North Carolina Loses Netflix Show Over Anti-LGBTQ Law
North Carolina is still facing economic backlash for passing anti-LGBTQ laws.
The latest loss comes in the form of an upcoming Netflix show, OBX, as the network has nixed the creator's plan to shoot the series in his hometown of Wilmington, citing HB142, the HB2 "repeal" that failed to fully undo the law's discriminatory nature, StarNews reports.
The show is a coming-of-age story, following four teenagers in a fictional Outer Banks town as a hurricane hits, cutting power and communication to the islands.
Pate (pictured above), who currently lives in Los Angeles, created the NBC show Surface, which shot in Wilmington, and has a lengthy resume including writing, directing, and producing credits.
His latest project is set to begin shooting in the spring, and Pate said 10 episodes have already been ordered, although Netflix has yet to officially announce the show.
According to Pate, Netflix has taken issue with HB142's provision preventing cities and municipalities from passing non-discrimination ordinances protecting against anti-LGBTQ discrimination, which doesn't expire until December 2020. He's hopeful the state will change course, allowing for filming to take place in the state.
"This tiny law is costing this town 70 good, clean, pension-paying jobs and also sending a message to those people who can bring these jobs and more that North Carolina still doesn’t get it," Pate said.
However, Netflix has already sent him to Charleston, South Carolina instead to scout locations for shooting. Pate noted the production is projected to spend approximately $60 million in whichever state they film in.