COLUMBIA--South Carolina has provided a scenic backdrop to some major Hollywood films over the years -- "The Big Chill," "Forrest Gump," "The Patriot."

But the number of movies filmed in South Carolina has been dropping, and no complete feature films were shot in the state in 2003, film officials say.

Some lawmakers are hoping a bill offering more incentives to the film industry will help.

Sen. Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg, introduced legislation Thursday that provides financial incentives for crews to film in South Carolina and also to employ local talent.

Under the bill, a film crew can receive a full exemption from state sales and use tax if they spend $250,000 or more on one or more productions in a year. They can receive a 5 percent employment tax rebate if they spend $1 million or more in a taxable year in production.

Crews that purchase a minimum of $1 million in supplies could apply for a rebate up to 7 percent on the cost of goods and services, Ritchie said.

The legislation will provide needed assistance, said South Carolina Film Commissioner Jeff Monks.

The state's film industry took in about $4.1 million last year, down from about $32 million in 2002, he said.

"There's a real sense of urgency to get this bill passed," said Clare Morris, spokeswoman for the state Commerce Department, which includes the film agency.