Wednesday, March 29, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- In an effort to promote one of the regionís major industries, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is waiving the location fees it charges film/video production companies that use campus facilities.

For example, the popular television series Dawson's Creek, which films regularly on campus, has been paying a $1,000 location fee for each use of campus, which was used for scholarships and grounds maintenance.

With this policy change, the university will no longer charge location fees to those companies which are approved by the vice chancellor for business affairs or designee; however, they will still be responsible for any associated costs incurred by the university before, during and after the use of campus facilities. These costs may include but are not limited to security, traffic control and physical plant support.

In lieu of location fees, the university is asking production companies to assist the university's Film Studies Program by:

contributing to an archive of production material reflective of the variety of movies, television shows, commercials and other productions shot in Southeastern North Carolina

providing opportunities for observation and hands-on experiences for students and faculty

and providing greater visibility for UNCW and the UNCW Film Studies Program wherever possible.

"The Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. is excited about UNC Wilmington's decision to waive location fees for production companies," commented commission director Johnny Griffin. "With the university joining the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County in waiving fees, this sends a strong message to production companies that this area is serious about the film and television business. The Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. first mentioned the idea of waiving fees to North Carolina Film Council member Denis Ventriglia, who contacted the university on this issue."

More information can be obtained by calling Richard Scott, vice chancellor for business affairs, at 910-962-3067.