Major film studio could bring 2,000 local jobs to Charlotte

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By Nate Stewart

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A major film studio is expected to be built in the place Eastland Mall.

Former Bank of America Chairman Ken Lewis is behind the idea to build it.

Officials are held a meeting Wednesday night to discuss the future of Studio Charlotte.

The mall was once one of Charlotte's most popular places and is now being demolished and transformed into a huge movie studio.

They plan to build the second largest movie studio in the United States on 80 acres complete with soundstages.

The private board meeting includes Lewis, and Pauletta Washington, wife of actor Denzel Washington.

Bert Hesse, CEO of Studio Charlotte, said the company is meeting with private investors and has been working with the city's economic development team since August.

"They are looking after the taxpayers' money as they should be but they are trying to make sure this deal happens," Hesse said.

Hesse says the bottom line is jobs.

It will take 1,800 construction workers to build Studio Charlotte and when it's up and running, they will hire up to 2,000 local workers full time.

Members will meet again Thursday to discuss the project and on Nov. 21. Studio Charlotte will present preliminary financial numbers to the city of Charlotte regarding the project.