News Summary
Salt Run Entertainment has officially launched at Spartanburg Community College’s Spark Center, establishing a new film and television studio in Spartanburg County. Co-founded by local producers, the studio aims to enhance South Carolina’s film industry while creating jobs and opportunities for local talent. With a commitment to authentic storytelling, Salt Run Entertainment plans to contribute to education and workforce development in the region, collaborating with local institutions to nurture creative skills. The studio is set to boost the local economy and showcase diverse Southern narratives.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – On September 4, Salt Run Entertainment was officially launched at Spartanburg Community College’s Spark Center, marking the establishment of a new film and television studio in Spartanburg County. This integrated production studio is designed to serve as both the headquarters and creative hub for Salt Run Entertainment.
The studio was co-founded by Charles Randolph-Wright, an acclaimed producer, writer, and director hailing from York, and John Gramling III, a Spartanburg native and CEO/president of New Canaan Impact Capital. Their vision for the studio is to play a pivotal role in expanding South Carolina’s television and film industry, which currently generates approximately $300 million annually, with aspirations to grow it to over $1 billion.
In an effort to bolster the state’s creative economy, Salt Run Entertainment is dedicated to creating good-paying jobs and fostering opportunities for local talent. The studio emphasizes the importance of telling authentic Southern stories, highlighting the unique cultural narratives and voices from the region. As part of its mission, Salt Run Entertainment has partnered with Spartanburg Community College and the Urban League of the Upstate to enhance education and workforce development in the film industry.
Gail Wilson Awan, the president and CEO of the Urban League of the Upstate, emphasized that Salt Run Entertainment is more than just a business; it symbolizes an expansion of access and workforce pipelines within the film industry. This collaboration will not only facilitate practical learning opportunities for students but also contribute to skill development aligned with industry needs.
The state-of-the-art facility at the Spark Center spans 25,000 square feet and is equipped with office space, a writers’ room, a set design warehouse, and a filming studio. The Spark Center itself is a 363,000-square-foot business incubator located at SCC’s Tyger River Campus in Duncan, created to support various companies operating in South Carolina.
As Salt Run Entertainment begins to develop new projects, one notable venture includes a show featuring comedian Shuler King, inspired by his family’s background in the funeral home industry. This initiative is part of the studio’s broader aim to utilize local stories and perspectives, further enriching the South Carolina film landscape.
The launch of Salt Run Entertainment coincides with a growing recognition of the potential benefits the film and television industry can bring to the state. The founders are optimistic about enhancing South Carolina’s standing as a competitive film production location, advocating for policies and support that could nurture a vibrant industry ecosystem.
With a solid foundation in place and a clear vision for growth, Salt Run Entertainment is poised to make a significant impact on the local economy and creative community. The studio looks forward to collaborating with regionally based talent, fostering innovation, and showcasing the diverse Southern narratives that deserve to be told.
For additional information regarding Salt Run Entertainment and its initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to visit their official website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Greenville Business Magazine: Salt Run Entertainment Launch
- Google Search: South Carolina film industry
- Post and Courier: Salt Run Entertainment Press Release
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Production
- Upstate Business Journal: Spartanburg Studio Launches
- Google News: Spartanburg Community College
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
