Gov. Mike Easley has authorized a provision to provide tax credits to companies that produce movies or television series in North Carolina.

The film incentive package, included in the state budget, is designed to help North Carolina remain a top competitor in the movie and television industry.

“North Carolina has been very successful in bringing filmmakers to our state,” Easley said, according to an AdvantageWest press release. “Last year alone, the film industry contributed $235 million in direct spending. This new economic development tool will make North Carolina even more attractive as a location for film production as global competition increases.”

That $235 million economic contribution was enough for North Carolina to retain its No. 3 ranking in U.S. film production behind California and New York. The 17 feature films, 71 television projects, and countless TV commercials shot here in 2004 generated 20,000 production jobs for North Carolinians.

For more information about film production in North Carolina, contact the N.C. Film Office at 919.733.9900 or visit its Web site at www.ncfilm.com.