South Carolina is taking another significant step in expanding its creative economy with the launch of the Long Lens Development Program, a new initiative aimed at helping Palmetto State–based filmmakers develop, produce, and market their own film and television projects.
The program, created through the South Carolina Film Commission, brings together a group of seasoned entertainment industry veterans to support local producers as they move their projects forward. This new effort works hand-in-hand with the state’s already generous production incentives, which include 20% to 25% cash rebates on wages and 25% to 30% rebates on supplies purchased in-state, for productions that spend at least $1 million. South Carolina has also added a new 25% rebate specifically for low-budget projects under $1 million produced by local filmmakers—an expansion that signals the state’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
Matt Storm, director of the South Carolina Film Commission, describes the program as a tool to further activate the entrepreneurial spirit and resources of South Carolina’s production community. The goal is simple: bring creators together, provide them with experienced guidance, and strengthen the state’s capacity to support film projects from the ground up.
To accomplish that, the Long Lens cohort will be guided by respected leaders across the entertainment industry.
- Michael Quigley, founder of QVH Media and former Warner Bros./Turner executive, and Don Mandrik of Hall Booth Smith will advise on capital and financing.
- Mark Rodriguez, head of global distribution at Relativity Media, will counsel producers on distribution strategies.
- Liza Burnett Fefferman, an alum of Paramount/Viacom, will support marketing and communications.
- Ranfi Rivera, also from Paramount, will assist with legal and business affairs.
- South Carolina natives Josh Foster of Cinetic Media and actor Jeff Howard will serve as general advisors.
The first group of projects selected for Long Lens reflects the diversity and ambition of filmmakers working across the state:
ALL THE NAMES WE BURIED – Independent Feature/Thriller
Two strangers confront the consequences of a deadly accident as buried truths begin to surface.
Bad Theology Pictures
Writer/Director: Thomas Torrey
Producers: Matt Wyns, Noah Lang
BOUND – Independent Feature/YA Thriller
A celebrated high school athlete faces a dark secret after receiving a mysterious message that leads him to an isolated lake house.
Perry Moore & Out-Barnz Entertainment
Co-Writer/Producer: Stephanie Perry Moore
Director/Producer: Dr. Brandon Glover
HI-5 – Independent Animated Family Feature
A reluctant teen fox is pulled into a musical world where he must confront old wounds to save his school—and the voices he loves.
Moondog Animation Studio
Producer: Ben Davis
Director: Kyle Roberts
Moondog Head of Production: JM Khayat
MANIAC RIDGE – Episodic/Dark Comedy
Charleston’s famed crime author, Joyce Evans, earns praise as “The Female Stephen King”—but her success hides a deadly secret: she does her own killing.
The Ministry Filmworks
Writer/Producer: Maximiliano Hernandez
NO WAVE – Independent Feature/Drama
Inspired by true events in the 1950s South, a Chinese-American salesman and an African-American schoolteacher fall in love, challenging family bonds and social norms.
Salt Run Entertainment
Writer/Director: Charles Randolph-Wright
Studio Operations Coordinator: Martin Wilkins
SO LONG FAREWELL – Independent Feature/Screwball Musical Comedy
A brother and sister have ten days to produce their late father’s autobiographical musical in their hometown—or lose a life-changing inheritance.
Studio15
Producer: Emily Reach White
Writer/Director: Chris White
THE BRANCH MANAGER – Independent Feature/Sci-Fi Thriller
A bright teenager is caught in a violent heist that leads him into a vault containing something that forces him to question everything he knows.
19 Pictures
Producer: Kale Murphy
Writer/Director: Bruce Branit
What It Means for South Carolina
South Carolina is continuing to strengthen its creative infrastructure and widen opportunities for local filmmakers. With major industry veterans participating and a slate of ambitious projects ready to move forward, the Long Lens initiative signals ongoing economic momentum for the Midlands and the entire Palmetto State.
If you’d like, I can create a shorter newsletter version, a headline, SEO tags, or a companion social media post to promote this story across your network.
