NC lawmakers propose $31 million for film incentives in New Hanover County
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — North Carolina legislative leaders announced Tuesday their support for an additional $31 million in funding for film projects in New Hanover County, a move local film industry workers say could provide much-needed relief after months of uncertainty.
“I’ve seen the many ups and downs of this industry, and I’m hoping we’re on an uphill swing at this point,” said Sean Yaple, who moved to Wilmington 29 years ago to pursue a career in film.
Yaple has worked on projects including R.J. Decker, but said his passion for the industry was tested in recent months after film incentives dried up.
“We had projects that were slated to come out here, but they pulled out immediately when they heard the news,” Yaple said.
On Tuesday, state Sen. Michael Lee and state Rep. Ted Davis announced that additional funds would be allocated to the state’s film grant program.
“We intend to appropriate an additional $31 million by the end of this year,” Lee said.
The funding would come through the state’s film grant program, which provides rebates after productions spend money in North Carolina. The additional $31 million is equal to the entire budget of the North Carolina Film Office.
The allocation would increase the program’s total commitment to $108 million through the 2028 fiscal year.
Lee and Davis, along with Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall, sent a letter to the North Carolina Department of Commerce regarding the additional funding.
Legislators expect a response within two weeks identifying which projects should be prioritized.
“We are appropriating the funds to make sure that North Carolina stays open,” Lee said. “The Legislature doesn’t look at what projects are on the horizon and which ones are out there. That’s something Commerce is doing. We are just making sure that Commerce has the tools so they can attract those productions to our area.”
In a statement, Jessica Bichler, Lee’s opponent in the North Carolina Senate race, criticized the move.
“Moving money around in a broken grant system isn’t a true fix, it’s a cheap trick to court votes a month before Election Day,” Bichler said. “Our film community needs a lasting solution to bring film projects back to New Hanover County. Lawmakers should revert to the film rebate system used prior to 2014, which allowed our film industry in New Hanover to flourish.”
Lee said the General Assembly will also discuss internal protocols, procedures and processes to ensure film funds are allocated lawfully in the future.
For local crew members such as Yaple, however, the additional funding is only a short-term measure for a problem that requires a longer-term solution.
“We need a long-term solution, and we need stability,” Yaple said.
The additional funding is expected to be made available before Dec. 31.
