Charlotte, North Carolina, January 29, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina is emerging as a significant hub for film and television production, generating economic growth and providing numerous opportunities for local talent. With over $302 million in direct spending and various productions underway, the city is encouraging local engagement and boosting its cultural profile. Strategic support from production companies and state programs has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem that benefits artists and the community alike. Residents are urged to explore the expanding opportunities in this flourishing industry.
Charlotte’s Creative Boom: Unlocking Film & TV Opportunities
The Queen City is quickly emerging as a thriving hub for film and television production, presenting a wealth of opportunities for local talent and bolstering the regional economy. This expansion is a testament to the collaborative spirit of private production companies, the dedication of individual artists, and strategic statewide support that has cultivated a fertile ground for creative industries to flourish.
Charlotte, North Carolina, is experiencing a remarkable surge in its film and television production scene. This growth showcases how private sector initiative, coupled with a supportive environment, can generate significant economic activity and foster community engagement. The increasing number of projects, from major streaming series to independent films, highlights a dynamic landscape where individual achievement in the arts is both recognized and encouraged. This flourishing environment demonstrates the tangible benefits of a system that empowers local businesses and creative professionals, rather than hindering them with excessive red tape. The city’s ability to attract diverse productions points to a vibrant ecosystem where artistic ambition meets practical opportunity, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the local economy and community.
The Economic Engine of Local Productions
The burgeoning film industry in North Carolina, with Charlotte playing a significant role, serves as a powerful economic catalyst. In 2024, film productions across the state generated over $302 million in direct in-state spending. Since 2017, movie, television, and streaming productions have invested more than $1.4 billion in North Carolina, creating nearly 97,000 jobs for skilled film professionals and background talent statewide. The North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant, with a recurring annual allocation of $31 million, provides a 25% rebate on qualified in-state expenses, which includes labor, purchases, and services from local vendors. This incentive program, alongside the absence of a sunset date, reflects a sustained commitment to nurturing the film sector and its workforce. Charlotte typically accounts for approximately one-third of the state’s production spending. This direct spending not only creates jobs but also boosts local businesses, from catering services to equipment rentals, underscoring the broad economic impact of creative enterprise.
A Diverse Array of On-Screen Opportunities
Charlotte’s growing reputation as a filming destination translates into a wide range of acting and crew opportunities for residents. Current casting calls span various production types, reflecting the industry’s diversity.
- Television Series: The new TV series “King of the Ball,” set to drop late 2026, is actively seeking college, semi-pro, or professional, retired athletes who demonstrate an ability to balance sports and life. Netflix’s “The Hunting Wives” filmed in the Charlotte region, with its second season currently in pre-production. Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 23 also received a rebate grant and filmed in the Charlotte region. Other series like “Blue Ridge: The Series – Season 2” are also in post-production. General casting notices for TV series jobs are regularly posted.
- Feature Films: Charlotte has been the backdrop for several significant feature films. “A Bridge Between,” a sports drama based on the life of Anthony Hodges, began filming in Charlotte in April 2025. The true-crime movie “Roofman,” starring Channing Tatum, filmed in Charlotte from October to December 2024 with a release date in October 2025. An untitled biopic about trailblazing female boxer Christy Martin, starring Sydney Sweeney, also filmed in Charlotte from late September through November 2024. Other films casting or recently filmed include “Tricky Sam,” “Belle & Beau,” “Ocean Lady,” “Masters of the Hunt,” “The Perfect Partner,” “Sweat,” “Dating,” “On Earth As It Is In Heaven,” and “Jewel Thieves.”
- Commercials and Digital Content: Beyond major productions, Charlotte also sees casting calls for commercials, voiceovers, and online content. Opportunities include roles for a “TV Style YouTube Trivia Show” and various commercial projects seeking diverse talent, including homeowners, voice actors, and teenage athletes.
- Local Theatre: The vibrant local theatre scene consistently offers roles. The Charlotte Actor’s Guild has been casting for “Alice in Wonderland” and a Western Drama Film. Theatre Charlotte has announced auditions for productions such as “God of Carnage” (March 2026), “The Flick” (February 2026), and student productions like “Big Fish” and “Matilda the Musical, Jr.” Three Bone Theatre holds auditions for productions like “Primary Trust,” offering paid, non-union roles and practicing identity-conscious casting.
Charlotte as a Premier Filming Hub
The appeal of Charlotte to filmmakers extends beyond financial incentives. The city and its surrounding areas offer an unparalleled variety of filming locations. Within a short drive, production teams can find major metropolitan cityscapes, tranquil rural settings, and charming small-town environments. This versatility allows Charlotte to double for numerous fictional locales, including Eastern European cities, as seen in projects like “The Hunting Wives.”
North Carolina boasts a strong, experienced crew base of over 4,000 film professionals, ensuring that productions have access to skilled labor. The state’s well-established infrastructure, including studio options and a robust network of support services, further enhances its attractiveness. The Charlotte Regional Film Commission actively promotes the region, providing assistance with grants, incentives, crew, and support services to streamline the production process. Its efforts exemplify how targeted support can foster a competitive and efficient environment for private sector endeavors.
Pathways to Participation and Skill Development
For individuals aspiring to join the film and television industry, Charlotte offers numerous entry points. Casting platforms like Backstage and Casting Networks regularly list current Charlotte casting calls, auditions, and acting jobs for a wide range of roles, including lead actors, supporting actors, and extras. Many roles are added daily, covering film, television, commercials, and voiceover work.
Beyond acting, opportunities exist in various crew positions. The Film Partnership of North Carolina, an economic development organization, works with community partners to provide qualified intern candidates for paid classroom and on-site training, helping individuals develop skills and experience in the industry. Institutions like the Film Connection in Charlotte also offer hands-on training and mentorship, emphasizing real-world experience and connections within the film industry. These programs highlight the value of personal initiative and direct engagement in building a career in the creative sector.
Community Involvement and Growth
The expansion of the Charlotte film industry is not merely about attracting big-name productions; it’s about building a sustainable local ecosystem that benefits the entire community. The presence of film and TV projects encourages local spending, generates employment, and elevates Charlotte’s cultural profile. It fosters a sense of civic pride, demonstrating what can be achieved when local talent and strategic economic development initiatives align. The emphasis on local hires and utilization of local businesses further embeds the industry within the community, ensuring that the benefits of this creative boom are widely shared.
Charlotte’s emergence as a significant player in the film and television industry is a clear indicator of the power of individual initiative and strategically supported private enterprise. The consistent influx of film and TV projects, coupled with robust local talent and supportive infrastructure, positions Charlotte for continued growth as a regional creative powerhouse. We encourage all residents to explore the myriad opportunities within the expanding NC film industry and to support the local events and productions that enrich our community. Staying engaged in these developments ensures that Charlotte continues to shine brightly on the national stage, showcasing the dynamic spirit of our city and its people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte’s Film Industry
What is the economic impact of film production in North Carolina?
In 2024, film productions across the state generated over $302 million in direct in-state spending. Since 2017, movie, television, and streaming productions have invested more than $1.4 billion in North Carolina, creating nearly 97,000 jobs for skilled film professionals and background talent statewide.
What kind of film and TV projects are casting in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte sees a diverse range of projects. The new TV series “King of the Ball” is seeking college, semi-pro, or professional, retired athletes. Feature films like “A Bridge Between,” “Roofman,” and an untitled Christy Martin biopic have filmed or are filming. Popular TV shows such as Netflix’s “The Hunting Wives” and Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 23 have also had a presence. Additionally, there are casting calls for commercials, voiceovers, and online content, including a “TV Style YouTube Trivia Show.”
What local theatre opportunities are available in Charlotte?
The Charlotte Actor’s Guild has been casting for “Alice in Wonderland” and a Western Drama Film. Theatre Charlotte has announced auditions for productions like “God of Carnage” (March 2026), “The Flick” (February 2026), and student productions such as “Big Fish” and “Matilda the Musical, Jr.” Three Bone Theatre offers paid, non-union roles and practices identity-conscious casting.
How does North Carolina support its film industry?
The North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant provides a 25% rebate on qualified in-state expenses, with a recurring annual allocation of $31 million. The North Carolina Film Office and the Charlotte Regional Film Commission also assist productions with locations, crew, and support services.
How can individuals find acting and crew jobs in Charlotte?
Casting platforms like Backstage and Casting Networks regularly list Charlotte casting calls, auditions, and acting jobs. For crew positions, organizations like the Film Partnership of North Carolina offer internship programs for on-site training. Institutions like the Film Connection in Charlotte also provide hands-on training and mentorship.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Film and TV Industry
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Impact (2024) | Over $302 million in direct in-state spending. | State-level |
| Job Creation (Since 2017) | Nearly 97,000 jobs for film professionals and talent. | State-level |
| NC Film and Entertainment Grant | 25% rebate on qualified in-state expenses; $31 million recurring annual allocation. | State-level |
| Diversity of Projects | Includes TV series (“King of the Ball,” “The Hunting Wives,” “Top Chef”), feature films (“A Bridge Between,” “Roofman,” Christy Martin biopic), commercials, and local theatre. | Local/State-level |
| Filming Locations | Unlimited variety, from urban cityscapes to rural and small-town settings within 30 miles of Uptown. | Local/State-level |
| Skilled Workforce | Over 4,000 highly skilled film professionals. | State-level |
| Training and Development | Internship programs through Film Partnership of NC, hands-on training at Film Connection. | Local/State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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