Sources: Multiple Movie Studios Interested In Eastland Mall

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by Kirk Hawkins
Bio | Email | Follow: @kirkhawkins

Story Created: Jul 18, 2012 at 10:45 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 18, 2012 at 11:28 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Ed Garber hopes a little movie magic will make his wildest dreams come true.
"I always knew where I came from and the people that I grew up around and I knew that we would do something to bring it back when we were seeing tough times," said the Eastside PAC Chairman. The life long East Charlotte resident is excited about the possibility of turning Eastland Mall into a movie studio.

"We're not interested in owning this property, we want to turn it," said Charlotte City Councilman John Autry. Autry said to make that happen, it would cost the city 13-million-dollars to buy the 80 acre property. Autry said the idea is to consolidate ownership for a quick sale to one of several potential investors.

Banshee, Homeland and Hunger Games have already shot in Charlotte but if the mall is converted into a studio, there could be even more productions. The Charlotte Regional Film Commission said there has been a tremendous amount of interest from several studios wanting to move to the Queen City.

The variety of shooting locations, proximity to a major airport, and incentives from North and South Carolina are a big draw. "I've always believed in this area," said Garber. Garber said he watched as the city failed to redevelop the mall twice before. He believes a movie studio is the best option.

"This is going to be a major attraction not just for East Charlotte, not just for Charlotte...but the whole region," said Garber. Autry said City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Monday.
It has to act quickly. The sale needs to be complete by the end of August.

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