10/07/2026
Long post, but worth the read: There's good news and bad news. If you're short on time - just read the headline of the Port City Daily below, or read the entire article.
First, the good news: There are exciting things happening in the Piedmont Triad’s film industry. Independent filmmakers continue to create, hire local people, use local businesses, and spend money here. Astrogenesis and Far From Me have filmed in recent months, and tomorrow, Sheila Got Bangs begins production in Rockingham County!
That is why yesterday’s press conference in Wilmington was such a disappointing—and revealing—surprise, and the bad news.
NC’s film industry is a statewide economic-development asset. Our crews, filmmakers, hotels, caterers, rental companies, restaurants, property owners, and countless small businesses outside Wilmington deserve to be part of the conversation and part of the opportunity.
Yet once again, decisions are being made in a way that appears to concentrate film business in one area of the state while communities such as ours continue working to compete—despite having talented crew, outstanding locations, film-school graduates, and proven economic results.
Senator Phil Berger, whose district includes Rockingham County, signed onto this effort while a feature film is literally beginning production in Rockingham tomorrow. That should concern every crew member, filmmaker, vendor, and support business in this region. Our elected officials should be fighting to bring more production opportunity to their constituents—not supporting policies or deals that direct that opportunity elsewhere.
We need a statewide film strategy that gives every region a fair chance to compete.
Please contact your NC House and Senate members and let them know that the Piedmont Triad—and all of North Carolina—deserves film-policy decisions that create opportunity statewide - not just in one specific region.
https://www.ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators
I would genuinely like to hear from the crew, filmmakers, vendors, and businesses outside the Wilmington area: How do you feel about today’s news?
https://portcitydaily.com/arts-and-culture/2026/10/06/local-legislators-secure-31m-more-for-film-prioritize-southeastern-nc-shot-productions/
[Ed. note: This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.] NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The North Carolina General Assembly’s top brass have agreed to infuse more money into the state’s…
