The North Carolina-filmed horror feature, The Conjuring, took the top spot for this past weekend’s box office. Taking in nearly $84 million in its second weekend, the film set a record for the biggest opening for an original R-rated horror movie. The Conjuring, directed by James Wan and starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, is the story of a couple who investigate paranormal activity outside a small Rhode Island farmhouse. The production filmed in New Hanover and Pender counties in Spring 2012 and had a direct in-state spend of $17 million while creating 419 job opportunities, including 250 well-paying positions for the state’s highly-skilled film professionals. It is produced by Warner Bros’ New Line Cinema, which filmed Journey 2: The Mysterious Island in North Carolina in 2011. The studio continues to look at bringing future projects to North Carolina thanks in part to the relationship built by the N.C. Film Office as well as the state’s 25 percent refundable tax credit for filming, its large and talented crew base, and the vast array of locations. Read more.