About Charleston
Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina and serves as the county seat of Charleston County. The MSA of Charleston covers four counties and is the third largest in the state. According to the 2020 census, Charleston’s population is marked at just above 150,000, and that of the MSA at just under 800,000.
Charleston was founded in honor of King Charles II in 1670. Although nearly destroyed many times throughout its history by fires, hurricanes, and wars, each time Charleston was re-built to that of its colonial charm and character. These traits define Charleston.
Because of its natural harbor from the confluence of three rivers leading to the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston has maintained significance in shipping and commerce and as a base location for the navy and the coast guard. The diversity of people and the cultures of Charleston remain with us today.
Charleston’s nickname is “The Holy City.” In contrast to its tumultuous past during the ante- and postbellum South, Charleston has always been tolerant of free religious worship by its citizens. These churches, both historic and modern, are today’s testament to the tolerance of religious practice.
Filming Options in Charleston
The film industry is important to the local economy. A popular venue in its own right, Charleston has become a popular stand-in for the “typical” southern scene. The filming venues in Charleston consist of specialty spaces with operating businesses, residences of traditional and colonial style in the city, and acreage settings.
- Production Services
A full-service production vendor will offer all aspects of filming beginning with the story concept to the delivery of the end product. The technology and the equipment for the pre-and post-production would be a part of the service package. The production package can be assembled as turnkey or be tailored to fit the scope and the needs of the client. In addition to the technical talent, the service of a project manager should be included to manage the production between the studio and the client.
- Furniture and Décor Rentals
The setting of the stage needs to set the mood and the tone of the film project and aid with the connection of the message by the target audience. Film production is an event, and a vendor specializing in the staging of a variety of events will bring the talent to the set. The choices of furniture, décor, props, and accent pieces will all play a part in the messaging.
- Permitting
In Charleston, there is no specific permit for filming. However, the film set may qualify as a “special event” or a “temporary use event”, both of which will require a permit. These definitions are event and venue specific. If a film set is upon public property or will encroach onto public property, then a permit will be required.
Filming Company Options in Charleston
Another benefit of this guide is to give film producers suggestions of local vendors and explain the tax incentive program. The hiring of local talent and labor will strengthen the value and the merits of the application for the rebate of state taxes. The local knowledge of the contractors and vendors brought to the set and production will be evident in the efficiencies in the time schedule and the budget.
- 843 Productions, LLC
Based in the heart of Charleston, 843 Productions provides a full-service production studio for films produced for commercials, instruction and demonstrations, social media, and pilots. With the standard services of a production studio, 843 Productions offers storyboarding at the front end for the film crew and the project manager to develop an understanding of the client’s use and expectation of the final product.
- The French Eclectic
This women-owned event rental business based in Charleston provides the services and the talent to set a stage. The French Eclectic has pre-packaged collections of different themes with options for upgrades. In the alternative, the rental items can be chosen on an a la carte basis. The rental periods can be day-of, short-term, or for longer inventory holds to accommodate the unpredictable schedule of a film set. Showroom viewings are set by appointment only.
- Tax Rebate Program in South Carolina
The tax incentive program in South Carolina comes in the form of a rebate. This means that state taxes are paid in full and reimbursed at a later time. The tax rebates are 30% on supplies, 25% on resident labor, and 20% on non-resident labor. There are no project caps, but a minimum of $1 million must be spent locally.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Charleston
Setting out the pros and the cons of filming in Charleston is an important part of the fact-finding process. This guide sets out three considerations under the advantage and the disadvantage categories giving equal weight to each.
Advantages
- Charleston’s charm
Throughout its history, Charleston has been heavily damaged countless times by war, fire, and natural disasters as recently as 1989 by Hurricane Hugo. Although the rebuilding used stronger materials under stricter building codes, Charleston has always rebuilt itself to replicate its southern colonial charm.
- Climate
The average high temperature in the summer months is 87°F, with lows in the 70s. The average high in the winter months is 60°F, with lows in the upper 40s. The average annual rainfall is 45 inches with the majority occurring in July and August.
- Support of the arts
The culture within Charleston is a mix of traditional US southern, west African, French, and English. This culture is celebrated. Throughout the year, Charleston hosts numerous cultural events, fairs, parades, and festivals paying homage to fashion, art, film, wine, and low country oysters.
Disadvantages
- Crime
As of 2018, Charleston’s crime rate was on par with the national average and below that of the MSA and the state of South Carolina. While the safety within Charleston remains better now than at the beginning of the 21st century, the stigma remains.
- Tax rebate program
There are some aspects of South Carolina’s tax incentive program relative to non-resident labor and the qualification of the first $1 million of labor expenses that rival other states. However, it must be noted that the program is a rebate program, not a reduction program.
- Special event permit
Although Charleston does not issue a permit specifically for filming, the film production may be subject to permits for a special event, a temporary use, encroachment, and perhaps others.
Famous Locations in Charleston
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Monuments
These two historic forts stand guard at the entrance to the Charleston Harbor. The battle at Fort Moultrie defeated the British navy in 1776, and the rebel army defeated the union army in 1861 marking the beginning of the civil war. These forts are located on separate islands in the harbor. The tours last approximately 1-2 hours at each fort. Fort Sumter is only accessible by boat.
- Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
This is one of South Carolina’s most historic buildings. The building was the original fortification of Charleston built in 1698. This building was expanded and renamed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Custom House. The dungeon area once held pirates and patriots, and the building held the ratification of the constitution and the entertainment of George Washington.
- Walking Food Tour
This 2.5-hour tour will take visitors to local markets, bakeries, and restaurants to sample the dining scene of Charleston. The tour price includes bottled water and a professional guide. The samplings will make a complete meal. Twelve is the maximum group number and the minimum age for tour participants.
