SB 1002

Expands the eligibility requirements of the Film and Entertainment Grant Fund (Fund) in GS 143B-437.02A so that the funds are reserved for both online streaming productions as well a television series at $500,000 per episode (was, just TV series). Increases the caps on funds as follows: (1) from $7 million to $20 million for a feature-length film or single season of episodes intended for online distribution (was, just feature-length film) and (2) from $15 million to $25 million for a single season of a TV show. Specifies that the grant amount for the first season of a TV show, when added to any grant for a pilot episode, cannot exceed $25 million. Now prohibits funds from being awarded to recorded concerts or other live performance events for theatrical or other release. Removes game shows from the types of productions that cannot receive funds from the Fund. Modifies definition of “highly compensated individual” to an individual who receives compensation in excess of $4 million (was, $1 million). Makes conforming change to definition of qualifying expenses . Defines production for an online show as all the episodes produced for a single calendar year, provided there are at least six episodes with an average running time of at least 20 minutes. Removes the statutory cross-reference to production company and defines the term as a person engaged in the business of making original motion pictures or video content for theatrical, commercial, advertising, or educational purposes. Sets forth qualifying expenses for game shows and productions that document purportedly unscripted real-life situations primarily using unfamiliar people in lieu of professional actors.