The South Carolina General Assembly has approved a budget proviso establishing a new pilot program under the state’s Film Commission to bolster local film production.
The “Local Film Carry Forward” initiative, backed by a $2 million budget, offers incentives for mid-tier productions with budgets ranging from $250,000 to $999,999. Qualified projects can receive a state rebate of up to 25% on total expenses. To be eligible, all production activity must occur within South Carolina, and the film’s producer must be registered with the state and have been a resident for at least two years, among other requirements.
A key objective of the program is to provide crucial on-set training for students and emerging crew members, fostering a sustainable local industry. By attracting more low- to mid-tier productions, the state hopes to retain and nurture its filmmaking talent, enabling them to eventually helm larger projects.
Film Commission representative Storm noted that the new program addresses a gap that previously forced local talent elsewhere. He cited the example of Greenville-based filmmakers Chris and Emily White, who had to produce their 2020 film “Electric Jesus” out of state because it did not qualify for existing incentives. “They’ve yet to bring a full-length project here,” Storm said, “and it’s their home state.”
The Local Film Carry Forward program, which launched this summer, has already received two applications. While no major productions are currently scheduled, Storm confirmed that the crew from Netflix’s “Outer Banks” has expressed interest in another project, and other feature films are exploring the state.
The strategy emphasizes attracting a steady volume of smaller projects over relying on a single large-scale production. “If we can get 10 to 15 productions, as opposed to just one big show, I think we can still keep our crew working year-round. And that’s a win for us,” Storm said.
Parrish described this focus as a necessary pivot in the current industry climate. “We see the landscape,” he said. “We realize at least for the foreseeable future, it’s not going to change.”
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