CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Outside of New York and Los Angeles, the Carolinas have been a major spot to film movies and TV shows since the 1980s, with everything from "Dirty Dancing" to "The Hunger Games" filming here. The region offers diverse landscapes and a supportive community that attracts filmmakers from around the globe.
However, North Carolina saw a set back in 2016 due to the passing of House Bill 2, also known as the "bathroom bill." The legislation banned local municipalities from enacting non-discriminatory ordinances designed to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community. In response, concerts, corporations and other events like the NBA All-Star Game pulled out of North Carolina. Gov. Roy Cooper repealed HB2 shortly after he started his tenure as governor in 2017.
Now, filming is making a comeback in the Carolinas with Netflix shows like "Outer Banks" and "Love is Blind."
Beth Petty, the director of the Charlotte Regional Film Commission, has been at the forefront of attracting major productions to the area.
"The biggest show that has ever been recruited to the Charlotte area was 'The Hunger Games' -- that was a great win for us," Petty said. "Everybody wanted that show, and we were really fortunate that we got that show ... We have unbelievable locations. We can play almost anything. We've played Afghanistan, we've played Ecuador, we've played New Zealand, the Philippines -- I can't tell you how many times Uptown Charlotte has played New York City."
Petty explained that a combination of factors makes the Carolinas an attractive destination for filmmakers.
"We have a great incentive program here that certainly puts us on the radar screen," she said, adding the Carolinas also benefit from support from local leadership, experienced crew, and direct flight access to New York and Los Angeles.
The Charlotte Regional Film Commission works tirelessly to bring new projects to the area, often going above and beyond to meet production needs.
"Production companies send us their scripts, we break down the locations they need, and assemble a location package," Petty said. "We have thousands of locations in our database and are always looking for more."
And it's not just the big screen where the Carolinas are making their mark. Melissa Carnegie's business, Kicks & Fros, was recently featured in an episode of "Love is Blind" filmed in Charlotte.
"I always tell people, especially entrepreneurs and small business owners, just share your work -- you never know who's watching," Carnegie explained. "They found me on TikTok, on a TikTok video that we shared where we did a customization class."
Carnegie's experience highlights how local businesses can benefit from the influx of film and TV productions.
"After the show aired, it's been a crazy house around here -- a lot of inquiries about date nights, we've actually started [offering] those experiences, which has been fantastic," Carnegie said.
From reality TV to Hollywood blockbusters, the Carolinas are proving to be a versatile and welcoming home for film and television production. This influx not only brings excitement but also significant economic benefits to the region.
"It's a very clean and green industry," Petty said. "You don't have to build a school, you don't need to build a road, they come in and use the facilities, the things that are already here, the locations that are already here. They hire a tremendous amount of people, and spend a lot of money in our area ... It is a win-win situation for everyone."
As the Carolinas continue to attract more productions, the future looks bright for the local film industry and the communities that support it.
Contact Sarah French at Sarah@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.