Film and television productions in North Carolina generated an estimated $185.5 million in direct spending across the state in 2025, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This figure marks the fourth-highest annual total since the introduction of the current North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant program in 2015.
Governor Josh Stein commented on the impact of film production: “Film production is important to North Carolina, generating economic activity and supporting more than 7,000 jobs across the state last year. Producers know when they choose North Carolina, they’ll find a supportive environment with an experienced workforce that understands and meets their needs.”
In 2025, a total of 38 film and television projects were produced in nearly half of North Carolina’s counties, ranging from feature films and TV series to commercials and independent works. These activities resulted in over 7,000 job opportunities for crew members, talent, and background extras.
The state’s film grant program played a significant role, with 11 pre-approved projects contributing more than $179 million in direct spending within North Carolina during the year.
Notable television and streaming series filmed in different regions included “Beast Games” Season 2 (Northeast and Southeast), “Top Chef” Season 23 (Southwest), “Blue Ridge: The Series” Season 2 (Southwest), “RJ Decker” Season 1 (Southeast), and “The Hunting Wives” Season 2 (Southwest). Feature-length films such as “Bad Counselors,” “Driver’s Ed,” “May and the Woodsman,” “The Bard,” and “Widow” were also produced across various regions.
Major national brands like AutoZone, Food Lion, and Mack Trucks chose locations throughout North Carolina for commercials, utilizing the state’s diverse landscapes. Local productions included films like “Long Drive to Yadkin,” “Pretty Ugly,” “A Good Fight,” “Venus: The Fibonacci Sequence,” as well as segments of “Military Makeover with Montel.”
Production activity extended benefits beyond entertainment jobs by supporting local businesses involved in accommodations, catering, transportation, construction, and services statewide.
North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley stated: “Film and entertainment projects not only bring good jobs for the state’s production workers generate customers for North Carolina small businesses. Many of the goods and services that keep these productions humming are provided by the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our state’s economy.”
Several projects filmed previously debuted or streamed during 2025. Television series such as “The Waterfront,” “The Runarounds,” Season 3 of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” and Season 1 of “The Hunting Wives” premiered after being shot earlier. Feature films released included titles like “Roofman,” “Christy,””Merv,” and critically acclaimed drama “A Little Prayer.”
Looking ahead to 2026, ongoing productions include further work on “RJ Decker,” a new season of “The Hunting Wives,” as well as a made-for-television movie titled “A Grand Biltmore Christmas.”
Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office said: “North Carolina’s film and television industry has evolved into a dynamic, year-round economic driver. Our incentive program, combined with a skilled local workforce and unmatched geographic diversity, continues to attract productions that deliver jobs and investment statewide. As we look back on 2025 and forward into 2026, North Carolina remains highly competitive in the global production marketplace.”
Under the current grant system administered by the Department of Commerce—and promoted by Visit NC through its Film Office—production companies must meet specific spending requirements before receiving rebates after successful audits at project completion.
Further details about incentives can be found at filmnc.com.
