Screen Gems looks at expanding in Charlotte

I’m sure this is just Business As Usual, but at least two things occur to me about this news: The first is that Wilmington ought to feel (of course!) completely manipulated by this kind of extortionary talk from the studios. It’s so common we don’t even blink at how pushy these statements are: If you give us these obscene incentives, then maybe we’ll consider investing a little more in the state. It’s status quo, I realize, but the states in these negotiations look like Donner Party-goers fighting over loose forearms.

The other thing, as I was mentioning to a friend yesterday evening, is that this may not be an “expansion” at all but a replacement. The fact, presented below, that Charlotte has a closer airport and maybe some greener pastures industry-wise suggests that a new location may not simply take up the overflow, as is stated, but take over production in yet another cost-saving move by the studio: Charlotte’s cheaper and easier to get to, so move ourselves there and call it a boon for Wilmington. Blech.

From WHQR news this week:

WILMINGTON, NC (whqr) – Wilmington’s EUE Screen Gems Studios says it’s looking at building a couple of sound stages in Charlotte if the state boosts its film incentives.

EUE Screen Gems Executive Vice President Bill Vassar says if the state boosts its incentive package to 25% then the studio will need to expand to accommodate the rise in productions.

Vassar says studios are built in pairs, and the project would be large enough for a feature film or TV series.

“We can’t recreate Cold Mountain in Wilmington, that can only go down in the western part of the state. So there are going to be major studios in L.A. looking for other locations.”

Another thing Charlotte has that Wilmington lacks is an airport offering direct flights to L.A.

Opponents to film incentives say it’s not fair to slash education and health care while giving Hollywood tax breaks. They also fear the industry will never be happy with the tax credits it’s given.