Film and Entertainment Grant Program

The North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce in partnership with the North Carolina Film Office, which operates under the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Established under state statute, the program is designed to attract and retain film, television, and commercial production activity within the state. Its primary objective is to stimulate economic development, increase employment opportunities, and promote North Carolina as a competitive destination for media production by offering financial incentives tied to in-state spending. The program provides financial assistance in the form of a rebate of up to 25 percent on qualifying expenses incurred within North Carolina. Eligible production types include feature-length films, made-for-television movies, episodic television series, commercials, documentaries, animation productions, and other forms of digital content. To qualify, productions must meet minimum in-state spending thresholds, including at least $1.5 million for feature films, $500,000 for made-for-television movies, $500,000 per episode for television series, and $250,000 for commercial productions. Grant awards are subject to caps based on production type, with maximum awards of $15 million per television season, $7 million for feature-length films and television movies, and $250,000 for commercials. The program is funded through a recurring state appropriation of $31 million per fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. There is no sunset date for the program, and any unused funds roll over into subsequent fiscal years, effectively making the program functionally uncapped over time. Awards are made at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce, subject to statutory requirements and available funding. Production companies must secure at least 75 percent of their project financing prior to applying and must demonstrate that qualifying expenses are incurred within the state. The application process begins with the submission of an Intent to Film Notification form to the North Carolina Film Office. This preliminary step allows the Film Office to assess whether the production meets eligibility criteria. Upon approval, applicants are invited to submit a formal application to the Department of Commerce. Applications must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the start of principal photography and may be submitted up to 180 days in advance. Required application materials include detailed production information such as budgets, staffing plans, production schedules, scripts, and estimated in-state expenditures. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, typically at least once per month, until available funds are allocated. Evaluation criteria include the anticipated economic impact of the production, such as total in-state spending, job creation for North Carolina residents, and the extent to which the production showcases the state’s locations and promotes tourism. Additional considerations include investments in local infrastructure, production activities in economically distressed areas, and whether the project represents a recurring series with continued production in the state. Grant funds are reimbursed after the completion of production activities and submission of verified qualifying expenses. An independent audit conducted by a North Carolina-licensed certified public accountant is required to confirm compliance with program guidelines. Qualifying expenses include goods, services, wages, fringe benefits, per diems, and living expenses incurred within the state, while certain costs such as marketing, financing, and insurance are excluded. Payments are typically issued within 30 days following approval of the compliance audit. The program includes strict compliance and accountability requirements, including provisions for recapturing funds if eligibility conditions are not met. Productions must also adhere to content restrictions, as projects containing material deemed obscene or harmful to minors are ineligible. Additionally, recipients are required to include appropriate screen credit acknowledging North Carolina’s support. The North Carolina Film Office provides ongoing assistance throughout the process, including help with permitting, location sourcing, and coordination with local agencies. For further information, applicants may contact the Film Office directly by phone or email.

Prioritize strong in state spending hiring local crew and highlighting North Carolina locations to improve competitiveness