RALEIGH --  Popular television productions fueled one of the strongest years experienced by the film industry in North Carolina.More than 60 productions registered with the N.C. Film Office and filmed in North Carolina in 2013. Those productions amassed a record-high of more than 5,700 production days with filming taking place in more than 30 of the state’s 100 counties.

“In addition to our state’s beauty, we’ve developed the workforce and artists that make North Carolina an ideal place to produce quality projects efficiently,” said Governor McCrory in a press statement.

The latest figures come amid a debate over whether current incentives for the industry should continue, and debate over how those incentives should calcuated since the industry's impact is different that more traditional industires.

Year-end projections show television and film productions had a direct in-state spend  excess of $254 million and created more than 4,000 well-paying crew positions for the state’s highly skilled workforce. These productions created nearly 25,000 job opportunities (full time equivalent and temporary jobs), including talent and background extra positions, for North Carolinians. These numbers are the second highest in the industry’s history for in-state spending by productions as well as total job opportunities created.

Television series headlined production in North Carolina in 2013. Five major series—the summer’s top show "Under The Dome," this fall’s breakout series "Sleepy Hollow," the second season of Cinemax’s top series "Banshee," the third season of the award winning Showtime series "Homeland" and the final season of HBO’s "Eastbound and Down"—all filmed in the state.

Production on the feature films "Tammy," "Careful What You Wish For," "The Ultimate Life," "The World Made Straight," "Grass Stains," "The Squeeze," "Captive" and "Tusk" also took place in North Carolina. Made-for-television movies also had a strong presence as "Christmas In Conway," Norman Rockwell’s "Shuffleton Barbershop" and "The Perfect Summer" all were filmed and aired in 2013. National commercials for Mountain Dew, ESPN, NASCAR, Planters, Audi and Fiat also shot in the state.

“The film industry continues to have a major impact on the state’s economy and provide job opportunities for thousands of North Carolinians,” said Secretary of Commerce Sharon Decker. “It is great to see our state continue its success in the industry.”

Beyond the more than $254 million in direct spending, additional spending and job creation has taken place on numerous lower budget projects and commercials.

“The past three years have produced unheralded numbers in direct in-state spending and job opportunities," said NC Film Office Director Aaron Syrett.