A well-trained and experienced workforce is vital to growing the NC Film/TV industry. The Film Partnership of North Carolina is a nonprofit that offers training and PAID internships to state residents who want to put their skills (from carpentry and electrical to makeup and catering) to use on live movie and television sets.

Partnership President Susi Hamilton and Treasurer Lauren Vilchik tell us all about it.

Visit FilmPartnershipNC.org to learn more about the organization and how you can support it!

Casting Carolina is produced by SonicMix Studios.

Film and series projects mean jobs and local spending, which is why many states offer incentives to production companies. North Carolina is no exception. But how effective is NC's current rebate program? What more could be done to spur growth in the Film & TV industry across the state?

This episode's guests are talented filmmakers who believe a strong Film & TV industry will help drive economic prosperity for North Carolina:

Eric Johnson, SVP of Sound and Engagement, Trailblazer
Kristi Ray, Co-founder, Honey Head Films
Erika Arlee, Co-founder, Honey Head Films

They'll discuss how NC residents benefit from the Film & TV industry and list specific tweaks to the existing rebates that could result in more productions bringing their budgets to our backdoor.

Follow Honey Head Films on Instragram: @HoneyHeadFilms
Follow Trailblazer Studios: @TrailBlazerStudios

Casting Carolina is produced by SonicMix Studios.

Filmmaker Robert Rippberger and former NFL player Jason Brown are teaming up to launch White Lightning Studio, a 1200+ acre film hub and event center, in North Carolina.

Robert recently shot the feature-length film "Renner," starring Frankie Muniz and Violett Beane, in Spring Hope, NC. Now he's setting up shop in the state to take advantage of its 25% film incentive. 

Learn why Robert finds NC so appealing for his film projects, how he and Jason crossed paths in an unlikely way, and what they envision White Lightning Studio will do for Rural North Carolina.

Episode Extras:

• Read the original Hollywood Reporter article
• Learn about Jason's nonprofit food ministry and Robert's SIE Society

Casting Carolina is produced by SonicMix Studios.

The NCFC is a grassroots organization that hosts events for filmmakers of every skill level. These events range from social get-togethers and movie screenings to technical workshops and screenwriting courses, all designed for beginners and experts alike in the film and tv industry to make connections and grow in their craft.

Co-founders Austin Pigza and Blake Kinsey tell us all about how the NCFC came into existence, why the organization matters to the health and growth of the film and tv industry in NC, and how you can join.

If you're in Durham this Thursday 11/21, be sure to check out the NCFC's latest workshop. Cinematographer will be leading a workshop on the basics of camera angles and lighting. The event kicks off with a social hour at 6:30pm at  Shadowbox Studio. Learn more about the event here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ncfc-presents-shot-by-shot-camera-angles-lighting-tickets-1074325579729?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawGog5hleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcmr2a5vuESPlp2OEDf4s9J8gQI9mgGVZpmfkV86GeRmnMB0xpVclaKoVQ_aem_GFhd2FcjqF5ejvjlED3zUQ

Casting Carolina is produced by SonicMix Studios.

Justin Yates is the former president of Eno River Media's board of directors. He joins us to discuss ERM's mission to boost filmmaking and television production opportunities in North Carolina. We also hear about his own unique way of providing actors, prop designers, and other creative folks with opportunities to practice their craft.

Casting Carolina is produced by SonicMix Studios.

Havelock, North Carolina, isn't Hollywood. But that hasn't stopped actor Jimmy Merchel from pursuing his dreams while putting down roots. Now an award-winning actor, Jimmy knows a thing or two about what it takes to get your foot in the door and get noticed.

From playing intimidating characters in haunted house attractions to appearing as Contestant 42 in MrBeast's Ages 1 to 100 Challenge, Jimmy shares how he charted a career path that ultimately landed him a role in the feature-length film Population Purge.

Casting Carolina is produced by SonicMix Studios.

Jason Gupton is a veteran Stunt Performer who's been on Hollywood sets big and small with heavy hitters like Bruce Willis, Francis Ford Coppola, and Ben Stiller.  With 12+ years in the film and television industry, Jason has had his fair share of falls, fist fights, shootouts, and car chases. 

Since the Fall Guy just dropped into theaters (and recently hit streaming platforms), it felt like the perfect time to sit down with Jason and let him share his thoughts on how newcomers can break into the stunt world.

Casting Carolina is produced by SonicMix Studios.