Film incentives & trusting

I realize that many of you may not be familiar with the tax incentive program for film in North Carolina. Currently, film companies receive a rebate to encourage more film business to come to North Carolina. Recent studies have shown that for every dollar of credit issued, $9.11 in direct spending was generated by the film industry in North Carolina. Film companies & their workers support local businesses, restaurants, hotels... not to mention they provide thousands of jobs to locals. 

The film incentive program in NC is set to expire at the end of this year. In the next month, the "short session" of the General Assembly will be held and if not mentioned or renewed, the film incentives will simple expire in December and film companies will choose other states for work. What does this mean for us & so many others that work in film & support their family through this industry? Well, we're honestly not sure, but most likely the work will go away & we will either have to move elsewhere or pick a new career. 

I feel hopeful that they will re-up the incentives, but there is a very real chance that they won't. Our friends that also work in this industry are starting to talk about back-up plans and discussing moving if it came to that. Will and I have talked about it and we keep coming back to this: We really love where we are and don't want to move, but if thats what happens we may have to do that. We basically have two plans going right now, one where we will be buying a house in Wilmington next summer if all goes well, or the other we will be using some of that saved money as we transition to a new place/new jobs.

At first, I felt really worried, job stability has always been (thankfully) something that Will has had. I felt anxious at the possibility of starting all over and going back to being uncomfortable and having to search for new jobs, friends, a home etc. But, I've had a lot of time to mull it over at this point (we've known that this was coming for a while now). I feel at ease and am trusting that we will end up where we are supposed to be, whether that be the land of the pines or elsewhere. 

So we would appreciate prayers. We've rallied in downtown Wilmington, contacted local representatives and now all we really can do is pray. The short session begins May 14th and will last about 6-7 weeks so we should know pretty soon if the film incentives have been renewed. I know this is good for us, to be forced to simply trust & let the decision be made for us. Updates to come for sure.

Bike rides.

Theres always a point in this film business life where we both get frustrated. Frustrated at the lack of time together, frustrated with the long hours and lack of sleep (for Will) and frustrated that all we know about each other's week are minimal details and the most we've talked is ten minutes in the middle of the night. [Lets just say THANK goodness for texting. We give each other frequent updates via texts.] But anyway, the point is we reach a breaking point where we need a little time together and he needs time to rest. 

We hit that breaking point last week. Will had worked six days for past few weeks and only had a day off in between. We hadn't had a weekend off together in a while. One thing you'll quickly learn about the film business is the frequent changes in schedule. They were told they would have Monday & Tuesday off last week, but on Sunday they changed the plans & were told they only get Monday off. I was bummed. Since I teach on Mondays, we had planned to spend Tuesday together- get brunch, relax, etc. Its so hard not to get angry in those moments, but I reminded myself that we have no control over it so we must move on. 

He did get Monday off and after work, I hurried home so we could make the most of the afternoon and evening. We loaded our bikes up and headed to one of our favorite neighborhoods in Wilmington- one that is shaded by huge oak trees and lined with character-filled houses. We spent a few hours riding through this area and then stopped for some tea at a coffee shop. It was just what we needed! We finished off the night with dinner at one of our favorite Baja Mexican restaurants and ate way too many chips & queso with our fish tacos. It was wonderful! 

Sometimes (or in our case, a LOT of times) plans change, but I'm constantly reminding myself to let it roll off my back and savor the time that we do get. 

Gratitude.

Oh you know, just went MIA for a few weeks. But I'm backkk.

So my favorite season is upon us & I couldn't be happier. There are so many things to be thankful for- here are just a few things that I'm thankful for over the past few weeks or so.

For American flags & film jobs in Wilmington.

For sleeping kittens who cuddle up beside you

For friendships that endure life changes & miles of distance

For market lights on the porch & warm summer nights with friends

For visits with friends and time to slow down & catch up

For surprises on my pillow from my sweet husband.