Governor Josh Stein announced in Wilmington that three television-streaming series and four independent feature-length films have been selected to receive North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grants. These projects are projected to create over 3,800 jobs statewide and spend more than $131.6 million at various locations.
The announcement took place at Bespoke Coffee Shop, which was a filming location for season three of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” a previous grant recipient.
“North Carolina is home to a thriving TV and film industry, and it’s only getting stronger,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These grants support this vital economic activity that benefits small businesses and suppliers across the state.”
Among the approved productions are:
– The “RJ Decker Pilot,” awarded up to $2.8 million, filmed in Greater Wilmington.
– Season 2 of “Beast Games,” with an approved grant of up to $15 million, filmed in Pitt and New Hanover counties.
– “Top Chef” Season 23, approved for a rebate up to $2.5 million, will be filmed in Charlotte.
For feature-length films:
– “Drivers Ed,” which has finished principal photography using locations in New Hanover, Pender, and Orange counties; approved for up to $1.835 million.
– “Bad Counselors,” awarded up to $2.03 million; filmed in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties.
– “The Bard,” wrapping shooting in the Piedmont Triad area; approved for up to $4.6 million.
– “May and the Woodsman,” granted up to $412,500; filming will take place in the Piedmont Triad and Northwest Prosperity Zones.
“It’s great to see more film productions underway in our state,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “In addition to the direct spending these productions bring, they also increase North Carolina’s visibility as a tourist destination, visibility that leads to increased visitor spending as well.”
Recent North Carolina-backed productions have gained recognition at events such as the Toronto International Film Festival with titles like Roofman, Christy, and Drivers Ed being selected. Past grant-supported projects can now be seen on streaming platforms including Prime Video (“The Runarounds” Season 1), Netflix (“The Waterfront”), Showtime/Paramount+ (“Monster Summer”), and Prime Video again (“The Summer I Turned Pretty” Season 3).
Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office said: “A flourishing film industry in our state is a win-win, bringing economic benefits and job opportunities to our residents and elevating North Carolina’s presence on the global stage. We’re committed to nurturing this symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and the communities that make North Carolina an exceptional destination for cinematic storytelling.”
The Film and Entertainment Grant program aims to attract feature film and television productions that boost economic activity within North Carolina by creating jobs. Companies must meet direct local spending requirements before receiving funds through rebates after project completion audits. The program is managed by the Department of Commerce with promotion from VisitNC via the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
More information about these initiatives can be found on the North Carolina Film Office website.
