N.C. Film Industry Reaches Record Highs in 2012

BY : DANIEL LEHMAN

Film and television production in North Carolina reached record-breaking numbers this year, which state officials say is due mostly to tax credit incentives for the industry that were introduced by the governor in 2010.

“It is amazing to see what has taken place the past two years in North Carolina,” North Carolina Film Office Director Aaron Syrett said in a statement. He added, “We have one of the smartest incentives in the industry as it takes into account the wealth of resources our state offers including our well established infrastructure and diverse locations. North Carolina really is an ideal place for filmmakers.”

Productions that spend at least $250,000 in the state receive a 25 percent refundable tax credit, encouraging Hollywood to make movies in the region and invest in local business and job creation.

Nearly 50 productions registered with the North Carolina Film Office and filmed in the state in 2012. According to year-end projections, these productions spent more than $376 million in the state and created more than 4,100 crew positions for local labor in 2012. (These record highs far exceed last year’s $220 million in spending and 3,300 crew positions created, both of which set records in 2011.) Including roles for extras and background talent, the industry created nearly 20,000 jobs for North Carolinians overall this year.

“During my tenure, jobs have been my top priority and the enhanced film credit has resulted in thousands of opportunities for North Carolinians as well as created record spending by production companies in the state,” Gov. Bev Perdue said in a statement. “The film industry is thriving once again in our state and we must continue to build on these record-breaking numbers, creating even more opportunities for jobs and economic development.”

Since the North Carolina Film Office was created in 1980, more than 400 projects have filmed in the state, spending over $1 billion total and creating more than 70,000 jobs for actors and crew. “Iron Man 3” and the second season of Showtime’s “Homeland” were filmed in North Carolina in 2012, as were “Safe Haven,” “We’re The Millers,” NBC’s “Revolution,” and many more film and television productions.