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Committee backs bigger film rebate cap and extends eligibility to accredited theater productions
Summary
Committee voted to raise the annual film rebate cap from $10 million to $30 million, permit three-year carryforward of unused rebates, change funding to the general fund and extend the program to certain theater productions; members cited economic multipliers and limited scope for theater additions.
The Ways and Means Committee approved House Bill 3832 with a subcommittee amendment that raises the state’s film production rebate cap and extends the rebate program to certain accredited theater productions.
Representative Kaske said the bill increases the total annual wage and expenditure rebate cap for motion picture production companies from $10 million to $30 million, allows unused rebates to be carried forward for three years, repeals a 26% admissions tax distribution tied to film incentives, and shifts the rebate funding and South Carolina Film Commission operations support to the general fund. The subcommittee amendment also extends rebate eligibility to qualifying for‑profit accredited theater productions (pre‑Broadway or post‑Broadway productions staged in qualified facilities).
Kaske told the committee that, based on program analysis, every dollar spent on motion picture production generates about four dollars for the state economy. Members asked about documentary inclusion; Kaske said he had no information that documentaries were included in the amendment. Representative Taylor asked whether the theater extension would apply to local community theaters; Kaske said the statutory definition limits eligibility to larger accredited productions (pre‑ or post‑Broadway) staged in qualified production facilities, not small local theater groups.
The committee adopted the subcommittee amendment by voice vote and later gave H.3832 a favorable report by roll call. The transcript records the committee’s final tally as 22 to nothing in favor of the amended bill.
