THE PRODUCERS GUILD OF AMERICA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE FILM OFFICE. PLEASE VERIFY ALL INFORMATION WITH THE FILM OFFICE DIRECTLY.
1. Does your state offer tax incentives? YES
a. Details including percentage? Point of Sale Exemption from Sales use and Accommodations tax. Minimum $250k in State spend required
b. Refundable/Transferable/Rebate? N/A - see above
c. Brokerage contact? N/A
d. Difference between local productions vs. productions/corps from out-of-state? None
2. Are there cash rebates offered? Yes
a. Labor? Yes. A Qualified Production is eligible for a wage rebate up to twenty percent (20%) for the persons employed in conjunction with the South Carolina production. The wages of all South Carolina residents and all South Carolina and non-resident performing artists (including stunt performers) are eligible for the maximum 20% rebate. The wages of all non-residents, including crew, are eligible for a 10% rebate up to $3500 per person. For qualifying television series, the wages of all non-residents are eligible for the maximum 20% rebate. The following requirements must be met in order to be eligible for the wage rebate: (a) wages for each qualifying person must be less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) for the project and (b) wages must be subject to South Carolina withholding tax.
b. Do cast salaries qualify? Yes. All loan outs qualify if 2% South Carolina withholding is applied and wages are less than $1MM
c. Sales tax? No – Its an exemption
d. SC Supplier Rebate - 30% Rebate for any acquisitions from a SC supplier
3. What are your caps/minimums?
a. Cap per production? None
b. Annual cap? SC is accepting applications for the approximate $20M that becomes available July 1 of each year. Note that active pre-production must begin in South Carolina within 60 days of the application being approved, or a new application must be filed.
***** PLEASE NOTE: STATE HAS BEEN ASKED TO NOTIFY US IF THE FUNDS FOR THE INCENTIVE ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE, AND WHEN THEY ANTICIPATE THE FUNDS BEING REPLENISHED
c. Is there a minimum spend requirement per production?? $250k for sales tax exemption; $1MM for wage and supplier rebates
4. Are there sales tax discounts? Exemptions
5. Are there hotel tax discounts? Exemption applies to Accommodations taxes
6. Are there any state or local fees offered at no charge?
a. Police/Fire ? No, but very reasonable rates
b. Permits? Only 3 towns require permits
c. Use of state or locations at no charge/reduced cost? State properties may be used as filming locations without a location fee. Contact the SC Film Commission for more details
7. Is your state a “right to work state? Yes
8. Crew base
a. Number of union crews (i.e. - how many productions can be served?) 2.5
b. Number of non-union crews 1
c. Allowances to bring crew from out-of state (union cooperation) Yes, IA #491 serves both SC and NC and offers a “nearby” stipend
d. Crew contact information http://www.scfilmoffice.com/hire1.asp or the SCFC: 803.737.0490
9. Do you have sound stages?
a. How many, size, website? 2 http://www.crowninternationalstudio.com/
b. Measurements of stages? 12,000 sq ft 90’ x 130’ with 28′+ ceiling
c. Alternatives to sound stages (warehouses, etc)? Many warehouse in various areas of the state – call the SCFC for latest listings
10. Do you have equipment houses in your state?
a. Please specify grip/electric/camera/vehicles, etc. High Output Lighting and Grip, Screen Gems-SC (Grip and Electric) , Film Trucks, Palmetto Production Equipment, Telecorps (HD, audio and editing systems)
b. Where are they located? Charleston region
c. If not in your state, closest facilities? All other equipment and services in neighboring Ga and NC
11. Do you have film and/or sound labs in your state? No - GA is closest state
12. Specify your weather patterns Go to: http://www.scfilmoffice.com/climate.html for complete details
13. What are the child labor laws in your area? South Carolina follows Federal guidelines
14. Please list the productions which have shot in your state within the last 2 years.
Leatherheads, Smokehouse/Universal
Gospel Hill, Gospel Hill Productions
Army Wives TV Series (Seasons 1 + 2) Touchstone/Lifetime
The New Daughter, Gold Circle Films
Nailed, Persistent Entertainment/Capitol Films
Walker Payne, Persistent Entertainment
Asylum, Hyde Park Entertainment
Death Sentence, Hyde Park Entertainment
The Strangers, Mandate Pictures
Who’s Your Caddy, Ascendant Pictures
Patriotville, Two Roads Entertainment
15. Please add any additional information, or a statement from your office here.
In South Carolina, we appreciate the contribution the film industry makes to our state and our communities. Our industry-savvy film commission is dedicated to making the experience of your next production successful and hassle-free. Our extensive network of state and local officials will open doors for your production. We invite you to experience our southern hospitality among the rich landscape of South Carolina.
South Carolina perks:
Experienced crew and supplier base
Aggressive incentives
Cooperative and welcoming communities that offer local incentives
Few permits
Mild climate that allows comfortable year-round shooting
University intern assistance and 35mm production gear
Add to this the beauty and geographic diversity of South Carolina and you’ll find we’re an unbeatable combination!
We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Jeff Monks
Film Commissioner
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