From Thunder Road to Last of the Mohicans to Dirty Dancing to new indie flick Anywhere, U.S.A., Western North Carolina has built a reputation as a popular film-shooting location in recent years. Coupled with the Asheville Film Festival and a growing film-production industry, the movies have also grown into one of the region’s economic engines. This economic impact will be discussed at the next Critical Issues Luncheon, presented by the Leadership Asheville Forum.
Leanne Campbell, head of Blue Ridge Motion Pictures, will lead the luncheon’s panel discussion, slated for Wednesday, April 23, at the Blue Ridge studios.
Joining Campbell will be David Miller of Imaginary Studios and Merwin Gross, executive producer of Blue Ridge Motion Pictures.
The event is open to the public. Buffet line opens at 11:45 a.m., with the speaker scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. The charge is $16. Reservations must be obtained, by phone or e-mail, by Monday, April 21.
To reserve space, e-mail nwilliam@unca.edu, or call 250-2353 (e-mail is preferred). Directions to the Blue Ridge Motion Pictures studio will be sent with reservation confirmation.
— Hal L. Millard, staff writer
