Is Charlotte the new Hollywood of the South?
By Suzanne Bledsoe
        
Today we heard from Beth Petty, the Director of The Charlotte Regional Film Commission, a division of The Charlotte Regional Partnership, Inc. The Charlotte Regional Film Commission promotes on-location filmmaking within our 16 county region, which includes 12 counties in North Carolina and 4 in South Carolina. In her role, Beth seeks sights for filming movies, commercials, television productions and still photography. The Commission, under Beth's leadership, serves as a "hub" for all related activities, including scouting services, sight locations, information on local processes, and procurement of crews, equipment, stages and sports facilities and support services. The Commission also acts as a liaison for federal, state, city and county governments.
 
Charlotte is a particularly attractive location for film and production companies because it has a great crew base (over 400 skilled workers), four major equipment vendors, a variety of locations and suitable studios and is easily accessible through major airlines and airport connections. We have great weather, varying topographies, small town as well as big city landscapes, and hospitable communities. Interestingly, the growth of NASCAR in our region has served as a magnet to attract potential opportunities.
 
Popular movies such as "Shallow Hal", "Leatherheads", "The Patriot" and "Talladega Nights" were substantially filmed in and around our 16 county region. In addition, television programs such as XTreme Makeover, The Today Show, The Jerry Springer Show, to name a few, and numerous commercials are set in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Not only is filmmaking very lucrative for the economy of our region in direct ways (hotel room nights, catering services, etc.), it also increases our visibility, image and reputation all around the world. There is no additional infrastructure required to bring a production here and many of the same locations are used again and again, with the Charlotte skyline and Lowe's Motor Speedway being two of the most popular sights.
 
Beth indicated that the competition for filming sites and services has broadened in the more global economy. While parts of Canada and nearby Atlanta were previously in the running with the Charlotte region, the list of potential sites has broadened to include many international locations as well. In order to be competitive, our incentive structure needs to be reviewed and modified. For example, currently, North Carolina allows a 15% rebate of all costs incurred in the process while on sight in the state. Many other states and locales offer incentives up to 25%. So, the next time you are settled in front of the television or big screen, don't be surprised when you see familiar sights-they may have been filmed right here in our own backyard!
         
Head Table: Henry Bostic, Bill Staton, Mac McCarley, Hunter Widener, Bob Freeman, Elsie Garner;
Invocation: Dean Jones;
Visitors & Guests: Natalie English; Health & Happiness: Trent Merchant; Song: David Erdman; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Condolences are expressed to the John Nicolay family. John's father, Robert C. Nicolay, passed away July 20th. Funeral services are at 3:00 July 23 in the Hankins & Whittington Chapel. Friends will be received from 2:30 to 3:00. The Charlotte North club is a favorite makeup for many Charlotte Rotarians members. Please remember Frank Suddreth, as his son, Frank, Jr. passed away last week.
    
• John Johnson has had surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his eyelid. He is hoping to return to club meetings in a couple weeks; elected to board positions: Roger Sarow for National Public Radio; Tim Newman and Ronnie Bryant for The Carolinas Carrousel Inc.; Natalie English is a recipient of the 25 Women In Business Achievement Awards. Pam Syfert received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Meg McElwain was recognized among Women Who Mean Business.
   
• CPCC Summer Theatre will present the final week of Crazy For You on July 23,24,25,26, at 8:00pm in the Halton Theater on the CPCC Central Campus. Tickets are $21.00/17.00/15.00. Further ticket options available at http://arts.cpcc.edu.
 
From President Mac: "On installation day I said that we would work to change Health & Happiness so that humor at club meetings is comfortable for all and offensive to none. Several members told me after last week's meeting that the sexual innuendo in one of the jokes and the skit didn't meet that standard. I've talked with the members involved and they certainly didn't mean to offend anyone, and future presentations will be different. If anyone still has concerns, please give me a call."