COLUMBIA--A big Hollywood production and a network television series could be headed to the Lowcountry after the state Senate on Thursday enhanced tax breaks available to filmmakers who use the Palmetto State as their backdrop.

The Senate approved a House bill Thursday that doubles, and in some cases triples, the incentives package for film companies.

Senate leader Glenn McConnell, a Charleston Republican, quickly pushed the legislation through, saying a $45 million movie production and a $48 million TV series were on the line.

"It's a major economic injection," he said. "For several years, we've realized that we began to dwindle in the movie business. But we knew if we tweaked the South Carolina film laws, we could get more movie business in South Carolina."

Lawmakers and industry insiders were reluctant to share much information about the potential movie or TV series. McConnell said the movie would likely be shot in the Lowcountry area. Producers of the series are still deciding between the York County area and the Charleston area for their location, he said.

McConnell, who spoke to the movie producer Thursday, would only say it is a "big name" producing "big, blockbuster" action-oriented movie.

Others involved in the deal, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of its sensitive nature, identified the movie producer as Joel Silver of "Matrix," "Lethal Weapon" and the "Die Hard" movie series fame. Silver, who owns a home in Ashepoo, could not be reached for comment.

Film Commissioner Jeff Moncks would not talk about a potential movie, or the legislation. But many others in the state's film industry were buzzing about the state's potential to return to movie glory.

"I think that it has to give some strength to the message that the state wants the film industry here," said Steve Rhea, a Charleston-based film location scout.

"Wow. That's really good news. I'm off the couch now," said Tommy Melton, publisher of a Charleston-based film-industry publication.

If the House agrees with the Senate's changes to the legislation, it would be the state's second take at boosting the incentives package. Industry officials said those rebates and breaks are essential if South Carolina hopes to win productions from other states and countries that have or are developing aggressive programs to lure spending by Hollywood.

"If we don't offer some incentives, we are out of the game," said David Epps, president of Carolina Film Alliance, a trade group for industry professionals that lobbied for the legislation.

While lawmakers and industry officials recognize that New Mexico and Louisiana still lead the nation with their enticing packages, they said the changes, in combination with the state's natural assets, place South Carolina near the top.

"Because of the recent incentives we've been able to get through the Legislature, South Carolina is on the must-look list for production companies," Rhea said.

With its diverse scenery and climate conducive to year-round filming, the state attracted a number of big productions in recent years. Portions of "The Patriot," "Forrest Gump" and "The Notebook" were all filmed in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Film Commission estimates about a third of a motion picture's total budget is spent on location and that average pay for film-production jobs is $20.18 per hour.

"The Notebook," released last year, spent an average of $97,000 per day for 128 days in Berkeley, Charleston and Georgetown counties. "Radio," filmed in Anderson and Colleton counties, generated up to $120,000 a day in spending for 100 days.

The bill increases wage rebates from 5 percent to 15 percent and doubles the rebate on annual admissions taxes to 26 percent. Other money productions companies spend in the state would get a 15 percent rebate.

The wage perks cost the state $6 million and other rebates cost $3 million.

FILMOGRAPHY OF JOEL SILVER:

Producer

. House of Wax (2005)

. Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang (2005)

. V for Vendetta (2005)

. Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)

. Gothika (2003)

. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

. Ghost Ship (2002)

. 13 Ghosts (2001)

. Exit Wounds (2001)

. Swordfish (2001)

. Proximity (2000)

. Romeo Must Die (2000)

. House on Haunted Hill (1999)

. Made Men (1999)

. The Matrix (1999)

. Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)

. Conspiracy Theory (1997)

. Father's Day (1997)

. Executive Decision (1996)

. Fair Game (1995)

. Demolition Man (1993)

. Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

. The Last Boy Scout (1991)

. Die Hard 2: Die Harder (1990)

. Predator 2 (1990)

. Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

. Die Hard (1988)

. Lethal Weapon (1987)

. Predator (1987)

. Commando (1985)

Source: www.hollywood.com/

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