(The Center Square) – Third season streaming series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” and new series “The Hunting Wives,” “The Waterfront,” and “The Runarounds” helped North Carolina generate more than $302 million in direct spending for 2024.
The state Department of Commerce says that’s the third highest total since 2000.
“This year’s success highlights the continued evolution of North Carolina’s film industry and our reputation as a location that offers filmmakers exceptional talent, diverse locations, and a robust incentive program,” Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office, said in a release. “As we head into a new year with dozens of projects already in the pipeline, we remain dedicated to fostering an environment that strengthens our communities and drives economic growth and look forward to building upon our strong momentum.”
The Department of Commerce, with promotion by the Film Office, administers the North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant program. The role is to “provide financial assistance to attract feature film, television, and streaming productions that stimulate economic activity and create jobs in the state,” the release says. No money goes out up front; rather, in-state spending requirements must be met to qualify for grant funds paid out as a rebate upon completion of the project and an audit of production spending.
Other streaming series in 2024 in North Carolina were “100 Day Hotel Challenge,” “Battle on the Beach” and “Blue Ridge.” Feature-length films shot in the state included “Apopka/Christy Martin Biopic,” “Capsized,” “Deadly Intentions,” “Henry’s Ebb,” “Merv,” “Roofman,” “The Double,” “The Gardener,” and “The Shot.”
