“Secrets and Lies,” an ABC series that filmed its first run in Wilmington, plans to take its jobs and investments to California.

That’s in spite of the fact that North Carolina still owes it $1 million in the form of tax credits.

The series has been accepted into California’s tax credit program, says Guy Gaster, director of the N.C. Film Office.

The show didn’t even submit a request for a piece of the $10 million grant North Carolina split between its incentivized productions this year, according to state commerce records. But, in return for spending about $4.6 million on its pilot episode, the production company was able to submit a claim for more than $1.1 million in tax credits to the N.C. Department of Revenue under the now-expired tax credit program. And, as that was only one episode, Gaster points out that the show is likely owed additional credits from the state, since it filmed 10 episodes during their North Carolina tenure.

While “Secrets and Lies” didn’t file an employment number with its tax claim, Gaster points out that a typical show can run up to 500 employees an episode.

Season by season is the way the incentives have always worked – including the grant program initiated this year. After all, not even the shows themselves know that they’ll be renewed.

“We hope to have a good relationship with a production, especially with a TV series that films multiple seasons,” Gaster says. “But it happens.”

The budget currently being discussed on Jones Street does include a higher grant provision. A budget that passed the house includes grant funds for the next two fiscal years.

It’s currently being discussed in the state Senate. Should it pass, film projects would have a total of $40 million to compete for, instead of the $10 million that has already been allocated to projects.

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/techflash/2015/06/secrets-and-lies-nc-hollywood-tax-credits.html