North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue has signed a new 25 percent film incentive into law that took effect last month. The new legislation broadens qualifying expenses including but not limited to labor fringe benefits (including health pension and welfare contributions); per diems stipends and living expenses; most importantly it raises the overall project eligibility cap from $7.5 million to $20 million per project. The new legislation also repeals the corporate income tax on incentives taken by production companies. Productions can begin taking advantage of this incentive immediately and file on their 2011 taxable year return. Gov. Perdue visited Los Angeles film executives in March to promote the legislation. The motion picture industry brought more than $326 million in direct spending to North Carolina over the past three years. “North Carolina is a top destination for film and television. It turns the economic engines in our state. Our incentive is strong and competitive because we’re serious about bringing business to North Carolina. We have excellent crew here. They’re considered among the best in the business ” says Aaron Syrett director of the North Carolina Film Office. During the past 27 years North Carolina has been home to more than 800 films and 15 television series. Most recently North Carolina served as the backdrop for Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Leatherheads and Nights in Rodanthe. For six seasons North Carolina was home to the WB's Dawson's Creek. Last month the CW's One Tree Hill started filming its eighth season in the state. North Carolina Film Office www.ncfilm.com
