When the acclaimed PBS series “American Experience” tells the story of Rachel Carson, famed author and naturalist, locations on Southport will be prominently featured.

42nd Parallel Films has been in the Boothbay area for several days this month, filming at a number of locations including the Porter Preserve, Newagen and Hendricks Head beach. Drones were used for some of the filming in what was a first for director, producer and screenwriter Michelle Ferrari.

“Drones are a nifty tool for filming,” the Emmy-winning filmmaker said. “Using drones, we can film flying right above the surface of the water.”

Her 42nd Parallel colleague, Rafael de la Uz, is the program’s producer and cinematographer.

“It’s early in our process,” Ferrari said. The program on Rachel Carson won’t appear on television until the fall of 2016.

The production company will continue to obtain and use archival material, including material dating back to Carson’s college years. Editing is expected to take 32 weeks before the final production is ready for its PBS audience.

Asked about the locations that were selected for filming, Ferrari cited Maine’s extensive coast.

“We want to use the area to show her views and feelings about the natural world. Rachel Carson had a special connection to places where the land meets the sea. We are excited and honored to be doing this work.”  

Ferrari and cinematographer Rafael de la Uz founded 42nd parallel in 2010. The company is based in New York and most recently was responsible for the “American Experience” biography of Thomas Edison.

The “American Experience” series is produced under the aegis of Boston PBS station WGBH.