CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -- Two portions along Graham Street were turned into production sets Tuesday for the filming of separate television series.
Filming for Showtime's Homeland series continued near uptown, while filming for a new Cinemax series called Banshee took over part of Graham Street near 24th Street.
Paul Davis, who is part owner of McGee Lumber, agreed to have his business used for a set. The old lumber yard has buildings with weathered wood slats, perfect for re-creating the look of Amish Pennsylvania for Banshee.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Davis, who was impressed with the filming. Even though his business had to shut down for the day, Davis said the compensation was worth it.
Across the street at Tatsis Restaurant, Danny Yiottis said what started as a great day turned into a miserable one. He said he wasn't expecting the street closure, even though he signed a contract to let the crew use his parking lot.
He was paid, but said the money doesn't cover the business he lost.
Several drivers said street detours around the set did slow them down, but most were happy to have the production crew in town.
Beth Petty with the Charlotte Regional Film Commission said the film revenue has a far-reaching economic impact. Thousands of hotel rooms are booked, supplies must be rented, and the traveling crew members end up spending money while they stay.
Petty said locals are also put to work. When The Hunger Games filmed in the Charlotte area, 600 locals were hired.
Petty just returned from a trip to California where she was "selling Charlotte" to some of the big studios.
"The response was great. It's really moving," she said.
Charlotte offers an international airport and good incentives package for the studios. She said you can find places to film from the rustic like, McGee Lumber, to a bustling uptown.
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