(RALEIGH) -- The film industry in North Carolina has already surpassed last year's record breaking year.  Gov. Bev Perdue's office said 35 productions to date account for $300 million in spending and around 16,000 job opportunities.

“My top priority is creating jobs and the enhanced film credit has created record spending by production companies in this state and resulted in thousands of jobs,” said Gov. Perdue. “It’s great to see this industry thriving again in North Carolina and we must continue to build on this momentum by creating even more of an economic impact.”

“We have one of the smartest incentives in the nation, and when combined with our talented crew base and diverse locations, it makes our state ideal for filmmakers,” said North Carolina Film Office director Aaron Syrett.

Perhaps the highest profile and largest budget movie to ever be produced in the Tar Heel State is in the middle of filming right now. "Iron Man 3" started filming in the Triangle earlier this year and continues production in Wilmington.  Production on various film projects have taken place this year in 30 of the state's 100 counties.