I would not count North Carolina’s film industry out yet. North Carolina saw a significant drop in movies and TV shows filming in the state after reducing their film tax credit.
Now, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is doing something to change that. Cooper has signed legislation that removes the program’s sunset language – basically ending it’s July 2020 end date and providing stability for network and decision makers looking to save money as they set up production for their next project.
Also, Cooper added $31 million to be designated for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. This funding along with the elimination of the state’s sunset date will help boost the state’s film industry and illustrate North Carolina’s commitment to the production of movies and TV shows.
“This is wonderful news for Wilmington,” said Bill Vassar, executive VP at EUE/Screen Gems Studios, a 10-stage production complex based in that North Carolina city.
“The elimination of the sunset will allow a television series to start a production in town and settle in for the long term,” he continued. “We can again focus on attracting television programs that run many years. The industry will keep local people employed and local businesses busy. Our goal is to recruit shows such as ‘Dawson’s Creek’ that ran for six years and ‘One Tree Hill’ that ran for nine.”
One of the shows that filmed in North Carolina includes TNT’s Good Behavior, which was renewed for a second season. That said, North Carolina’s film tax credit is different than Georgia’s program. North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant offer a rebate to productions of 25% of their direct in-state spending.
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