Governor Josh Stein announced in Wilmington that three television-streaming series and four independent feature-length films have been selected to receive North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grants. The productions are projected to create over 3,800 jobs statewide and spend more than $131.6 million at various locations across North Carolina.
The announcement was made at Bespoke Coffee Shop, a previous filming location for “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which also received grant support in the past.
“North Carolina is home to a thriving TV and film industry, and it’s only getting stronger,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These grants support this vital economic activity that benefits small businesses and suppliers across the state.”
The approved TV/streaming projects include the “RJ Decker Pilot” with up to $2.8 million awarded for filming in Greater Wilmington; season two of “Beast Games,” filmed around Pitt and New Hanover counties with an award of up to $15 million; and season 23 of “Top Chef,” set to be filmed in Charlotte with a grant rebate of up to $2.5 million.
For feature-length films, “Drivers Ed” concluded principal photography using locations in New Hanover, Pender, and Orange counties with an approved grant of up to $1.835 million. “Bad Counselors” filmed in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties with a grant of up to $2.03 million. “The Bard” is finishing production in the Piedmont Triad area with approval for up to $4.6 million, while “May and the Woodsman” will use sites in the Piedmont Triad and Northwest Prosperity Zones with an award of up to $412,500.
“It’s great to see more film productions underway in our state,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “In addition to the direct spending these productions bring, they also increase North Carolina’s visibility as a tourist destination, visibility that leads to increased visitor spending as well.”
Several recent productions supported by these grants have gained recognition at major festivals or on streaming platforms. Films such as Roofman, Christy, and Drivers Ed were selected for the Toronto International Film Festival. Other titles like The Runarounds (Prime Video), The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video), The Waterfront (Netflix), Monster Summer (Showtime/Paramount+) are now available on streaming services.
“A flourishing film industry in our state is a win-win, bringing economic benefits and job opportunities to our residents and elevating North Carolina’s presence on the global stage,” said Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office. “We’re committed to nurturing this symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and the communities that make North Carolina an exceptional destination for cinematic storytelling.”
The Film and Entertainment Grant program aims to attract productions that generate economic activity within North Carolina by offering rebates after companies meet direct local spending requirements—funds are paid out following project completion audits rather than upfront payments. The program is managed by the Department of Commerce alongside promotion from VisitNC’s Economic Development Partnership through the North Carolina Film Office.
More information can be found on the North Carolina Film Office website.
