Regional Film Commission Studio Shoot Benefits
WILMINGTON, N.C. – November 20, 2025 – Regional film commissions across the United States generated more than $300 million in direct in-state spending from studio productions in 2024, with localized economic benefits extending far beyond initial production budgets, according to new data from state economic development agencies.
Film productions across North Carolina alone generated over $300 million in direct spending last year, part of a cumulative $1 billion economic impact since 2014, officials from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina reported. This figure represents only direct expenditures and does not account for secondary economic ripples into communities where filming occurs. A typical studio production on location spends more than $50,000 daily on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local labor, according to industry analyses.
The economic multiplier effect of studio shoots creates enduring value for regional economies. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that state film incentives, which typically subsidize 20-30% of qualified production expenditures, have become critical competitive tools. Between June 2022 and June 2023, New Mexico added nearly 40,000 jobs statewide, with median hourly wages for film industry workers reaching $35.51—an increase of 21% over 12 months. Regional commissions facilitate this growth by guiding productions through incentive programs that can offer up to 25-35% in refundable tax credits, directly reducing production costs while maximizing local investment.
“Every major studio project is an economic development initiative for the community where it’s shot,” said Johnny Griffin, director of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission. “When Dark Horse Stages expanded its Wilmington campus with four sound stages and support facilities, that represented over $20 million invested directly into our local economy. That money doesn’t just disappear—it circulates through our hotels, hardware stores, catering companies, and construction firms.”
The infrastructure development catalyzed by studio production creates permanent regional assets. Modern film commissions maintain digital location libraries, coordinate permitting across jurisdictions, and manage road closures or special effects authorizations. This facilitation reduces production timelines and costs, making regions more competitive for future projects. In Utah, the Film Ready Utah program qualifies cities and counties across the state to capitalize on production opportunities, while the state’s right-to-work policy allows both union and non-union crew to work on productions, expanding employment access.
Local business ecosystems experience measurable, sustained growth. The six major Motion Picture Association member companies spend an average of $693 million annually at more than 11,000 vendors in Georgia alone, with thousands of those businesses operating outside traditional film-related sectors. Landscaping companies, construction firms, caterers, and hardware stores all benefit. In Wilmington, local transportation companies have permanently expanded fleets post-production to accommodate ongoing business from the entertainment sector. Hotel occupancy from a single major production can exceed 25,000 room nights, with the March 2021 filming of “Gasoline Alley” in Tifton generating over $120,000 in hotel revenue alone.
Workforce development represents another critical benefit. Regional film commissions maintain crew directories connecting productions with local talent, creating pathways for residents to enter high-paying technical positions. Film industry wages significantly outperform national averages, and consistent production activity builds a skilled labor pool that attracts subsequent projects. This cycle transforms temporary shoots into permanent industry hubs, as demonstrated by Cinespace Studios’ 2023 acquisition of the former EUE/Screen Gems campus in Wilmington, ensuring continued multi-stage production capacity.
Tourism and cultural exposure generate long-term returns that extend beyond production timelines. The Georgia Film Office reports that film tourism brings visitors to iconic locations, creating additional “heads in beds” and retail spending. Santa Barbara’s wine region experienced a sustained travel boom following “Sideways,” with Pinot Noir sales increasing 30% and international tourists flocking to the area years after release. Danville, California, continues receiving visitors to a restaurant featured in “Mrs. Doubtfire” decades after filming concluded, demonstrating the enduring promotional value of screen exposure.
About the Wilmington Regional Film Commission
The Wilmington Regional Film Commission serves as the primary liaison between film, television, and multimedia productions and the regional community. The commission provides location scouting assistance, permitting support, incentive guidance, and workforce connection services to maximize economic benefits for southeastern North Carolina. Through strategic partnerships with municipalities, economic development agencies, and local businesses, the commission has facilitated more than $1 billion in direct production spending since 2014.
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