Wilmington’s Film Scene Expands with New Sound Stages
Wilmington, NC – The local film industry is set for significant growth as Dark Horse Stages officially opened two new sound stages, Stages 3 and 4, on Wednesday. This expansion adds over 40,000 square feet of cutting-edge production space, enhancing Wilmington’s reputation as a vibrant hub for filmmakers.
A grand opening event held just a week prior welcomed over 550 attendees, including state officials and industry leaders, to celebrate the expansion. Kirk Englebright, president and CEO of Dark Horse Stages, emphasized the importance of the facility in supporting creative visions, stating, "The turnout reflects the excitement surrounding our expansion and the bright future of film in North Carolina."
Established in 2020, Dark Horse Stages quickly gained traction, with its first project being a Hallmark Channel holiday film and subsequent work for major studios like Paramount. The announcement in July 2023 regarding the construction of the new sound stages essentially doubles the studio’s original 42,000 square-foot campus, positioning it for increased demand as the film industry rebounds from recent challenges.
"The expansion of Dark Horse Stages brings tremendous value to North Carolina’s film industry," remarked North Carolina Film Office Director Guy Gaster. He highlighted how the development enhances the state’s appeal to both major studios and independent filmmakers, fostering an environment conducive to creativity and collaboration.
As Wilmington continues to solidify its status as a premier filming destination, the opening of these new state-of-the-art stages signals a renewed interest in high-quality production facilities and the potential for future growth within North Carolina’s thriving film industry.
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