Film and television productions generated $185.5 million in economic activity within North Carolina in 2025, marking the fourth-highest yearly total since the state’s current film incentive program began in 2015, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
The figure represents in-state spending related to feature films, streaming series, reality television, and other productions. This economic activity supported more than 7,000 jobs across the state, Governor Josh Stein stated. Productions filmed throughout the year included season two of Beast Games, season 23 of Top Chef, season two of Blue Ridge: The Series, the first season of RJ Decker, and season two of The Hunting Wives, alongside films like Bad Counselors and Driver’s Ed.
Guy Gaster, director of the North Carolina Film Office, highlighted the state’s diverse natural settings and a skilled local workforce as key factors attracting productions. Activity took place in 45 of North Carolina’s 100 counties during 2025. Eleven projects pre-approved for rebates through the state’s film grant program accounted for over $179 million of the total in-state spending.
Despite the recent success, Gaster acknowledged growing challenges facing the domestic film industry. He cited upcoming labor negotiations and increasing globalization as potential headwinds. “Production companies are finding it cheaper to go to European countries, to go to the Oceania countries, with Recent Zealand and Australia,” Gaster said. “They are finding it to be a better business practice to shoot overseas and bring the projects back.”
Gaster indicated that North Carolina currently lacks a definitive solution to address this trend. Potential industry-wide responses include the implementation of tariffs or the development of a more competitive national film incentive program. He emphasized that North Carolina’s incentive program, combined with its workforce and geographic diversity, continues to attract investment.
The $185.5 million figure represents a slight increase over the previous year’s total, but remains below the state’s highest recorded production spend. The North Carolina Film Office has not yet announced specific strategies to counter the increasing appeal of international production locations.
