WILMINGTON, N.C. — Gov. Perdue today signed Executive Order #121, reestablishing the North Carolina Film Council, at a ceremony at EUE Screen Gems studios in Wilmington, home to the largest studio lot east of California. The North Carolina Film Council advises the Governor on film industry matters and serves as a forum for film-making concerns and recommendations.

In addition to reestablishing the council, the new executive order will add duties related to the following:

* assisting in ongoing development and growth of the N.C. film industry;
* supporting fiscal incentives that help North Carolina remain competitive in recruiting films;
* assisting in developing a marketing strategy for the N.C. Film Office; and
* monitoring the North Carolina film industry and assist in developing protocol to measure filmmaking activities in North Carolina.

Earlier this summer, Perdue signed a film tax credit bill (SB 943) allowing production companies a 25 percent tax credit for film projects in North Carolina, up from the previous credit of 15 percent.

More than 2,500 North Carolinians are employed in the film industry. In 2008 it contributed $92 million in direct spending to our economy, and $160 million in 2007. Recent major motion pictures filmed in the state include “Nights in Rodanthe,” “Leatherheads” and “The Secret Life of Bees.” The N.C. film industry is also home to the CW Network’s “One Tree Hill” TV series as well as hundreds of commercial and industrial productions each year throughout the state.

More than 800 movies have been filmed in North Carolina. The state is well known for supporting its motion picture industry with a strong infrastructure and a bevy of locations that can stand in for sites throughout the world. North Carolina boasts an exceptional variety of filming locations from the mountains to the coast, and a world-class film industry infrastructure. Wilmington’s EUE Screen Gems recently opened the largest film and television production soundstage on the East Coast.

or more details on the N.C. Film Office, go to www.ncfilm.com.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Gov. Bev Perdue Thursday signed Senate Bill 943 allowing production companies a 25 percent tax credit for film projects in North Carolina, up from the previous credit of 15 percent.  The bill also sets minimum spending and hiring requirements for qualifying film companies working in the state.

“This legislation will help grow our $91 million motion picture industry, preserve and create thousands of jobs and increase investments in yet another emerging economic cluster,” said Perdue. “Providing a strong foundation for North Carolina’s film industry is essential as we work to build a strong and sustainable economy through increased diversification.”

Companies must spend a minimum of $250,000 on production costs in the state to be eligible for the tax credit.  The bill, sponsored by Sen. Linda Garrou (D-Forsyth) also requires companies to meet hiring requirements for North Carolinians and other criteria to qualify for the incentive.

“This incentive will help keep film production in North Carolina,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco.  “It will be a major boost for the film industry and allow us to compete on a level playing field in a vital and growing global market.”

“During these tough economic times, it’s critical to continue making investments that will grow jobs in our state,” said Sen. Linda Garrou (D-Forsyth). “This legislation will help expand North Carolina’s motion picture economy and create new employment opportunities across our state.”

SB 943 ensures North Carolina remains a strong competitor for film production dollars, which totaled $91 million in direct spending in 2008.  The industry employs more than 2,500 statewide.  Recent major motion pictures filmed in the state include “Nights in Rodanthe,” “Leatherheads” and “The Secret Life of Bees.”  The N.C. film industry is also home to the CW Network’s “One Tree Hill” TV series as well as hundreds of commercial and industrial productions each year throughout the state.

More than 800 movies have been filmed in North Carolina.  The state is well known for supporting its motion picture industry with a strong infrastructure and a bevy of locations that can stand in for sites throughout the world.  North Carolina boasts an exceptional variety of filming locations from the mountains to the coast, and a world-class film industry infrastructure. Wilmington’s EUE Screen Gems, home of the largest studio lot east of California, recently opened the largest film and television production soundstage on the East Coast.

More details on the N.C. Film Office

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue finally is getting around to handling more than 100 bills left on her desk by the Legislature when it adjourned two weeks ago.

Perdue’s office said she signed 20 bills into law Wednesday, including one that attempts to fix the state’s coastal property insurance program.

Reforms to the Beach Plan allow state regulators to place a surcharge on every property insurance policy in the state should hurricane damage claims exceed $2.4 billion. The law also reduces the maximum value for which a home can be insured by the plan.

Perdue hadn’t acted upon any of the 108 bills until now. She has until Sept. 10 to sign or veto remaining bills. Bills not considered by then automatically become law.

RALEIGH, N.C.  – North Carolina legislators stung by the last-minute loss of a Miley Cyrus movie took the first step toward sweetening the state’s tax incentives to attract film and television productions.

The state Senate’s Finance Committee on Wednesday approved legislation to raise the income tax break for production companies from 15 percent to 25 percent. The measure now moves to the full Senate as lawmakers are in late-stage talks on cutting spending and raising taxes to produce a balanced budget for the year beginning in July.

Republican opponents of the expanded tax break said the timing is wrong since teachers will be laid off and other important services cut. Supporters said it will attract new productions and create jobs.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed June 2009 as Motion Picture Industry Month, recognizing and celebrating the state’s successful film industry.

“When people make films in North Carolina, it means jobs for our people and economic benefits for our economy,” Perdue said. “We are proud of our great history in the industry and look forward to having a leading role in film development for North Carolina.”

The motion picture industry brought $91 million in direct spending to North Carolina in 2008. The industry also employs thousands of people throughout the state.

Recent major motion pictures that have filmed in the state include, “Nights in Rodanthe,” “Leatherheads” and “The Secret Life of Bees.” The CW Network’s popular “One Tree Hill” TV series and hundreds of commercial and industrial productions are filmed each year in North Carolina.

To celebrate Motion Picture Industry Month, North Carolina’s motion picture industry community gathered in Raleigh today, at Halifax Mall, to show support for the state’s impressive film legacy and for the motion picture industry’s key role in supporting the state’s economy.

More than 800 motion pictures have been filmed in North Carolina, and the state has long been known for supporting its motion picture industry with strong infrastructure, including education and training, and diverse locations that can stand in for sites throughout the world.

Wilmington’s EUE Screen Gems, home of the largest studio lot east of California, recently opened the biggest film and television production soundstage on the East Coast.

The N.C. Film Office, part of the Commerce Department’s Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development, is participating in the June 11 celebration. The Film Office is a long-standing and active member of the Association of Film Commissioners International, an industry organization with 250 film commission members from 30 countries. Aligning with six regional film commissions, the statewide office assists filmmakers with all aspects of production. For more information, visit www.ncfilm.com.