Film studio wants N.C. to raise incentives for industry
A Wilmington film studio is calling on lawmakers to boost film industry incentives to keep North Carolina competitive after the state lost out to Georgia as the film location for the Walt Disney Co.movie “The Last Song.”
EUE/Screen Gems Studios wants the state to boost its tax credit on film-making goods and services from 15 percent to 25 percent.
On April 9, Disney and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced that the film, starring Miley Cyrus, would be filmed in and around Savannah.
Bill Vassar, executive vice president for EUE/Screen Gems Studios, estimates North Carolina lost more than $10 million in spending and 200 jobs that Disney will instead bring to Georgia. Georgia offers filmmakers a 20 percent tax credit.
Several states offer tax credits larger than what’s available in North Carolina. Michigan offers 40 percent, Connecticut 30 percent and New Mexico 25 percent.
