On this month’s Voice of Business, show host and The Wilmington NC Chamber of Commerce President, Connie Majure-Rhett welcomed guests Johnny Griffin with The Wilmington Regional Film Commission and Bill Vassar with EUE/Screen Gems to discuss Wilmington’s film incentives.
Johhny Griffin- Director of The Wilmington Regional Film Commission
The Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. is responsible for marketing the unique assets found within southeastern North Carolina to the production industry. Whether you are looking for a small town square, a coastal home, a scenic highway, a gaffer, or a c-stand, we are here to help. Our staff has worked in the industry for many years and has a true working knowledge of how to solve your problems. We speak the same language which makes our clients feel comfortable.
Once you choose our region, the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. facilitates on-location filmmaking within the region by offering production companies a complete range of pre-production services through a central contact. This office provides information regarding local film procedures, permits, and guidelines, and serves as liaison with government agencies. The Film Commission also serves as a general resource and clearing house for information about the Wilmington area.
Bill Vassar-Executive Vice President of EUE/Screen Gems
Bill Vassar is the Executive Vice President of EUE/Screen Gems in Wilmington, North Carolina. He enthusiastically manages the largest studio complex east of California.
“I handpick each employee to create a special team,” says Vassar. “I take great pride in how well we work together to service the needs of each production.”
Bill’s personal involvement and attention to detail have earned the respect of clients such as Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Sony, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Lifetime, HBO, Showtime and many more. He played an integral role in recruiting the Marvel Entertainment lensing of “Iron Man 3” to Wilmington. This mega-hit is the largest single production in the history of North Carolina.
A four-decade media veteran, Bill’s first job was as a disc jockey when he was sixteen. After working in radio programming, news, sales, general management and station ownership, he transitioned to television and film production. In 1984, Bill joined NBC Entertainment Production in New York City. One of his first assignments was working with the start-up of the original “Cosby Show.”
Active in the community, Bill is the Board Chairman of the Wilmington Regional Film Commission; he sits on the North Carolina Governor’s Film Council and the Cucalorus Film Festival Board. He served two terms on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Bill and his wife Emily live in Wilmington, NC with their two sons.
