NC budget incentivizes more streaming shows and smaller-budget films

North Carolina's newly-passed state budget shows where tax dollars are slated to go.

TV and film incentives were effected, with some slight changes to the program structure.

The overall recurring fund still tops out at $31,000,000, but this year's budget has made some further tweaks – with the biggest change being that the minimum spend threshold was lowered to provide more access to lower-budget projects.

The maximum grant was also increased, so big productions can get up to $15,000,000 in breaks per season.

This year will go down as a record year with $425,000,000 in production investments so far, with more than a month in the year left to go.

"It reaffirms to the industry that North Carolina is serious about having the industry here in the state and having production continue to take place," said Guy Gaster, NC Film Office director. "Yes, these are viewed as positive, and only further strengthening that stability."

Ultimately the program is about job creation in the TV and film industry here in North Carolina, according to Gaster.

It's not just about landing big feature films: The state's bread and butter production is now in TV and streaming series.

From horror movies to network and streaming shows, crews have worked across the state making content for the large and small screens.

The TV and film grant program that was upgraded about five years ago is credited with the banner year.

The immediate future looks good with growing demand for streaming content, and Gaster believes the incentives help keep North Carolina competitive.