Lights! Camera! Action! Celebrate North Carolina Film
RALEIGH - North Carolina citizens and filmmakers have a fascination with the silver screen, and filmmaking is part of North Carolina. That rich past is captured in " Celebrate North Carolina Film," part of the "Celebrate North Carolina" initiative of the Office of First Gentleman Bob Eaves and arranged in cooperation with the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. Historic documentaries, futuristic films and everything in between are made in North Carolina.
"In North Carolina, film is more than just entertainment, it's a way for us to share our stories with the world and an important sector of the economy," said Eaves. "We are fortunate to have the unique combination of outstanding, scenic locations and a skilled and creative workforce. In addition, our world-class film school programs that are training the next generation of film makers and production workers will mean that North Carolina will continue to play a leading role in the film industry in the future."
Details of the first film shot in North Carolina can be found on the Celebrate North Carolina site. In 1921 Dare County School Superintendant Mabel Evans shot and produced "The Lost Colony" about the settling of the Outer Banks in the 1580s. The long running symphonic opera of the same name still delights audiences every summer in Manteo.
The web site offers glimpses into the past with vintage footage from the State Archives of North Carolina, including a future-oriented look at the state from the 1949 black and white short film, "Tar Heel Family." It examines the shift from a farm to an industry based economy, and how the state can continue to be progressive.
Other gems include the movies of H. Lee Walters from the 1930s. Walters traveled to cities and towns across North Carolina to make movies of everyday people. He showed the films in local theaters and provided an affordable pick-me-up for folks living through the Great Depression.
North Carolina plays a part on the big screen as well. Blockbusters such as "The Color Purple," "The Last of the Mohicans," and "Forrest Gump," did filming in the state. The TV shows "One Tree Hill," and "Dawson's Creek" were shot here also. The movie "Iron Man 3" should start production this year. A list of productions and locations is on the web site.
Film festivals for eclectic tastes also are popular destinations for tourists to North Carolina. In coordination with First Gentleman Eaves' Celebrate North Carolina initiative, the Southern Documentary Fund is providing a series of films for discussion groups. The films focus on North Carolina people, history and culture. Public libraries across North Carolina will be purchasing the films and hosting viewing and discussion programs at their libraries. Many of them will include discussions led by the local film maker.
For additional information visit Celebrate North Carolina Film and the State Archives Film Collection. For information on the film discussion groups at public libraries call (919) 807-7421.
The State Archives and the State Library are within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council, and the State Archives.
Cultural Resources champions North Carolina's creative industry, which employs nearly 300,000 North Carolinians and contributes more than $41 billion to the state's economy. To learn more, visit http://www.ncculture.com/.
Source: NC Department of Cultural Resources
"In North Carolina, film is more than just entertainment, it's a way for us to share our stories with the world and an important sector of the economy," said Eaves. "We are fortunate to have the unique combination of outstanding, scenic locations and a skilled and creative workforce. In addition, our world-class film school programs that are training the next generation of film makers and production workers will mean that North Carolina will continue to play a leading role in the film industry in the future."
Details of the first film shot in North Carolina can be found on the Celebrate North Carolina site. In 1921 Dare County School Superintendant Mabel Evans shot and produced "The Lost Colony" about the settling of the Outer Banks in the 1580s. The long running symphonic opera of the same name still delights audiences every summer in Manteo.
The web site offers glimpses into the past with vintage footage from the State Archives of North Carolina, including a future-oriented look at the state from the 1949 black and white short film, "Tar Heel Family." It examines the shift from a farm to an industry based economy, and how the state can continue to be progressive.
Other gems include the movies of H. Lee Walters from the 1930s. Walters traveled to cities and towns across North Carolina to make movies of everyday people. He showed the films in local theaters and provided an affordable pick-me-up for folks living through the Great Depression.
North Carolina plays a part on the big screen as well. Blockbusters such as "The Color Purple," "The Last of the Mohicans," and "Forrest Gump," did filming in the state. The TV shows "One Tree Hill," and "Dawson's Creek" were shot here also. The movie "Iron Man 3" should start production this year. A list of productions and locations is on the web site.
Film festivals for eclectic tastes also are popular destinations for tourists to North Carolina. In coordination with First Gentleman Eaves' Celebrate North Carolina initiative, the Southern Documentary Fund is providing a series of films for discussion groups. The films focus on North Carolina people, history and culture. Public libraries across North Carolina will be purchasing the films and hosting viewing and discussion programs at their libraries. Many of them will include discussions led by the local film maker.
For additional information visit Celebrate North Carolina Film and the State Archives Film Collection. For information on the film discussion groups at public libraries call (919) 807-7421.
The State Archives and the State Library are within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
About the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council, and the State Archives.
Cultural Resources champions North Carolina's creative industry, which employs nearly 300,000 North Carolinians and contributes more than $41 billion to the state's economy. To learn more, visit http://www.ncculture.com/.
Source: NC Department of Cultural Resources