EUE Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington North Carolina has broken ground on the third largest indoor production stage in the United States. EUE Screen Gems Studios’ executive vice president Bill Vassar welcomed 200 guests including North Carolina Gov. Michael Easley North Carolina Senator Julia Boseman and Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo who all assisted in the groundbreaking ceremony. Chris Cooney COO and president of EUE/Screen Gems was also on hand. With nine stages already in operation Cooney pointed to the investment EUE/Screen Gems has in Wilmington and in the industry. “This comes at an economic time when most private sector investments and film assets will be reconsidered or abandoned. We are committed to North Carolina and are steadfast in our mission to secure the future of filmmaking in Wilmington ” he said. The 37 500-square-foot stage will have 45 vertical feet free of columns with dimensions of 150 by 250 feet. It will also house a massive 10 1/2-foot deep 186 000-gallon tank that will stretch 60 feet by 60 feet. The new stage and tank are part of the existing 50-acre studio lot including nine stages that span from 7 200 to 20 000 square feet. Dubbed the “Dream Stage 10” by Cooney the facility will have the most expansive film and television production stage on the east coast. EUE/Screen Gems www.screengemsstudios.com
