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Home My WebLink About2026-01-13 Minutes MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WILMINGTON REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION, INC. A North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation The Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. (WRFC) held a regular meeting at 8:30 AM, on January 13, 2026. Chairman Hank Miller, Vice-Chairman Sabrina Davis, Mr. Kirk Englebright, Ms. Judy Girard, and Honorable Bill Rivenbark, and were present. Honorable Bill Saffo and Mr. Michael Scott joined by video conference. In addition, Commission staff members Mr. Johnny Griffin and Ms. Megan Henry were present. Tim Buckland (Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for New Hanover County), and Tom Fetzer (lobbyist) were also present. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MEETING ON OCTOBER 14, 2025. The minutes from the Board Meeting on October 14, 2025, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT A,were unanimously approved. 2. PRESENTATION BY LOBBYIST TOM FETZER WITH FETZER STRATEGIC PARTNERS . Mr. Tom Fetzer gave a presentation on lobbying efforts during 2025. He also discussed plans for lobbying efforts during 2026 to seek improvements to the NC Film Grant. 3. CONSIDERATION OF CONTRACT WITH FETZER STRATEGIC PARTNERS FOR LOBBYING SERVICES DURING 2026. A contract with Fetzer Strategic Partners for lobbying services during 2026, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT B, was unanimously approved. 4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF APPOINTEES OF DARK HORSE STAGES AND CINESPACE STUDIOS BEGINNING NEW TERMS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2026. It was acknowledged that Dark Horse Studios has appointed Mr. Kirk Englebright and Cinespace Studios has appointed Mr. Michael Scott, Jr. as their respective representatives to the Commission for three year terms beginning in January 2026. 5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS OFTHE CORPORATION FOR 2026. The following individuals were unanimously elected as officers of the corporation for 2026: Mr. Hank Miller (Chairman), Ms. Sabrina Davis (Vice Chairman), and Mr. Johnny Griffin (Secretary/Treasurer). 6. PRODUCTION UPDATE. Mr.Johnny Griffin stated that there is currently a television series filming, "RJ DECKER". It will be filming until March / April. In February, the television series,"THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY'will return to compete the series by filming a movie. Production levels nationwide remain low; however, there are signs that it may begin to improve in early 2026. There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 A.M. Respe,ctfully Submitted, Mr. Hank Miller, Chairperson BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILMINGTON Hank Miller,Chairman REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION, INC. Sabrina S.Davis,Vice-Chairman 1223 NORTH 23rd STREET - WILMINGTON, NC 28405 Kirk Englebright 910.343.3456 Tel ® 910.343.3457 Fax Judy Girard commish@wilmingtonfilm.com ® www.wilmingtonfilm.com Honorable Bill Rivenbark Honorable Bill Saffo Michael Scott,Jr. BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WILMINGTON REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION, INC. Agenda for Regular Meeting January 13, 2026 8:30 AM 1. Approval of the minutes from October 14, 2025 board meeting (EXHIBIT "A") 8:31 AM 2. Acknowledgement of appointees of Dark Horse Stages and Cinespace Studios beginning new terms effective January 2026 8:32 AM 3. Election of officers of the corporation for 2026 8:35 AM 4. Production update 8:45 AM 5. Presentation by Susi Hamilton with the Film Partnership of North Carolina Foundation 9:15 AM 6. Presentation by lobbyist Tom Fetzer with Fetzer Strategic Partners 10:00 AM 7. Consideration of contract with Fetzer Strategic Partners for lobbying services during 2026 (EXHIBIT "By') 10:05 AM 9. Adjournment Member of ASSOCIATION OF FILM COMMISSIONERS aftawi INTERNATIONAL EXHIBIT "A" MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WILMINGTON REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION, INC. A North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation The Wilmington Regional Film Commission, Inc. (WRFC) held a regular meeting at 8:30 AM, on October 14, 2025. Chairman Hank Miller, Vice-Chairman Sabrina Davis, Mr. Kirk Englebright, Ms. Judy Girard, Honorable Bill Rivenbark, and Honorable Bill Saffo were present. Mr. Michael Scott joined by video conference. In addition, auditor Mr. Kemmy Goodson joined by phone, and Mr. Johnny Griffin was present. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MEETING ON AUGUST 12, 2025. The minutes from the Board Meeting on August 12, 2025, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT A,were unanimously approved. 2. PRESENTATION OF AUDIT OF FY 24-25 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . Mr. Kemmy Goodson, auditor with Goodson & Taylor, CPAs, presented the audit of FY 24-25 financial statements, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT B. There was no further discussion. 3. APPROVAL OF AUDIT OF FY 24-25 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The audit of FY 24- 25 financial statements, a copy of which is attached as EXHIBIT B, was unanimously approved. 4. PRODUCTION UPDATE. Mr. Johnny Griffin stated that there is currently one production in the region, a television series for ABC titled "RJ DECKER". The production will begin filming in late November and continue until early 2026. The pilot for the series was filmed in the region during the summer of 2025. Otherwise, production is slow throughout the U.S. currently. The issues continue to be a reduction in content, increased international incentives, and favorable foreign exchange rates. The board agreed that the Commission needs to continue to advocate for increased film incentives from the State. There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 A.M. Respectfully Submitted, Mr. Hank Miller, Chairperson EXHIBIT "B" FETZER SiTRATEGIC PARTNERS Media Strategy:Government Affairs Survey Research December 12, 2025 This is an engagement proposal for Fetzer Strategic Partners to continue to represent the Wilmington Regional Film Commission in the North Carolina General assembly. As in previous years we will focus on: - Maintaining our grant line item in the recurring budget - Increasing our appropriation as a response to the significant increase in demand for the Grant program that we have experienced in the last year. We propose continuing our current engagement that FSP will provide a full range of advocacy services in exchange for a fee of$4500 a month. This engagement will be for the calendar year 2026. We have been honored to represent the Film Commission and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration. 12/12/2025 Tom Fetzer President Fetzer Strategic Partners