When Governor Josh Stein signed the latest state budget, it included a key revision to the Department of Commerce’s film‑and‑entertainment grant program: incentives will now be awarded only on a year‑to‑year basis. The shift from multi‑year spending plans to annual allocations has already prompted Netflix’s reality series The Hunting Wives to look elsewhere for its third season.
Production decision tied to incentive uncertainty
Commerce officials told WRAL News that the new structure played a direct role in the show’s decision to relocate. While Lionsgate, the series’ producer, has not commented, the department expressed disappointment, noting that the show was the first to abandon North Carolina because of the change.
Lawmakers blame the administration
Republican House Speaker Destin Hall (R‑Caldwell) argued that the departure reflects “mismanagement” by the Stein administration, not the budget itself. Hall’s spokesperson emphasized that the only legislative adjustments to the film grant program this year were an increase in the maximum funding a project may request and an additional $15 million in appropriations—$5 million more than the governor’s original request.
Governor’s office defends the policy
In response, the governor’s office reiterated the film industry’s significance to North Carolina’s economy, citing a reported $185 million economic impact in 2025 and thousands of jobs created. The statement stressed the need for “certainty” for producers investing long‑term in the state.
Why stable incentives matter
Film and television production has become a lucrative sector for North Carolina, drawing both out‑of‑state capital and local employment. Consistent, predictable incentives help attract and retain projects, ensuring that the state continues to benefit from the multiplier effect of on‑location filming.
Next steps for the Commerce Department
The department said it will work with the General Assembly to restore flexibility for production companies, hoping to prevent further departures. Stakeholders, including local businesses that serve film crews, are watching closely as the debate over the grant structure unfolds.
Community impact
Beyond the headline‑making Netflix series, smaller productions also rely on the state’s incentive program. Any erosion of confidence could affect a broader range of jobs, from set construction to hospitality, that support families across the state.
As the conversation continues, North Carolina’s film industry and its advocates will likely press lawmakers for a policy that balances fiscal responsibility with the competitive incentives needed to keep cameras rolling in the Tar Heel State.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
