Senate bill seeks to give incentives to film industry

COLUMBIA, S.C. - 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 off, and no complete feature films were shot in the state in 2003, film officials say.

South Carolina needs to be more competitive with other states and 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 to employ local talent.

"Other states have modernized and improved their incentives," Ritchie said. "We're just trying to get ahead of the curve and be more competitive."

Under the bill, a film crew could receive a full exemption from state sales and use tax if they spend $250,000 or more in one or more productions in a year. They also could 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 also can apply for a rebate up to 7 percent on the cost of goods and services, Ritchie said.

The film crews must first spend the money in the state, and then can apply for a rebate, Ritchie said.

The legislation will provide needed assistance to the state's film industry, 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, Monks said.

South Carolina is competing with other states like North Carolina, which has established a successful film industry, and Louisiana, which has passed its own incentives that have spiked that state's film revenue to $100 million from about $10 million in one year, Monks 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. "It will give South Carolina a much-needed edge."

Ritchie's legislation also provides incentives for film crews to hire South Carolina workers, many of whom are involved in film programs at Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and Trident Tech.

"The film industry brings good jobs. And it brings with it the spinoff of buying lumber from Lowe's and staying at hotels here and creates a backside tourism effect - people come to Beaufort to see where 'The Big Chill' was filmed," Ritchie said.