FIRST 2018/19 INDIE GRANTS SHORT FILM PROJECT ANNOUNCED

Columbia, SC -- The South Carolina Film Commission has announced the first short film selected for its 2018/2019 Indie Grants program.  Funding the projects creates training environments for emerging crew and professional development opportunities for South Carolina filmmakers and others in the creative industries.

The Indie Grants is the only one of its kind in the nation, using short films for production development and job training, while also creating international exposure for the state’s film industry.

The first project is:

GRACE LAND (comedy)
A southern mom’s perfect suburban life is turned upside down by her seven-year-old daughter’s belief that she is the reincarnation of Elvis Presley.

Written and Directed by Bonnie-Kathleen Ryan
Co-written by Trevor O. Munson
Starring Anna Camp, Monique Coleman

Writer/Director Bonnie-Kathleen Ryan and actors Anna Camp and Monique Coleman became friends as children doing local theater in Columbia, including Trustus Theater Apprentice Company and at South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts. 

“We believed we could be artists because of the community, support, and resources we received in South Carolina,” said Ryan. “This is our opportunity to share those same type of experiences and with a younger generation of South Carolina artists and crew.”

"The Indie Grants have garnered a major reputation among producers, writers, actors, and all types of crew," said Tom Clark with the South Carolina Film Commission.  "Which is a way for us to show off the state's talent, location, and production value to the world."

Each Indie Grants project will employ Trident Technical College film students in its production, giving the students hands-on training under the filmmakers and other production professionals, and acting as a bridge to full-time professional employment.

The next Funding Cycle opens Spring 2019.  Sign-up for our email list for updates.  Learn more about applying for INDIE GRANTS here.