WHEREAS, various locations in South Carolina are frequently chosen as sites for the shooting of films; and

WHEREAS, there is no indigenous film industry in South Carolina to produce and export film and television products to the rest of the country and world; and

WHEREAS, an indigenous film industry would bring various individuals critical to the industry's success who would contribute to South Carolina's economy; and

WHEREAS, ancillary commercial sectors that would benefit from an indigenous film industry in South Carolina include, among others, banking, insurance, software engineering, media, real estate, entertainment, food and beverage, accommodations, tourism, construction; and

WHEREAS, the film industry offers tremendous potential benefits to South Carolina with virtually no adverse impact on the State's natural resources.

NOW, THEREFORE, , I hereby establish the South Carolina Film Industry Task Force ("Task Force") to determine the feasibility of establishing a film industry in South Carolina, and, if such development is feasible, to provide to the Governor and the General Assembly recommendations for developing a film industry in South Carolina. The twenty member Task Force shall:

1. Consist of eight individuals with professional experience in film production; two financial experts; one representative of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education; one representative of the South Carolina Educational Television Commission; and three at-large members, one representative shall be designated by the Governor as chairperson;

2. Consist of two Senate members and two House of Representatives members;

3. Receive assistance from the Governor's Office staff;

4. Receive testimony and other information from all parties interested and willing to provide input in developing a South Carolina film industry;

5. Examine the potential roles of public colleges and universities in developing a South Carolina film industry;

6. Examine appropriate roles for the public and private sectors in developing a film industry in South Carolina;

7. Examine the need for legislation to facilitate development of a South Carolina film industry, and recommend legislation, if deemed appropriate; and

8. Render expeditiously a thorough report to the Governor and the General Assembly, considering time constraints of members.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 6TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2002.

JIM HODGES
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:00 A.M.