NC lawmakers hope to extend existing film incentives

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Leaders in North Carolina are hoping they'll be able to extend the state's existing film incentives, set to expire later this year.     
                  
The North Carolina secretary of commerce said the plan is to have legislation ready for lawmaker's short session in May.

The Charlotte area has been used for several network and cable shows, including Homeland, Sleepy Hollow and Banshee.

Gov. Pat McCrory said film production brought more than $250 million to the state last year.

His office reports 60 productions registered with the film office in 2013, creating more than 25,000 full-time and temporary jobs for people in the state.

The renewal of film incentives could have a big impact on a multimillion dollar studio project planned for the former Eastland Mall.

Mayor Pat Cannon said all the work done to attract and plan Studio Charlotte would be useless if the film credits aren't renewed.

The developer wants the city to set aside $37 million for the project.

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