CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new television show on the Oprah Winfrey Network puts Charlotte in the spotlight.
The new show Delilah was filmed right in the Queen City. It's a scripted series from Craig Wright who is also the creator of Greenleaf. It stars Maahra Hill, known for a her roles in Blackish and How to Get Away with Murder. She plays Delilah Connolly, a lawyer who is raising her children alone while seeking justice for those who need it most.
This is the latest TV show to use Charlotte as a backdrop. Homeland and Banshee filmed in Charlotte for a few seasons, and movies like Shallow Hal and Talladega Nights also set up shop here.
The film industry left Charlotte for a few years after there was a change to North Carolina's film tax incentive program in 2014. House Bill 2 also lead to an economic hit, and a decrease in production in the area.
Charlotte City Council Member Braxton Winston worked behind the scenes on Delilah, and says after years of missed opportunities, the show is breathing new life into the entertainment industry in the city, and it's bringing an economic boom in a time when many businesses are struggling.
"Equipment is being rented. Hotel rooms are being rented. Restaurants and caterers are being utilized," Winston says. "So yes, it is exciting that it is back, but I think it's also poignant that this happened during COVID."
He also says this is one of the first times Charlotte is a central part of the show, and this lets people in the entertainment industry know the Queen City is ready for the spotlight.
"This represents a calling card, not just around the country, but internationally. When you're married to a brand like Oprah Winfrey Network, that means a lot. So we have an opportunity here, again to really show that Charlotte is open for business, and is a great place for folks to come and do that.”
The show premiers next week, but there is a special sneak preview tonight for people in Charlotte. The event is virtual, and you can click here to RSVP.