revolutionary War that recounts the story of America’s first spy ring. “TURN: Washington’s Spies” features Abe Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a farmer living in British-occupied Long Island. He and his childhood friends become an instrumental group of spies called the Culper Ring. This unlikely team of secret agents works with George Washington (Ian Kahn) during the War for Independence and, in the process, lays the framework for espionage tactics and techniques still in use today. “TURN” filmed Seasons 1-3 in Virginia, with most of the filming taking place in Richmond and Williamsburg.

“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,” said McAuliffe. “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.”

“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 4 picks up the story of Woodhull and his spy compatriots as they reach a significant turning point in the war, with both the British and the Americans reeling from monumental losses and betrayals. The show will shoot on location in and around Richmond.

“’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.”

“The Commonwealth of Virginia has massively benefited from having this series film in our beautiful state,” said Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office. “Series television gives our Virginia crew members steady, good-paying jobs that hold the invaluable chance to rise in the ranks, develop skills and become part of what makes the Commonwealth such an attractive filming destination. We have found wonderful allies in the talented team at AMC, and we know this is just the beginning of a great partnership.”

Season 4 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. Locations from the series include Colonial Williamsburg, several historic estates and homes, and Old Towne Petersburg.

The Virginia Film Office is part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the state agency charged with marketing the Commonwealth of Virginia. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2015, visitors spent $23 billion, supporting nearly 222,600 jobs and contributing $1.6 billion in state and local taxes. In 2014 the economic impact of the film and television industry in Virginia totaled $414 million and $59 million in state and local tax revenue.

For more information about the Virginia Film Office, visit www.film.virginia.org.

PHOTO: Scene from "TURN: Washington's Spies," courtesy of AMC.