Filmmakers producing projects in North Carolina are on track to invest a record amount of money in the state in 2021, Governor Roy Cooper announced during a press conference at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington.
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The spending amount of $409 million is the largest tally seen in the state since the creation of the North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant in 2014. Combined, these productions will create more than 25,000 job opportunities for North Carolina’s highly skilled film professionals and background talent.
“We’ve all worked hard toward this banner year for North Carolina’s film industry,†said Governor Cooper. “With our resilient communities and local businesses, and our growing reputation for inclusion and diversity, North Carolina will continue to provide a beautiful stage for film projects of all sizes in every corner of the state.â€
This new in-state spending figure eclipses the state’s previous record of $373 million from 2012, when “Iron Man 3,†“We’re The Millers,†“Revolution,†“Homeland†and “Banshee†lensed in the state.
“These multimillion-dollar revenues for 2021 are great economic development wins for North Carolina,†said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Our film industry, with its experienced production talent and compelling film locations, creates good paying jobs and positive economic impacts for our economy.â€
Productions continue to be drawn to the state’s highly skilled film workforce, its well-established infrastructure, quality, and variety of locations, and the 25% rebate offered through the bi-partisan approved North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant. With a strong emphasis on series productions, recruiting efforts focus on project budget and the story’s setting that are the best fit for the state.
“The pandemic has taught us a lot - including that people demand more content to watch. The TV & Film industries are looking for new places and ways to supply that demand. The numbers don’t lie - North Carolina is a desirable place for the Film & TV production to do business,†said Charlotte Councilman and filmmaker Braxton Winston.
“If you mosey from the Mountains out west to our urban centers of the Piedmont onto our magnificent coast, it becomes clear that few places rival the locations our state provides. As a member of the state’s Film & TV workforce I look forward to working with the Governor, General Assembly, and industry leaders to take advantage of our desirable business environment to bring thousands of good paying jobs to communities all across The Old North State.â€
With film activity occurring in all eight of the state’s economic development prosperity zones, this year’s projects include eight scripted series which present opportunities to return to North Carolina to film additional seasons.
In addition, production has also taken place on several reality series including “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks†and “My Big Fat Fabulous Life†as well as on national commercials for Chevrolet, Adidas, Shell and Volvo among others. ■