‘Iron Man 3’ to shoot in Wilmington

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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More good news for North Carolina’s film industry. Press release here:

Today, EUE/Screen Gems Co-owner and COO Chris Cooney confirmed that the Marvel Studios production of “Iron Man 3” will shoot at EUE/Screen Gems in Wilmington, NC for the majority of the production. North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue joined Cooney at a press conference at the studios this afternoon. The major motion picture is scheduled for release in 2013. Marvel executives considered locations in Los Angeles, Michigan and New Mexico before deciding the right mix of space, talent, and incentive were available in the North Carolina coastal city.

“We aggressively pursued this piece of business,” says Cooney. “We negotiated hard, and it paid off. In 2009, we built Stage 10, one of the largest sound stages in the world with a special effects water tank, in Wilmington. Some people thought we were crazy to take such a risk in a down economy. We constructed that space envisioning a motion picture of the caliber and size of this one. This film is a game changer—not only for our studios, but for the entire state of North Carolina. It feels great to bring this project to Wilmington, a place where we’ve invested emotionally and financially since 1996. Today, our vision becomes reality.”

EUE Screen Gems Executive Vice President Bill Vassar says the Marvel executives were enticed to Wilmington by the 25 percent North Carolina Film Incentive; the size, scope and capabilities of the Wilmington studio lot; and the seasoned local crew base.