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WILMINGTON – Gov. Bev Perdue made a trip to Wilmington Thursday to sign an executive order to reauthorize the North Carolina Film Council, which advises the governor on ways to help make the state's film industry grow.

The governor wants to use the industry to create more jobs and economic opportunities for North Carolinians.

“We're going to be as aggressive as we can be legally to grow this industry and to bring new jobs and news productions into North Carolina,” Perdue said.

“One Tree Hill” actress Bethany Joy Galeotti said she hopes the decision keeps talent and crew members in the state.

“I really feel strongly about this,” she said. “I think it's really important, and what she just signed means a lot because it's bringing so many more jobs into this area that people wouldn't have otherwise.”

Wilmington is already well known for having the biggest film studio on the East Coast, and now Perdue wants to see even more growth for the state's film industry.

She recently signed a law that increases tax incentives for production companies. Starting Jan. 1, productions in North Carolina will receive a 25 percent tax credit on goods and services.

The film council says that will give the industry a major boost.

“Once January comes around and the incentive goes into effect, the state of North Carolina will have more opportunities and jobs than they can handle,” said Bob Seligson, chairman of the Film Council.

Perdue said she wants film makers to know North Carolina is the best place in the world for film makers.

“We've got the skilled artisans, the skilled crew, actors and actresses and the locations,” she said. “Anything they need, North Carolina can deliver.”

The council says Perdue is planning to make a trip to California to help promote the state's film industry and encourage productions to come to North Carolina.