Wilmington Studio Eyes Charlotte for Expansion

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Wilmington's EUE Screen Gems Studios says it's looking at building a couple of sound stages in Charlotte if the state boosts its film incentives.

EUE Screen Gems Executive Vice President Bill Vassar says if the state boosts its incentive package to 25% then the studio will need to expand to accommodate the rise in productions.

Vassar says studios are built in pairs, and the project would be large enough for a feature film or TV series.

"We can't recreate Cold Mountain in Wilmington, that can only go down in the western part of the state. So there are going to be major studios in L.A. looking for other locations."

Another thing Charlotte has that Wilmington lacks is an airport offering direct flights to L.A.

Opponents to film incentives say it's not fair to slash education and health care while giving Hollywood tax breaks. They also fear the industry will never be happy with the tax credits it's given.

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