South Carolina’s Thriving Film Community + Growth
Myrtle Beach served as the background for the feature film, The Grand Strand. Many crew members came together from all over the state, lived together at Coastal Carolina University, wrapping principle production in July 2024. The film won the Jury Award for Best Feature Film The Beverly Hills Film Festival.
South Carolina may not have the same flashy reputation as Hollywood or New York City when it comes to the film industry, but over the past few decades, this southern state has quietly become a hotbed for independent filmmakers, production companies, and creative talent. From the scenic coastlines to historic cities, South Carolina offers a diverse landscape that has attracted filmmakers looking to tell unique stories, create captivating visuals, and tap into a growing local film culture.
Whether it's through the blossoming of indie films or larger productions making use of the state's tax incentives, South Carolina filmmakers are carving out a space for themselves in the national conversation about film. Here's a closer look at some of the key factors that have contributed to the growth of filmmaking in South Carolina, the talent emerging from the state, and what lies ahead for this vibrant film community.
The Rise of the South Carolina Film Industry
South Carolina’s film industry has its roots in a long history of artistic expression, dating back to the early 1900s when some of the first silent films were shot in Charleston. Now there is real momentum since state legislators introduced a film incentive program aimed at attracting filmmakers to the Palmetto State.
The South Carolina Film Incentives which offer up to a 30% rebate on qualified expenses for film and television productions, has been a game changer for many productions looking for a home. The program will help bring both large-scale productions and indie projects to South Carolina’s cities, towns, and rural areas, providing a major economic boost to local communities. While Charleston has served as a hotbed for the majority of recent SC productions (Righteous Gemstones, Outerbanks) the state’s diverse topography—ranging from picturesque beaches in the Low Country to dense forests of the Upstate and historic architecture of Charleston and Columbia— SC can provide an array of settings for various genres of filmmaking.
In addition to incentives, the state’s relatively lower cost of living has made it an appealing destination for both seasoned filmmakers and those looking to break into the industry. With facilities like the South Carolina Film Commission, Film Craft in Columbia, Salt Run and Film Bar in the Upstate, and festivals like Beaufort Film Festival and Myrtle Beach Film Festival, there are plenty of resources and networking opportunities.
SUPERVOID the Movie crewed up in Columbia, SC in July 2025. Several crew members went on to work on another feature shoot in August 2025
The Future of South Carolina Filmmaking
The future of South Carolina filmmaking looks bright. There is also a growing movement within the South Carolina community to tell authentic local stories that reflect the state’s diverse population. These stories, often focusing on themes of identity, community, and social justice, resonate with audiences both nationally and globally. Wide Angle is a program that is working to do just that!
South Carolina is an exciting, dynamic hub for filmmakers that is positioned for future growth. Whether it's through tax incentives, independent filmmaking, or film education, the Palmetto State is offering filmmakers an environment where they can flourish creatively and professionally. So next time you're watching a film and see the credits roll, keep an eye out—you might just spot a little piece of South Carolina shining on the big screen.
Are we missing any opportunities / film resources here? Email contact@localcinemastudios.com and let us know!