Production of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Responsible for $179.8 Million in Spending, Over 2,000 Jobs in North Carolina

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2013

 Production of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Responsible for $179.8 Million in Spending, Over 2,000 Jobs in North Carolina

 

New economic analysis finds filming had significant economic impact, return on investment in the state

WASHINGTON — A new analysis released today on the economic impact of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 filming in North Carolina finds that the film is responsible for $179.8 million in spending and 2,043 jobs in the state.  The analysis was conducted by MNP LLP and assesses the economic impact of the production filming in North Carolina between December 2011 and December 2012.  The analysis also finds that the production is responsible for $104.1 million in labor income across North Carolina, and that spending associated with the film engaged 719 vendors in 84 communities across the state.

“These findings are just the latest evidence of the economic benefit that film and television production has meant for North Carolina,” said Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America.  “Thanks to a reliable and refundable production incentive, North Carolinians have been able to reap the benefits of direct spending and job creation across the state.  Marvel’s Iron Man 3, like so many productions that choose to shoot in North Carolina, generated hundreds of millions of dollars in spending for local businesses in dozens of communities and thousands of jobs for North Carolina workers.”

Iron Man 3 received $20 million in support through state tax incentives. This investment by the state resulted in the following economic benefits:

  • $8.99 in economic output for every dollar of tax credit received by the production.
  • $6.50 in Gross State Product for every dollar of tax credit received by the production.
  • 102 full-time equivalent positions for every $1 million in tax credit received by the production.
  • $5.20 in labor income for every dollar of tax credit received by the production.

In addition, several of the businesses hired directly by the production have reported the film to have had a significant effect during the filming period. For example, Master Craftsmen Services, a furniture restoration company, reported to WRAL that Iron Man 3 represented ten to fifteen percent of the company’s business the year in which filming occurred, and Tidewater Storage Trailers reported that roughly ten percent of its business was generated by the production of Iron Man 3 in the first six months of 2012.

To read the MNP analysis, click HERE.

About the MPAA:
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

 About MNP LLP:
MNP is the fastest growing chartered accountancy and business advisory firm in Canada. Founded in 1945, MNP has grown to more than 70 offices and nearly 3,000 team members. MNP is a member of Praxity, a global alliance of leading business advisory firms.

 
MNP’s Economics and Research practice is one of the largest of its kind, and its team members have an established track record in conducting economic impact and industry studies, including studies involving the film and television production industry.  Examples of similar studies conducted by MNP include economic impact studies for film and television industries in jurisdictions across North America. In addition, MNP has a long track record in carrying out economic and statistical studies within the North American tourism, travel and major event sectors.

# # #

For more information, contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Kate Bedingfield
(202) 293-1966
Kate_Bedingfield@mpaa.org

WHAT’S UP IN WILMYWOOD 04/30/2013 – Upfronts, Tammy, Under the Dome, VIP Passes to Port City Pop Con and more

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Happy Tuesday! Well,  NBC must be whistlin’ Dixie, and maybe a little of “We are the Champions”.  Kudos just keep coming for our Revolution!  Not only did they pick up a hefty 22 episode, season two, but TV Guide has now deemed the show a “Season MVP: This year’s Best.”

Revolution’s Giancarlo Esposito will be making a guest appearance this Thursday at the Country Club of Landfall for the annual fundraising luncheon for Coastal Horizons Center.  He will be getting personal, speaking about the things that have personally affected his life and family members.  This is a luncheon that should NOT be missed.  Tickets are still available by contacting Farah Boyce 910-790-0187 or fboyce@coastalhorizons.org.  They are asking for a donation of $50 or more to attend the event.

FYI: In case you wanted to know, Lesley over at the Hollywood Reporter has been keeping a close eye on the Upfronts.  Here’s her up-to-date list of all the shows for network TV.

Tammy begins shooting this Friday and they are employing A LOT of people!  And when I say a lot…good Lord!  During the next 8 weeks, they will be hiring 2000+ Extras for this film alone.  And it’s all local!  So thank you Melissa & Ben!  Marty Siu Casting will be quite busy. You can visit her Facebook page for all casting opportunities.

Marty wanted to give a big shout out to the many who worked on Iron Man 3 including Jackie Burch and Tona Dahlquist for the Casting & Extras Casting along with all the local actors who got some screen time including  James Rackley, Anthony Reynolds and many more.

Iron Man 3 isn’t doing too shabby either and it won’t even hit theaters here in the USA until tomorrow.  IM3 has grossed a total of almost $200 million over seas so far.  In its Italian debut last weekend., it is officially the most successful April opening in Italy grossing $11.3 million!  Robert Downey Jr. will be on the Kelly & Michael this morning as well as the Daily Show tonight.

Under the Dome will be on location today.  They kick things off at 15th/Rankin this morning then make a short company move to Chestnut St.  There are a lot of extras casting opportunities for the show.  Visit Vanessa NCasting’s Facebook Page for all the details.

Finally, Port City Pop Con is just around the corner and I would just LOVE to give VIP tickets away!  Soooo, here we go.  ENTER TO WIN NOW!

Portcitypopcon_sunny2 copy

 Tomorrow I will give you complete details about a local screening for the Colin Firth flick, Arthur Newman, coming up soon!!

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you tomorrow morning and every morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30am.  Until then, that’s a wrap!

WHAT’S UP IN WILMYWOOD 04/29/2013 Biggest Loser, Tammy, Revolution and More

Good morning loves!  Let’s get the quickies out of the way.  Ha!  I said quickies.

Okay, in case you missed it, over the weekend I told you NBC’s Revolution was picked up for another season!  Yeah!

Hundreds of local cast and crew filled the movie theaters at Mayfaire’s Regal Cinemas for a special screening of Iron Man 3 last night, which made $195.3 million internationally over the weekend.

Under The Dome – shoots at the old cement plant today in Wilmington.  On the Wilmywood Facebook page, I asked what movie or TV show was a favorite to work on, and the most popular was indeed Under the Dome.

The  stars make their way into town this week.  Melissa and Susan are already here, but we can look forward to Kathy Bates, Dan Aykroyd, and Toni Collette arriving this week.  Tammy begins filming this Friday.

And finally, I would love to see a Wilmington, NC resident this time around take this thing home! So, if you’ve always wanted to be on the Biggest Loser and have nothing to lose but the weight, attend the open casting call, Saturday, May 4th in Charleston. Auditions for Season 15 will be held at the Music Farm in Charleston from 10am-6pm. You have a chance to win $250,000!

To see what to do and bring, all the details are found here: http://thebiggestlosercasting.com/open-calls

Wanna audition and skip the line?  I have VIP passes that will get you to the front of the audition line!  To win yourself a pass, email Sheila: sheila@1045sunnyfm.com.  Lemme know why you wanna go and I will pick winners daily and announce them on the air on Sunny 104.5.

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you tomorrow morning and every morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30am.  Got scoop?  Email me: sheila@1045sunnyfm.com. Until then, that’s a wrap!

The Johnny Depp Effect

JohnnyDeppYou say one name in this town and people simply go INSANE! And that name is Johnny Depp.

Well, this certainly isn’t the first time people have cried “Wolf!” or “Johnny!” in our case. Last year, someone said they spotted him at a Port City Java, and within minutes the whole town was saying he was filming here. Well, we can thank the Star News’ Fran Norton for the most recent one and WWAY for reporting Fran’s story without doing their own homework. It was very short lived, so if you weren’t on FB or Twitter Friday morning, you probably missed it. But it really got me very aggravated. Why? Well, let me tell you how it all started.

craigslist_01-300x225It began with a CraigsList post: “Feature Film with Johnny Depp (Wilmington)”

“Feature Film with Johnny Depp currently casting for principal, supporting, and extra roles! Pay is up to $842.00 per day depending on role and experience!! Good Luck!”

Hmmmm.  Time to do some digging.  Now, anyone should know, a casting company for a A-list attached feature film does not use CraigsList. That is a red flag right there. But then the other two sources that were used to create this news story were from Facebook and AxcessTalent.com.

Clint, from Axcess Talent says they got it from EastCoastAuditions.net. Normally, the listings he gets are legit, so this bothered him as much as it bothered me. Since I spoke to Clint, very nice guy by the way, East Coast Talent still has not taken down the post, which was a replica of the CraigsList post. Clint no longer has Wilmington attached to the casting call.

As far as using the Facebook page as a “news source”, The Wilmington Casting Call page had the same verbage, it was from CraigsList. After I spoke to the admin, he agreed with me and removed the post as well.

I can hear Yoda right now: Long winded is she. Okay, getting to the point. Why was I so aggravated? Multiple reasons, so let me list them.

1) How many people sent their personal information to this CraigsList person because of our Wilmington “news” reporting? THAT IS HARMFUL.  I cannot stress that enough.  HARMFUL!

2) The Star News is not a rumor magazine. It is a news source we are “supposed” to trust! Do your homework!

3) Same goes for our TV news, they didn’t bother checking if the Star News did their homework. Again, we are supposed to trust you!

4) Facebook and CraigsList are not reliable sources for a big story!

5) Did I mention that Johnny Depp was the breaking news story Friday morning, with a huge picture of him on the home page of  Starnewsonline.com.  Argh!

With all that being said, I absolutely adore so many of the reporters here in our town. Jeff, Cassie, Ashley…no one can touch them, they are incredible.  And yes, we all make mistakes.  I certainly do all the time.   But it seems as though the news lately, locally as well as nationally, doesn’t bother to check their sources, they just run with it and hopefully, it’s right.  It felt like all they cared about was web views and it was a “lemme get this out there so we can be first” mindset.  It would be one thing if there were TMZ, The Sun, or some entertainment magazine, but they are not.  We count on them for reliable and accurate information.

So will the real Johnny Depp Movie please stand up! Please stand up!

Untitled-3I received a voicemail from the Staff Production Coordinator, Micaela Brown, who is currently on the Johnny Depp flick, Transcendence and she said, “I got your message and I am calling to confirm that you are correct in that Transcendence is NOT filming in North Carolina.”  Depp’s other flick, Boston Mass, is already underway in South Boston.

I can tell you Transcendence will be filming a small piece of it in New Mexico this summer. That I know because I spoke with a casting company there who is currently casting day players and extras. It co-stars Paul Bettany, Morgan Freeman, and more.

Johnny Depp does have 20 other projects in development, so who knows, maybe one will come our way, next month, or next year.  And after me going on and on about this, maybe I am missing something.  Maybe he is coming.  Hell, if that’s the case, PLEASE let me be wrong!

BREAKING NEWS: NBC GIVES REVOLUTION SEASON TWO GREENLIGHT!

NBC Renews 5 Dramas including Revolution

Christmas comes early folks~!  We got ourselves a season two!  And if all goes according to what my sources tell me, it will come back to Wilmington.  I sure hope they are right!  I asked cast member Tim Guinee his thoughts and he said, “Over the moon about it.  I’m really grateful that the hardest working cast and crew in the business is getting another shot.  Yay ILM!”

Read the entire article from The Hollywood Reporter – “From J.J. Abrams‘ Bad Robot and Warner Bros. TV, Revolution ranks as NBC’s top scripted drama across all of primetime — averaging more than 6 million viewers in the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic.”

The story continues as they link part of Revolution’s success to having The Voice as a lead-in on Monday nights this season.  Regardless of coming back from a mid-season break slightly down in the numbers, they say it is still very much a success for the 2012-13 TV season.

Thank you NBC and Bad Robot because we sure love having Revolution film here in Wilmington, NC!

WHAT’S UP IN WILMYWOOD – 04/26/2013 Another MEGA STAR rolls into town and more.

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where-the-devil-hides_608x900Wanted to thank Robin who sent me this info because we had a lot of local cast and crew work on this one.  We have some updates on the flick,  “Where the Devil Hides” aka “The Occult” and “The Devil’s Rapture“.  Now that it has finally settled on a title, we can tell you that it also has a release date.  It’s slated to premiere on October 11th.  Alycia Debnam-Carey,  Rufus Sewell, Thomas McDonell, Adelaide Kane, Leah Pipes and Jennifer Carpenter star.

The big battle has ended.  Iron Man 3 will be playing at Mayfaire Regal Cinemas following a deal reached between Disney and Regal Entertainment Group.  I was asked if anyone in our local film community was upset by this.  Well, I cannot speak for all, but the consensus I guess was neutral. It was simply water cooler talk.

I was told this isn’t anything new.  Sony pulled this when the original Spiderman came out.  They announced they wanted more money and a theater company was so upset that they tried to pull advance screening and ticket sales.  Ultimately the studio won the battle.  Disney was kinda doing the same thing and as predicted Regal caved because, hell, they can’t afford to miss out on the money.  Inside sources told me, the battle between Regal and Disney was that Disney wanted 15% more of the ticket price.  In most circumstances, movie theaters make anywhere from 20-50 cents per tickets sold depending on the film…hence why concessions cost so much.

Now, back to the excitement of Tammy!  I told you last week Melissa McCarthy rolled into town, well you can now add Susan Sarandon to the list!  Yep, she is here, so restaurants, get ready to swoon her in to your establishments.  FYI, she likes long walks on the beach, animal rights and kids.

When is Dan Aykroyd, Toni Collette and Kathy Bates coming into town?  Check back, I will let you know very very soon.  (that’s called a tease).  There are tons of extras casting opportunities with this flick – visit the Extras Casting Director’s Page for details.

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you Monday morning and every morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30am live on Sunny 104.5.  Got scoop?  email me: sheila@1045sunnyfm.com.  Until then, that’s a wrap!

WHAT’S UP IN WILMYWOOD – 04/25/2013 Fox TV brings more jobs, Revolution’s return and more

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I really hope that all the representatives and other politicians across the state read my blog because I am kicking it off with something to remind them of what the film industry does for our area. The Fox Network’s Wild Blue is bring more action here in the area, but more importantly a HUGE budget.  My sources tell me it’s one of the most expensive TV pilot’s in history with a budget of $15 million.  A few weeks ago, we know they were scouting the Coty Inc. plant in Rocky Point.  I cannot confirm whether they will indeed use that location as other sources tell me they will be taking over an old out of business yacht building company. The best part, of course, with that big budget is JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!  They will be employing a lot of people.

I was told they plan to completely replicate the top deck on an aircraft carrier.  Then, they will digitally put in the ocean in post.  That is great news for construction workers, i.e carpenters, painters, electricians, and the many vendors they will need supplies from!  Pre-production could begin as early as this Monday.  Thank you Fox! Fox’s Wild Blue is about a group of men and women working aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.  It stars Mykelti Williamson (Bubba of Forrest Gump) as Master Chief Donald Bowman along with Josh SalatinWill RothhaarAlano Miller and Gina Rodriguez.

Now let’s move on to NBC.  We have waited patiently for official word on two things about our beloved show, Revolution. 1) Is there a season two? and 2) Will they return to Wilmington?  Wanna know what my reliable sources tell me?  How about yes and yes!  Let’s hope my peeps are right about this!   Official word is supposed to come out May 13th.  Plus, if you remember,  the cast LOVES Wilmington.  They all said they did not want to relocate. I don’t blame them.  With beach season approaching fast, who wants to be stuck in a major city with no sea breeze?

The Vampire Diaries airs on the CW tonight.  Don’t forget to be on the look out for our local boy, Scott Parks who plays the evil Silas!

And on a final note, who’s ready for Port City Pop Con?  Check out this spot for the convention by Joe Stauffer.

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you tomorrow morning and every morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30am live on Sunny 104.5.  Got scoop?  email me: sheila@1045sunnyfm.com.  Until then, that’s a wrap!

WHAT’S UP IN WILMYWOOD – 04/24/2013 – BREAKING Casting News, Kitchen Nightmares, and more!

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Okay let’s get right to it! The lovely extras casting director, Marty Siu, is out of town today and has asked me to make the announcement! The Melissa McCarthy comedy, Tammy is now casting extras! Hundreds will be cast, so get your info in!
To be an extra in Tammy please email a recent photo (headshot and full body shot as well), and the following information:  Full Name, Phone number, Age, Height/Weight, Sizes/Measurements, what kind of car you drive (include color),  and your location.  Send it to Tammyextras@gmail.com
HERE ARE THE GUIDELINES:

1) No VISIBLE tattoos allowed in this film.

2) Must be local to the Wilmington area and available to work approximately 12 hours a day.

3) Some scenes will require that you work several consecutive days.

4) Filming takes place in and around Wilmington in May and June.

5) PAY RATE: $58.00 for up to 8 hours of work. Time and a half after that.

Actors in the movie Tammy include Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Dan Aykroyd, and more!

There will be more info on the Marty Siu Casting Facebook Page this evening.

IF YOU CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT…

Well, there’s has got to be multiple restaurants that could use some professional help in this town, as we are like the “restaurant capital!”  So if you are a restaurant owner or know of one that could benefit from some tough love, check out this casting call.  FOX TV’s hit show Kitchen Nightmares starring Chef Gordon Ramsey is casting immediately for Season 6, anywhere in the US! Download the application or apply online. The guidelines: Restaurant must have been open at least one year, not be a franchise or chain and have at least 35 seats.

It’s a beautiful day to be shooting in Southport today for Under the Dome. They will stay there for the remainder of the day, mainly on Bay St., but will be shooting for a bit on East Moore St as well.

Tomorrow I will tell you more about yet another project coming here that’s going to be creating A LOT of jobs and will definitely be putting money in our local vendors’ pockets.

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you tomorrow morning and every morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30am.  Got scoop?  email me: sheila@1045sunnyfm.com.  Until then, that’s a wrap!

WHAT’S UP IN WILMYWOOD – 04/23/2013 Another Mega-Star headed to ILM?

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It’s a brief segment today.  Under the Dome will be back in Burgaw.  On a side note, I wonder if Dean Norris who is in UTD will reunite with one of his fellow cast members from Little Miss Sunshine, Toni Collette.  She will be here filming Tammy.  I also wonder if he even knows she will be in town?  I sent him a tweet so we’ll see if there will be a reunion.

Now, speaking of this big budget flick, we could see another mega star in the Port City, but he won’t be showing off his acting skills.  Will Farrell has signed on as producer of the comedy.  A cameo is possible, but he is focusing more on his producer role and he takes that seriously.

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you tomorrow morning and every morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30am.  Got scoop?  email me: sheila@1045sunnyfm.com.  Until then, that’s a wrap!

WHAT’S UP IN WILMYWOOD – 04/22/2013 – Perfect Summer, Tammy, Vampire Diaries, Revolution

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***BREAKING FILM NEWS:

Commissioners unanimously approve the resolution in support of the film and television industry.

Read the full report from the Star News’ Ashley Withers

Sydney PennyThe local boys of Swirl Films are bringing yet another movie to ILM. “The Perfect Summer” heads to the beaches of Wilmington.  So far, they have casted Jason Castro (American Idol’s Season 7’s top five contestant) and Sydney PennyDaytime Emmy-nominated actress best known for the roles on the soap operas All My Children and The Bold and the Beautiful..  The casting is not yet complete for supporting roles, but they will be making a decision rather quickly as production begins in two weeks.

If you would like to be a part of this project and you’ve got surfing skills, they would love to see you. NCasting is look for ages 16-25 for the upcoming TV movie.  SURFERS ONLY head to the Swirl Film offices this Wednesday from 12pm-5pm located at 411 Landmark Drive in Wilmington.  Other opportunities to be part of this production will open up shortly.  I will let you know when I get the details in.

Toni Collette(United States of Tara/The Sixth Sense) joins the star-studded cast of Tammy.  Marty Siu Casting is looking to hire her stand-in.  She is 5’8. If you are an experienced stand-in, similar in look, & local to the Wilmington area, please email asap at: Tammyextras@gmail.com with the subject title “Toni Stand-in”. Pay rate is $125.00/10.

There are still positions for stand-ins for Susan Sarandon(5’7)  and Kathy Bates(5’3) was well.

In other Tammy news (excellent news for folks right here in Wilmington), First off, Melissa McCarthy is already in town, so be on the lookout for this fabulous lady! Second, the big budget film was originally scheduled to shoot 7 wks in Wilmington and 1 wk in Charlotte.  Well, it looks like Wilmington has everything they need, so they will stay right here in the Wilmington and the surrounding areas for the entire 8 weeks!   We can thank the location scouts for that!  We love you!

We are going to have to wait another week when when it’s time for the season finale of Revolution.   According to Nellie Andreeva of DeadlineTV, NBC has opted not to “double pump Revolution following the pre-emption of last week’s episode for a news special on the Boston bombings. Since the series had been slated for an originals-only run, the second-season finale, previously scheduled for May 27, will now air a week later, on Monday, June 3rd.”

And lastly, a big congratulations to local boy, Raymond Scott Parks, who was cast in Vampire Diaries.  He plays the evil Silas!  You can catch him in Season 4, Episode 19 as he makes his entrance in the very last scene of the episode, “Pictures of You.”  And that is only the beginning, Scott will be in many more episodes to come!  Woo Hoo!  Great job Scott!  Here’s a clip from Celebified that talks about his role! 

That just about does it for me; I will have more Wilmywood updates for you tomorrow morning and every morning (Monday-Friday) at 8:30am.  Got scoop?  Email me: sheila@1045sunnyfm.com.  Until then, that’s a wrap!