Events

Nov
4
Fri
First AfroSouth Film Festival celebrates S.C. talent @ Charleston, SC
Nov 4 – Nov 6 all-day

When filmmakers Lauren Waring Douglas and Ricky Taylor crisscrossed the state for the S.C. Educational Television network, they unwittingly compiled a list of people in the movie and television industry with ties to the Palmetto State.

As Douglas and Taylor drove from one small town to the nex, he asked: “Hey, did you know Phylicia Rashad has roots in Chester?” Douglas answered: “No. But did you know Dana Campbell, who got an Emmy for costume work on Dancing with the Stars, has roots in Charleston?”
Taylor

Those conversations over 20 years grew into an idea that became the genesis for the inaugural three-day AfroSouth Film Festival, which begins Nov. 4 in Charleston. It will feature interactive panels, workshops, youth programs, networking opportunities and the screening of a dozen films on the Harborwalk at 360 Concord St.

The lineup also includes the opening night screening at 6 p.m. in Marion Square of Get on Up, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, an Anderson native.

The festival is a celebration of African American and Southern cultures, said Taylor, the festival’s founder. “You can’t have African American history without being connected to Southern history,” he said. Taylor, a Columbia resident, said he has often wondered why the MOJA Arts Festival in Charleston does not market the event in the capital city.

“I never hear anything about it in the Columbia area,” said Taylor, a senior producer and director at SCETV. “I always thought that with our [Black] history and Charleston being our … [entry to] this country, why Charleston does not have a national event that would draw people back to their roots to celebrate the journey we’ve been on.”

Blood of the Lamb is one of the featured films produced and directed by Konate Hendricks, a graduate of Trident Technical College, Douglas said. Another South Carolina connection, she said, is Austin James, producer of the short film My Nephew Emmett. James is from Hartsville, Taylor’s hometown. The film, which stars Jasmine Guy, was nominated in 2018 for an Oscar.

Taylor hopes AfroSouth becomes that event to bring people from around the country to Charleston, just as the Essence Festival attracts visitors to New Orleans. Douglas envisions an AfroSouth festival as the portal to get the work of young filmmakers to larger festivals at Tribeca and Sundance.

Douglas said, “So many people in South Carolina’s Black community have made fruitful careers for themselves in front of the camera and behind the camera.” The festival is a way to “come back and celebrate those of us who’ve worked in film and television that have gone off to make a career in New York or L.A.,” said Waring, an AfroSouth board member and founder of Catfish Row Productions in Charleston.

She acknowledged that South Carolina has not supported the film industry as Georgia.

“When you are a media professional in South Carolina you are intentionally making a choice, and it is a very brave choice,” she said. “You know you can get more opportunities and more money outside of the state, but you choose not to because you really believe in the cultures that are here and the environment that inspires you.”

Feb
17
Fri
Reedy Reels Film Festival @ South Carolina Children's Theatre
Feb 17 @ 5:00 pm – Feb 19 @ 10:00 pm
Reedy Reels Film Festival @ South Carolina Children's Theatre | Greenville | South Carolina | United States

The festival will take place at the South Carolina Children’s Theatre in Greenville, SC. We will kick-off on Friday February 17 and have a celebratory weekend of film through Sunday February 19. For more information visit Reedy Reels website

Reedy Reels Film Festival promotes the appreciation of the art of filmmaking while generating support for independent filmmakers especially in the Upstate of South Carolina. The festival will engage the community and create exposure for local filmmaking while building inspiration and new opportunities for local artists.

Feb
21
Tue
Beaufort International Film Festival 2023 @ Beaufort, SC
Feb 21 – Feb 26 all-day
Beaufort International Film Festival 2023 @ Beaufort, SC | Beaufort | South Carolina | United States

2023 Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), takes place Feb. 21-26, 2023 in Beaufort, S.C. Judges selected 58 films and 5 screenplays from nearly 500 submissions from all over the world. The Official Selections span the genres of feature films, documentaries, short films, student films, animation and screenplays.

May
5
Fri
AtomaCon Film Festival @ Hilton Garden Inn
May 5 – May 7 all-day

AtomaCon is an annual 3-day media convention held in Charleston, South Carolina. Atomacon Film Festival has had a successful first three years, we’re happy to return for 2023!

In addition to 3 days of films, enjoy our Media Arts programming track. Meet and greet with industry veterans and media experts with over 20 hours of panels, screenings, and Q+As.

Sep
23
Sat
INDUSTRY HAIR STYLING @ ETV Upstate Studios @ USC-Upstate
Sep 23 – Sep 24 all-day

INDUSTRY HAIR STYLING
Sept. 23-24
ETV Upstate Studios @ USC-Upstate
Spartanburg, SC

The South Carolina Film Commission and Urban League of the Upstate have partnered up for a two-day PRODUCTION INDUSTRY HAIR STYLING workshop, hosted by ETV Studios and USC-Upstate in Spartanburg, SC.

Led by noted Hair Department Head Joyce Gilliard (Rise, Women of the Movement, Genuis [season 4]), the training is for current hair professionals seeking careers in the professional production industry. It will focus on an industry orientation, Hair Department overview, wigs, period hairstyling, laying hair techniques for character development, and other info.

The training will include hands-on elements. Trainees should be licensed cosmetologists and will be required to bring tools and supplies. See application below for more details. Meals and some supplies for in-class use will be provided.

Applicants selected for the training will be informed by Sept. 15 and will receive additional details then.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK ELIGIBILITY AND TO APPLY

Applications due by Sept. 15.

Oct
7
Sat
SET DECORATION / SET DRESSING @ Trident Technical College
Oct 7 – Oct 8 all-day
SET DECORATION / SET DRESSING @ Trident Technical College | North Charleston | South Carolina | United States

SET DECORATION/SET DRESSING
Oct. 7-8
Trident Technical College
North Charleston, SC

The South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College will host a two-day SET DECORATION/SET DRESSING workshop Oct. 7-8 at Trident Technical College in North Charleston, SC.

The program is free for eligible South Carolina residents. Led by Set Decorator Missy Ricker and Lead Man Stephen C. Peterman, participants will receive a comprehensive introduction to the workings of a Set Decoration Department for Film and Television. Trainees will explore the process of Visualizing, Sourcing and Shopping, Budgeting, and Physically Dressing a Set in this hands-on intensive workshop.

Some direct or related experience or understanding of filmmaking is required, as the workshop will dive right into the workings of the Set Decoration department.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK ELIGIBILITY AND TO APPLY.

Applications due by Sept. 30.

About Missy Ricker
Missy is a South Carolina based Set Decorator for the Film and Television Industry. With a MFA in Photography and Filmmaking, Missy began her career as a stagehand at the Virginia Opera and various venues, also working as an Art Director for commercials and television series. She now has dozens of credits as a Set Decorator, including Halloween (2018), Outer Banks Seasons 1-4, and Army Wives.

About Stephen C. Peterman
Steve is a Leadman for the Film and Television industry based in Wilmington, NC. After starting in LA, Steven ended up in Wilmington while working on the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Since then he’s worked on a variety of Film and TV projects, including Betsy’s Wedding, Shanghai Noon, Black Knight, One Tree Hill, and Outer Banks.


Nov
4
Sat
SC Young Filmmakers Pitch Conference @ Charleston Gaillard Center
Nov 4 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College will hold a Pitch Conference for high school filmmakers Nov. 4 from 1-3p at the Charleston Gaillard Center, part of SCFC’s annual Young Filmmakers Project. The event is free and open to the public, as part of the AfroSouth Film Festival.

Led by professional filmmakers and educators, the program will include screenings of past YFP-winning films, pointers on filmmaking, and a ‘pitch’ portion where participants can pitch their 2023-24 Young Filmmakers Project story ideas to a panel of professional producers, writers, and directors.

Students, teachers, families and all members of the community are encouraged to attend. RSVP and sign-up to pitch here: REGISTER HERE

The S.C. Young Filmmakers Project is a high school filmmaking competition where entrants can win cash, prizes, and have their films screen at special events. Learn all about the contest here, including entry form.

Entries are due March 18, 2024.

Slots for pitching are limited. If selected, students should be prepared to verbally describe the story and concept for their YFP entry in 2-3 minutes.

“The quality of video content like this boils down to the script,” said Glenn Seale, Dean of Film, Media and Visual Arts at Trident Tech. “These young filmmakers can share their ideas with experienced filmmakers and get constructive feedback, to really help them develop their projects into something special.”

For South Carolina teachers: Charleston County School District has approved the workshop for three hours of recertification credit. We are attempting to do the same with other districts. It may be worth reaching out to yours directly for approval.

Get more information on all of the South Carolina Film Commission’s grant and training program’s at indiegrants.org.

As part of its training and professional development efforts, the South Carolina Film Commission presents a series of production seminars and other training programs each year. All programs are provided to South Carolina residents at no charge and on a regular basis by action of the S.C. Motion Picture Incentive Act, passed by the state legislature in 2004. Click here to join our email list for announcements and registration links for upcoming seminars.

Nov
10
Fri
2nd Annual SC Film, Television, & Entertainment Symposium @ George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics
Nov 10 @ 11:00 am – Nov 11 @ 5:00 pm
2nd Annual SC Film, Television, & Entertainment Symposium @ George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics | Spartanburg | South Carolina | United States

Join us for the 2nd Annual SC Film, Television, & Entertainment Symposium, a must-attend event for all entertainment enthusiasts! This year, we are thrilled to be hosting the symposium at the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics, 160 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Fri Nov 10 2023 at 11:00 am to Sat Nov 11 2023 at 05:00 pm.

Get ready to dive into the world of film, television, and entertainment as we bring together industry experts, filmmakers, actors, and fans alike. With engaging panel discussions, exciting workshops, and exclusive screenings, this symposium is a unique opportunity to learn, network, and celebrate the magic of the entertainment industry.

Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a die-hard fan, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of your favorite shows and movies, this event has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and discover the latest trends in the world of entertainment.

Mark your calendars for this unforgettable event at the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and immersed in the fascinating world of film, television, and entertainment. We can’t wait to see you there!

Tickets for 2nd Annual SC Film, Television, & Entertainment Symposium can be booked here.

Feb
20
Tue
Beaufort International Film Festival 2024 @ USCB Center for the Arts
Feb 20 – Feb 25 all-day
Beaufort International Film Festival 2024 @ USCB Center for the Arts | Beaufort | South Carolina | United States

The mission of the Beaufort International Film Festival is to enliven our community by fostering and developing a rich appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

In 2007 the Beaufort Regional Film Commission presented the inaugural Beaufort Film Festival. The purpose of the festival is to recognize aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre to include independent film, music, animation, short and long features, documentaries, and screenwriting.It is also an opportunity to showcase the beautiful “film-friendly” region of Beaufort and the Carolina Sea Islands.

For the past quarter of a century Beaufort has served as the backdrop for more than 20 major motion pictures, to include Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, and many more. Through this festival we will reintroduce our sweeping marsh vistas, antebellum homes, and quiet charm of the old south to a new generation of filmmakers.

The 2023 BIFF was a big success with over 12,000 people attending from 36 states and 6 countries. Over 60 films were showcased including several world premieres. BIFF is consistently ranked in the top 100 of the Best Reviewed Film Festivals in the World by FilmFreeway.

Mar
22
Fri
Film Electrician Training – March 22-24 @ High Output
Mar 22 – Mar 24 all-day

The South Carolina Film Commission will hold a three-day FILM ELECTRICIAN TRAINING March 22-24 at High Output in Charleston, SC.

The program is free for eligible South Carolina residents. 

Led by Gaffer John David Reynolds and a team of experienced Production Electricians, participants will receive a basic but comprehensive introduction to the workings of an Electric Department for Film and Television. 

Trainees must have some production and/or electrical experience. Other requirements are listed on the application; please review and only apply if you meet all criteria and are serious about becoming a Set or Rigging Electrician on Film and Video Productions.
Film & Video Production incorporates hundreds of skills many have already learned in other occupations and industries, so is ideal for workers seeking second careers, military veterans, and those entering the workforce. Applications must be submitted by March 19. Space is limited.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

PLEASE NOTE: Slots may be filled before applications are closed on March 19 to give selected trainees ample time to schedule travel, etc. We’ll make every effort to keep slots open up to March 19, but there is no guarantee and completing your application as soon as possible is recommended.