Film executives, lawmakers urge 1-year extension on film tax credits by NC General Assembly

North Carolina House members and film industry leaders argue anything short of a one-year extension on current tax credits for movie and TV production expenses will mean lost jobs in the state.

Wilmington-area lawmakers and film executives held a Legislative Building news conference Wednesday to push for retaining the current incentives program through 2015 while the General Assembly studies the credits more closely.

The current tax credit is set to expire at year's end.

Bill Vassar with EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington says without incentives, video productions will go to other states, much like they did in recent years when Canada sweetened the pot for filmmakers. They cite a study showing the industry generates 4,000 jobs in the state.

Film incentives are part of the ongoing budget negotiations.