Across the southeast

State incentives lure film, TV productions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - State officials say a NASCAR comedy starring Will Ferrell now shooting in Charlotte and the NBC series Surface, a sea-monster thriller under production in Wilmington through early next year, are the first fruits of financial incentives lawmakers approved this summer.

The generous new program to attract film and TV productions replaces one that was dissolved in early 2003.

"It promotes the development and expansion of an industry that North Carolina can benefit from," said Bob Seligson, the chairman of the North Carolina Film Council.

For 20 years, North Carolina has ranked third nationally in revenues from film, television and commercial production.

Inmates fired up over hot sauce business

BRANDON, FLA.- It can be difficult to add a little spice to your life when you're in jail, but inmates at a Hillsborough County jail are trying.

The inmates had been growing hot peppers as part of a horticulture program for about a year when one suggested they make the peppers into a sauce.

Allen Boatman, the horticulture program's director, backed the idea, and residents of the Falkenburg Road Jail are now the proud makers of Jailhouse Fire hot sauce.

They recently produced their first batch, 96 5-ounce bottles that sell for $3.25 each.The revenue goes back to the inmate canteen fund and to culinary and horticulture programs for inmates.