[Watch] Bill approval would increase incentives for N.C. filming
From News 14 Carolina
WILMINGTON – State lawmakers have passed a bill meant to boost incentives for film makers. If the governor signs it, movies shot in North Carolina will qualify for a 25 percent tax credit starting in January, an increase from the current 15 percent incentive.
“It gets down to the bottom line with these producers,” Bryan Kupko, of Wilmington Camera Services, said. “They don’t care about the infrastructure. They don’t care about the crews. They don’t care about equipment that’s in the area. All they care about is the incentive.
And that keeps a lot of talent and knowledge in the state.
“Some of my friend have migrated to other states to work,” Chad Oliver, a prep technician, said. “I don’t get to see them anymore at work. Our crew basis is going to come back now.
To qualify for the incentive, production companies must spend $250,000 in the state.
“We will not be giving anybody incentives unless we make some money,” Sen. Linda Garrou said. “You can get zero for zero, or you can get a percentage of something, and that’s what we are going to get.”
Proponents of the bill say losing a major production to Georgia in June encouraged lawmakers to get the bill passed.
“I think that really helped bring the governor on board,” Sen. Julia Boseman said. “She has been very active in talking to chairs in the House and others to try to get this bill passed.”
Since 2007, North Carolina lost at least 20 big productions, according to the State Film Office.
By comparison, Louisiana and Georgia offer a 30 percent film tax credit. North Carolina caught up to South Carolina, which offers a 20 to 25 percent incentive.
Lawmakers made January the effective date for the increased incentives so it does not affect the state budget.
Industry leaders call 2007 the last good year for movie making in North Carolina, when 12 films were made in the state.
