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South Carolina is setting the stage for new film and TV productions � literally. A local company brought a renovated studio online in November and a brand new facility is under construction in the state.
Genesis Creative Media Production & Marketing, Inc. held a groundbreaking ceremony in November for the construction of the largest private studio facility in South Carolina. Phase I will include a 9,500-square-foot administrative/post-production facility with over 4,000 square feet of dedicated studio space, complete with dressing rooms, office, kitchenette, green room, and a hard cyclorama. The facility is designed to meet the needs of Genesis Creative�s current workflow and to accommodate other production companies. Along with production of its first independent feature film, �Ockham�s Razor,� Genesis Creative views Phase I of the construction project as a significant first step toward the goal of helping establish South Carolina as a full-service location for motion picture production. Phases 2 through 5 will include three additional dedicated studios of approximately 30,000 square feet, along with a set-construction workshop. Also in November, South Carolina-based Crown International announced the opening of Crown International Studio in Regent Park, located in Fort Mill, SC. The studio has been completely renovated for television and film production, and Crown International has now opened the studio for rental. The 90-foot by 130-foot sound stage is one of the largest in the area with a floor to grid size of more than 28 feet. This 11,700-square-foot studio has an additional area that provides seating for an audience in excess of 900. The opening and operation of the studio is the first in a multi-phase renovation that will eventually include a conference hall/studio, a learning center and an outdoor amphitheater. �These announcements represent important steps toward South Carolina�s quest to become a premier location for film and television producers,� said Jeff Monks, head of the South Carolina Film Commission. �We hope to take it to the next level with our recent addition of a part-time Los Angeles representative to help us market South Carolina to feature film and television producers.� Mitchell Peck, an L.A. resident who is involved in the Hollywood film industry, came on board in October and is promoting South Carolina � and our new incentive package - to Hollywood decision makers. To complement these recruiting efforts, the Commission is also in the process of creating a digital location library, which will enable the creation and delivery of more comprehensive project proposals to clients the world over.
Indeed, Governor Mark Sanford has been a key supporter of growing South Carolina�s film industry and was instrumental in efforts to create a friendlier environment for filmmakers. That�s because the film industry brings high-skill, high-paying jobs to the state without creating infrastructure costs associated with many other industries. Part of the incentives legislation created a soon-to-be introduced Grants Fund for the production of South Carolina media through the collaboration of South Carolina higher education and media professionals. The goal of the program is to create South Carolina productions, improve South Carolina media professionals� production skills, and create job-ready students. �The legislation the governor signed in May is already giving us a visible advantage when it comes to recruiting,� said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith. �South Carolina has proven it can compete in many different industries and film is no exception. We have great locations here and cost-effective services thanks to the amended Motion Picture Investment Act.� The amendment to the Motion Picture Incentive Act enables a film production spending more than $1 million in the state to receive a 15 percent wage rebate for all employees subject to South Carolina withholding tax involved with the film except those earning more than $1 million. It also provides for a 15 percent rebate on the purchase of South Carolina goods and services in connection with the production. When the goods and services rebate is coupled with the State�s sales tax exemption, producers can effectively save between 20 and 22 percent on goods and services acquired in South Carolina. (Image provided by South Carolina Department of Commerce.)
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The South Carolina Film Commission�s efforts to promote the Palmetto State as an attractive location for film and television productions, coupled with new legislation to draw top film-makers, is paying dividends.
