ONLY ON 3: Independent projects could be the future of film in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Over the last few months a number of shows have packed up and moved on from Hollywood East, but don’t count the industry out yet. Some local talent are trying to revitalize the entertainment business here in the Port City.

“We had to film a short film or an episode of something as our last project but I decided I wanted to go bigger with it,” said Eric Benner, the writer and director of Cinema Slackers.

What started out as a final for the film program at Cape Fear Community College turned into a full fledged first season for the Cinema Slackers web series.

“It’s a PG-13 comedy kind of the style of comedy of like Workaholics or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia but not as R rated as those shows,” Benner said.

With a local cast and crew, Cinema Slackers just might be a mini renaissance for Wilmywood.

“Everyone just got together and they were doing it for fun and there was no like stress there was no tension. Never was there ever a moment where it wasn’t fun,” said Sidnie Work who acted on the show.

Benner said the doom and gloom of other projects leaving didn’t slow them down one bit.

“They might have left, but this is still what we love to do. And it’s something we’ve all wanted to do for a long time. It’s a project we were very passionate about. And we just wanted to see it be made so we went out and did it. And sometimes that’s just all you need to do. You just need to stop thinking about all these places leaving and just go out and do something,” Benner said.

Independent projects could be the future of Hollywood East.

“It’s still here. Whether or not people realize it or not, there’s still people making films. There’s students, there is independent … It’s happening whether people say it’s here or not,” said Work.

To watch the premiere episode click HERE.

To check out the Cinema Slacker Facebook page click HERE.