Western North Carolina Economic Development Group

Make the most of your production dollars by spending them in Western North Carolina. The State of North Carolina launched an attractive new Film Incentive Program in January 2007. Production companies that spend at least $250,000 in North Carolina on motion picture or television production are eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 15% of in-state spending for labor, goods and services.

Eligible film productions include theatrical, television, and direct-to-video/DVD features, episodic television series, television mini-series, animation productions, and commercials — except for news, sporting event coverage, and political advertising. For purposes of this tax credit, an episodic TV series is considered one production

Details about the refundable tax credit and other incentives for producing films and television programs in North Carolina are available from the North Carolina Film Office.

Sales & Use Tax Break
A reduced “privilege tax” of only 1% (the current sales and use tax is 4.25%) is also available for film production-related purchases made in-state. A company must register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for the purpose of remitting the privilege tax by completing an exemption certificate with an assigned account number. The company will then furnish the completed certificate to a seller as authority for exempting the sale of eligible property from sales and use tax. For details contact:

Tax Payer Assistance
NC Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 25000
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602
Toll Free: 877/252-3052

Additional State Advantages

Other advantages come with the territory if you make your film in North Carolina. The state offers filmmakers:

A Right-to-Work state welcoming union, non-union and mixed productions

A strong, industry-tested reputation

Beautiful and diverse locations

Experienced crews

A growing infrastructure

A temperate climate with four distinct seasons that generate greenery, colorful foliage and snow. Visit our Locations page

No-hassle filming. Almost no standing fees, permits, or regulations, and where there are, the Western North Carolina Film Commission will help cut the red tape

Media Arts Advantage Fund
The Daniel DeLaVergne Media Arts Advantage Fund is a joint program between the Media Arts Project (MAP) and AdvantageWest Economic Development Group. To apply visit www.themap.org.

Fund Overview and Objectives
The purpose of the Fund is to provide support to media artists working in or based out of western North Carolina. Awards will be based on applicants artistic merit and the strength of their submitted proposal. The Funds primary goal is to foster regional talent through much needed direct project funding. Successful projects will enhance the visibility and interest in all forms of media art, attract new talent to the region, and serve as a sustainable catalyst for the creative economy.

MAP Overview
Western North Carolina's Media Arts Project was established in 2000 to promote media arts in and around Asheville. Composed of creative professionals and artists throughout the region, the MAP was formally incorporated in early 2004 and aggressively pursued the goal of cultivating arts and media through the use of innovative technology. The MAP provides exhibition programming, professional development, outreach, and education, driven by the belief that the media arts are integral to a vibrant cultural and economic life.

Incentives & Capital