North Carolina
Dark Horse Stages Unveils New Stages to Boost North Carolina’s Film Industry
Two brand-new 20,000-square-foot studios now compliment the studio’s existing 42,500 square feet of state-of-the-art production space, enhancing Wilmington’s vibrant film scene
WILMINGTON, N.C., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a grand opening event complete with legendary rock stars, politicians, film industry veterans, and more, Dark Horse Stages, one of North Carolina’s premier production studios, last week officially opened two brand-new sound stages, Stages 3 and 4, adding more than 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production space to Wilmington’s vibrant film scene. This significant expansion enhances the infrastructure supporting North Carolina’s film industry, already renowned as a traditional and reliable stalwart in the film space, with experienced production crews as well as stunning and diverse landscapes.
The event garnered more than 550 attendees, including industry leaders, state and local officials, and film professionals, underscoring Wilmington’s status as a key player in the film and television sector.
“We are committed to providing world-class facilities that enable creators to realize their visions,” said Kirk Englebright, President and CEO of Dark Horse Stages. “The turnout reflects the excitement surrounding our expansion and the bright future of film in North Carolina.”
Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening featuring live music, thrilling stunts, and special video messages of congratulations from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Gov.-elect, Josh Stein, currently the state’s attorney general. Rock legend Dee Snider also made a special appearance, revealing plans to bring his production company, Defiant Artists, to North Carolina. To cap off the celebration, Snider electrified the crowd with a powerful performance of his iconic Twisted Sister anthem, “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
For photos from the grand opening, click here.
For a video highlight from the event, click here.
For a video about Stages 3 & 4, click here.
*Photos should be attributed: Courtesy of Dark Horse Stages
“The expansion of Dark Horse Stages brings tremendous value to North Carolina’s film industry by enhancing our capacity to meet the diverse needs of today’s productions,” said North Carolina Film Office Director Guy Gaster. “The continued evolution of this outstanding facility elevates North Carolina’s appeal as a premier film destination to both major studios and independent filmmakers, alike, providing a modern and attractive entertainment hub that will foster creativity, efficiency, and true collaboration for years to come.”
GRANITE FALLS, N.C. (WTVD) — A state trooper responding to a crash had some harrowing moments as he encountered an armed man, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said Saturday evening.
The trooper responded just after 4:20 p.m. to a crash on Grace Chapel Road in Granite Falls, which is in Caldwell County. Before the trooper got there, first responders at the scene reported that a man involved in the crash had a handgun.
When Senior Trooper William Miller arrived, the man would not comply with commands and kept flashing a handgun. Miller fired a duty-issued weapon, striking the man. After securing the suspect, first responders began rendering aid. The man was taken in the ambulance but died a short time later.
The trooper was unharmed. The suspect was later identified as Scott Patrick Seagle, 48, of Hickory.
Miller is a five-year veteran of the State Highway Patrol and is assigned to Troop F, District 3 (Caldwell County). As is standard, Miller will be placed on administrative duty. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is conducting an independent investigation of the incident.
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This was one of the most disappointing developments in college football this season, with the North Carolina Tar Heels failing to qualify for bowl eligibility. In Bill Belichick’s first season as the head coach, the team finished with a 4-8 record and 14th in the ACC.
Handing over the keys to the 73-year-old head coach was supposed to offer prosperity. Instead, Belichick’s arrival brought off-field distractions and disappointing performances on a weekly basis.
That being said, North Carolina’s offseason has been productive, landing 39 commits on National Signing Day, including 10 four-star recruits and 29 three-star recruits. There have been several departures in the transfer portal, but the talent assembled for 2026 should open up opportunities for multiple players to break out next season.
Jordan Shipp
The second-year receiver is the most obvious candidate for a breakout campaign in 2026. The Tar Heels landed four-star quarterback Travis Burgess in this year’s class, and there is a legitimate possibility the incoming freshman signal-caller beats out Gio Lopez for the starting position.
No other player would benefit more from a quarterback change than Shipp, who secured 60 receptions for 671 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. That production is not terrible, but with Shipp’s abilities, he should be producing much more than that.
With the inevitable quarterback change, Shipp could be closer to 900-1,000 receiving yards in 2026.
Travis Burgess
Burgess was mentioned earlier in correlation with Shipp’s potential uptick in production next season, but the incoming quarterback also has an opportunity to hit the ground running in his collegiate career.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound quarterback possesses the tools to be a game-changing quarterback for North Carolina. Shipp is a great receiver to have when arriving at a program with high aspirations. Additionally, the Tar Heels landed the 10th-overall ranked wide receiver in the class in Keeyun Chapman, who figures to be an immediate-impact player for North Carolina.
Shipp and Chapman could form one of the most electrifying wide receiver tandems in the country next season and will make Burgess’ life much easier when he takes over as the starting quarterback.
Keeyun Chapman
Chapman will seemingly slide in as the WR2 behind Shipp. With multiple wide receivers leaving the program due to graduating or the transfer portal, Chapman has the ability to make an immediate impact on the Tar Heels’ offense.
As mentioned, Chapman was the 10th-best receiver in the recruiting class. His ability to create yards after the catch will open up the offense, which will benefit both Chapman and Shipp to reach their full potential.
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — This time of year, the to-do list is as long as Santa’s naughty/nice list, and you’re probably looking to save time any way you can.
So, sometimes that means ripping open a box of cookie mix. One Kernersville mom is hoping her mix will add more deliciousness and less mom guilt.
“I wanted something that tasted homemade. I wanted something that had really clean ingredients,” said Lindsay Hancock, My Better Batch.
And that’s where My Better Batch comes in.
“If you’ve ever gone to the grocery store and picked up a box or a bag off the shelf, the ingredients are not great. They’re not things you would find in your own kitchen pantry. That is actually what defines our product and that homemade taste is that these are things you can find in your own kitchen pantry,” Lindsay said.
I wanted something that tasted homemade.
Lindsay mixed up My Better Batch and shipped out her first order in April of 2024. Now you can buy the cookie mix at Costco, Lowes Foods, and Amazon. And this year, she even launched exclusive holiday flavors at Target-chocolate mint and holiday cheer.
“When you’re working on this day in and day out, you certainly have dreams of being able to get to the shelf, but it is pretty surreal to see. And the fact that we were able to get there so quickly,” Lindsay said.
A single mom and entrepreneur-mixing up holiday cheer for her family from her kitchen to yours.
“They taste homemade and they’re ingredients that you can feel good about feeding to your family,” Lindsay said.
See More NC Made Stories Here
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