Wilmington, NC – YouTube megastar MrBeast has officially become the first major production to shoot at Dark Horse Stages’ newly unveiled Stages 3 and 4, marking a major milestone for North Carolina’s rapidly expanding production industry. The addition of these two 20,000 square foot stages bring the total Dark Horse Campus to over 125,000 square feet of cutting-edge production space reinforcing Wilmington’s status as a premier destination for both traditional film and television productions as well as next-generation digital content creators.
MrBeast’s latest high-stakes YouTube competition, Every Minute One Person Is Eliminated, featuring past Beast Games contestants competing for a $500,000 grand prize, was filmed in Dark Horse Stages’ brand-new facilities, demonstrating the scale, ambition, and versatility these soundstages were built to support.
A New Era for Wilmington’s Production Scene
“We were thrilled to host MrBeast and his team for such an innovative and ambitious project,” said Kirk Englebright, President and CEO of Dark Horse Stages. “Our new stages were designed to offer maximum flexibility—whether it’s a high-budget feature film or record-breaking content creation, our facility is built to handle it all.”
MrBeast’s groundbreaking presence at Dark Horse Stages highlights the increasing demand for world-class, adaptable production spaces, and signals a new wave of digital-first content creators integrating into the professional studio landscape. Wilmington is quickly becoming a top-tier hub for high-profile productions, bringing major feature films, television projects, and disruptive digital content under one roof.
Inside Stages 3 & 4: Wilmington’s Most Advanced Production Spaces
The new expansion isn’t just about more space—it’s about setting a new industry standard. Stages 3 & 4 were built with precision and cutting-edge technology to support productions of all scales, from Hollywood blockbusters to large-scale YouTube spectacles.
Aerial view of Dark Horse Stages new purpose-built Stages 3 & 4
Key Features of Dark Horse Stages 3 & 4:
• Size & Capacity – Each stage spans 20,000 square feet, complementing 42,500 square feet of existing space at Stages 1 & 2.
• Height & Acoustics – With 55-foot ceilings and a 45-foot grid height, the 12-inch thick concrete walls and soundproof roof create an optimal acoustic environment for high-fidelity audio recording.
• Power & Strength – Built to handle massive productions, each stage boasts 2,400 amps of power and a 500,000 lb total suspended live load capacity—ready for blockbusters, intricate set builds, and next-level digital content.
• Advanced HVAC & Ventilation – A Silent Air HVAC system and high-speed ventilation can recirculate or evacuate air within 60 seconds, maintaining a comfortable, high-efficiency working environment—a must for long shoot days.
Wilmington’s Film Industry Steps into the Spotlight
With major feature films, TV series, and now digital-first creators choosing Wilmington for large-scale productions, Dark Horse Stages’ expansion is perfectly timed to meet the evolving demands of today’s industry. The ability to seamlessly accommodate both traditional and digital-first productions is what makes North Carolina an increasingly sought-after location in the global production market.
MrBeast’s decision to launch his latest project in Wilmington is further proof that premium, state-of-the-art studio space is in high demand—and Dark Horse Stages is stepping up to meet it.
About Dark Horse Stages
Founded in 2020, Dark Horse Stages has rapidly become one of the leading soundstage and production facility providers in the U.S. With a commitment to innovation, supporting creative storytelling, and fostering local industry talent, Dark Horse Stages provides filmmakers and content creators with state-of-the-art resources to bring their visions to life.
For more information, visit darkhorsestages.com.
MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and Kirk Englebright, CEO of Dark Horse Stages
