During a recent government meeting, officials discussed proposed changes to the city's filming fee structure, which aims to balance the encouragement of film production with the associated costs of city services. The proposed adjustments include increasing filming fees from $150 to $250 per day, and equipment location fees from $50 to $100 on non-filming days. Additionally, fees for using the JC building would rise from $100 to $200 per day, while two new filming locations—the Indian Trail Meeting Hall and Fort Johnson Museum—would be introduced at rates of $500 and $1,000 per day, respectively.

Concerns were raised about the necessity of these fee increases, particularly regarding the impact on attracting filmmakers to the city. One official expressed discomfort with the budget but acknowledged that this meeting was not the time for a vote. The discussion highlighted the need for public input on the proposed changes, emphasizing transparency and community engagement.

Comparative analysis revealed that Southport's filming fees are higher than those of neighboring municipalities, which often employ more flexible fee structures. For instance, Wilmington utilizes a customized fee approach based on specific production needs, while Leland focuses on full cost recovery for services without fixed location fees. In contrast, Southport's detailed and fixed fee schedule provides clarity for production companies, although it may deter some from choosing the city for filming.

The meeting concluded with a recognition that while the proposed fee increases aim to cover city service costs, further discussions and public engagement will be essential to ensure that the city remains an attractive location for film production.