McCrory won’t call lawmakers back for special session

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — In what could be the final nail in the coffin for North Carolina’s film industry, Gov. Pat McCrory says he will not call for the General Assembly to return to Raleigh for a special session.

Many people and even several municipalities had called for a special session on economic development, including considering a new incentive program for the film industry, which was overhauled into a grant program in the state budget.

“It would be counterproductive and a waste of taxpayer money to bring the General Assembly back when there is no agreement in place on issues already voted on,” McCrory said in a video released by his office this afternoon. “However, if a major job recruitment effort develops and it requires legislative support, I will bring lawmakers back to Raleigh.”

Film industry supporters believe without an incentive package similar to the existing one set to expire at the end of this year, the number of movie and TV projects in the state will greatly decrease. The industry says it is responsible for thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in direct and indirect economic impact across the state and especially in the Wilmington area, which has earned the nicknames Wilmywood and Hollywood East for being a hub of productions and the home to EUE/Screen Gems Studios.

There was also a call for the special session to further discuss other incentives used to attract other industries, including some who are considering developing facilities near the Brunswick-Columbus county line.