Lumina News 1/28/15
Small businesses rally for film
With the sunset of North Carolina’s film incentive program at the end of 2014, small businesses are organizing to lobby for the program’s reinstatement while bracing for a drop in local business.
Now with a roster of 229 members, the Small Business for Film organization was founded by a core group of Wilmington small businesses that profited directly and indirectly from the film industry.
Julia’s Florist is one of those founding members and owner Dana Cook said the loss of film productions in southeastern North Carolina would damage her business as well as many other small businesses across the state.
Greater Wilmington Business Journal 1/27/15
New Organization Aims To Redefine Film Incentives As Small Business Incentives
A group of small business owners throughout the state is hoping to make its voice heard in the ongoing discussion of film incentives in North Carolina.
Taking the name Small Business for Film, the group has created a website and is actively soliciting membership from businesses throughout the state that have benefited from the presence – and spending power – of the film and television projects.
The initiative took root recently as several small businesses realized they stood to lose significant revenues if film activity withers and wanted their voices to be heard.
1/15/15
North Carolina Small Business Owners Unite To Preserve Film Incentive
As the legislature reconvenes, a new voice will be heard—the voice of small business owners who want state leaders to know the film incentive is actually a small business incentive—the only small business incentive the state has ever passed. The new organization, Small Business for Film, is working to show legislators that the film incentive generates jobs and revenue throughout the state, giving small businesses the opportunity to thrive.
The statewide group was established in response to concern that legislators do not realize the impact the film and television industry has on small businesses based in North Carolina, and is working to raise awareness about this issue. Small Business for Film maintains that this is a small business issue; not a film industry issue. Without a new incentive package, small businesses are losing revenue and being forced to lay off employees.
Some of the small businesses the film industry frequents include:
- Printers and sign manufacturers
- Florists
- Restaurants and caterers
- Hotels
- Window coverings
- Local retail stores
- Artists
- Calligraphers
- Event rental services
- Photographers
- Videographers
- Physicians
Small businesses throughout the state are registering quickly on the organization’s website http://SmallBusinessForFilm.com. The group is encouraging other small businesses to join the organization. Small Business for Film is also on Facebook and https://twitter.com/SmallBizForFilm (@SmallBizForFilm, #smallbizforfilm).
For more information on Small Business for Film, or to speak with its founding members, contact Brandy Brinson, (910) 619-5811, brandy@parkerbrinson.com, or Claire Parker (910) 742-5023, claire@parkerbrinson.com.
Download a PDF of this release.
WRAL 10/14/14
NC’s film industry shaken as incentive program shifts
When Elizabeth Orr takes one of her company’s two trucks out to a film location, the owner of Luckey Craft Services could find herself serving hot soup in the middle of a field, snacks in a shuttered textile mill or grilled cheese sandwiches in the middle of a river.
The Hollywood Reporter 8/22/14
North Carolina Kills Film Incentives: Which States Benefit?
When North Carolina killed its successful movie/TV incentive program Wednesday, there was immediate concern that other states would follow suit. That concern may not be warranted.
WWAY 7/29/14
Film industry donates thousands to local schools
More than an estimated $40,000 has been donated to New Hanover County Schools since March from film productions that used the schools as locations.