North Carolina

Dark Horse Stages Unveils New Stages to Boost North Carolina’s Film Industry

Published

2 years ago

November 20, 2024

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.

Two brand-new 20,000-square-foot studios

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.”

Key Features of Stages 3 and 4:

– Size and Capacity: Each stage is 20,000 square feet, complementing the existing 42,500 square feet of stage space at Stages 1 and 2, providing filmmakers with ample room to create.
– Height and Design: Standing 55 feet tall with a 45-foot to the grid height from the floor, these soundproof stages are built with 12-inch-thick concrete walls and a soundproof roof, ensuring optimal acoustics for various productions.
– Power and Technology: Each stage is equipped with 2400 amps of power and a total suspended live load capacity of 500,000 lbs., accommodating heavy equipment and intricate sets.
– Advanced HVAC System: The facility features a sophisticated Silent Air HVAC System along with a ventilation system, which can re-circulate/evacuate the air within the stages in less than 60 seconds, ensuring a comfortable working environment, crucial for long hours of production.

The Grand Opening event also served as a chance to collaborate with the Film Partnership of North Carolina, offering interns valuable opportunities to explore different career paths within the film industry.

“The Film Partnership of North Carolina is very pleased to support and participate in the opening of the new Dark Horse Stages today. The work of the Film Partnership provides crew support for productions that find a home in North Carolina, and the work of Dark Horse Stages is to provide that all-important home,” stated Susi Hamilton, CEO of the Film Partnership of North Carolina. “Dark Horse’s presence, and the synchronicity between our organizations, provides a bedrock foundation for the flourishing film economy in North Carolina. I am incredibly proud of our partnership and look forward to its continued success,” Hamilton stated.

This opening aligns with a surge of several local productions, including the feature film Merv and TV series like The Waterfront, The Runarounds and The Summer I Turned Pretty. Dark Horse Stages has quickly established itself as a creative hub, supporting both established and emerging filmmakers, and building on North Carolina’s rich cinematic legacy.

North Carolina Welcomes Film Productions
Since being dubbed “Hollywood East” in the 1980s, North Carolina has been a sought-after location for filmmakers. The state offers a 25% incentive in the form of a rebate for film productions, making it an attractive option for creators looking for budget-friendly environments. Dark Horse Stages’ expansion comes as the industry begins to rebound from a series of consecutive strikes, signaling a renewed interest in high-quality production facilities and reinforcing Wilmington’s status as a premier filming destination.

About Dark Horse Stages, Inc.
Founded in 2020, Dark Horse Stages has rapidly become a leading provider of sound stages and production facilities in Wilmington, NC. With a commitment to supporting the creative process and fostering local talent, Dark Horse Stages provides filmmakers with the resources they need to bring their visions to life. For more information about Dark Horse Stages and its facilities, please visit darkhorsestages.com.

Dark Horse Stages 42,500 square feet of state-of-the-art production space

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SOURCE Dark Horse Stages

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North Carolina

NC Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Day results for July 8, 2026

Published

3 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

The NC Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Wednesday, July 8, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from July 8 drawing

12-29-37-43-55, Powerball: 18, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from July 8 drawing

Day: 2-9-0, Fireball: 5

Evening: 7-9-6, Fireball: 6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 8 drawing

Day: 8-9-6-6, Fireball: 6

Evening: 3-4-8-5, Fireball: 4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from July 8 drawing

07-13-19-23-33

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Double Play numbers from July 8 drawing

01-03-14-18-32

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 8 drawing

16-18-43-48-50, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All North Carolina Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.

For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at North Carolina Lottery Offices. By mail, send a prize claim form, your signed lottery ticket, copies of a government-issued photo ID and social security card to: North Carolina Education Lottery, P.O. Box 41606, Raleigh, NC 27629. Prize claims less than $600 do not require copies of photo ID or a social security card.

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a prize claim form and deliver the form, along with your signed lottery ticket and government-issued photo ID and social security card to any of these locations:

Asheville Regional Office & Claim Center: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806, 877-625-6886 press #1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Greensboro Regional Office & Claim Center: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407, 877-625-6886 press #2. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Charlotte Regional Office & Claim Center: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269-1861, 877-625-6886 press #3. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
NC Lottery Headquarters: Raleigh Claim Center & Regional Office, 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604, 877-625-6886 press #4. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Greenville Regional Office & Claim Center: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834, 877-625-6886 press #5. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Wilmington Regional Office & Claim Center: 123 North Cardinal Drive Extension, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405, 877-625-6886 press #6. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://nclottery.com/.

When are the North Carolina Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Pick 3, 4: 3:00 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. daily.
Cash 5: 11:22 p.m. daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Carolina Connect editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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North Carolina

Damaged Flock camera in North Carolina town sparks online debate over surveillance tech

Published

13 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Damaged Flock camera in North Carolina town sparks online debate over surveillance tech

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (WLOS) — A damaged Flock Safety camera in Rutherfordton has reignited debate over the use of license plate reader technology, with thousands weighing in online after police shared a photo of the vandalized device.

The Rutherfordton Police Department posted an image of the damaged camera on social media, where the post quickly gained more than 20,000 comments. While some users condemned the vandalism, others praised the person responsible, with comments including “Not all heroes wear capes” and “Give them a medal.”

Local law enforcement officials said there is too much misinformation online about the cameras.

FLOCK CAMERA DAMAGED IN NORTH CAROLINA TOWN, PROMPTING POLICE STATEMENT

“We’re seeing a lot of misconceptions that these cameras collect more data than they actually do,” said Capt. Ryan Bailey with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. “The camera itself is only capturing the vehicle traveling down the road.”

Bailey said Flock cameras do not record video. Instead, they take still images of passing vehicles and capture license plate information. According to the sheriff’s office, those images are automatically deleted after 30 days.

The department also says safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of the system. Deputies are required to enter a case number before searching the database, allowing administrators to audit searches and ensure the technology is being used appropriately.

JULY 8, 2026 – A Flock camera in Rutherford County, North Carolina. (Photo: WLOS Staff)

Despite those protections, opinions among residents remain divided.

“I don’t like that idea at all because of the over-abundance of electronics and interference in our privacy,” Rutherfordton resident Rachel Alexander said.

Others believe the cameras are a valuable investigative tool.

“I have no really negative opinion with them. I think they’re really helpful, especially with criminals and children abductions,” said local homeowner Phyllis Irvine.

POLL: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT FLOCK CAMERAS?

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office says the cameras have also proven useful in locating vulnerable people, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive disabilities who may have gone missing while driving.

Officials say the technology has become an important resource for investigations and emergency response across the county.

Flock cameras cost about $3,500 each. Law enforcement officials say anyone caught intentionally damaging one could face charges.

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North Carolina

North Carolina Republican operative shaping the state’s early voting plans is reassigned

Published

24 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

North Carolina Republican operative shaping the state’s early voting plans is reassigned

North Carolina state Auditor Dave Boliek has reassigned a staffer working on state election preparations following reporting illustrating how the longtime Republican operative was using his position to shape county’s early voting plans.

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