South Carolina’s Native American Catawaba Indian reservation is building a $350 Million Film Studio.
According to reports, the Catawba Indian reservation, in partnership with South Carolina and several other key investors are planning to build a major film and production studio filled with sound stages, a hotel, film school, and a Catawaba Cultural Center.
According to their website, the goal of the new studio would be to, “…revitalize and expand the Catawba Indian Nation brand worldwide while providing jobs, education and training in the film and entertainment industry to not only the tribal members, but residents of the surrounding communities.”
Details surrounding the number of new job opportunities for Native Americans and South Carolina residents have not been released but it is estimated that the new production facility will bring in thousands of new jobs.
“We are doing our due diligence, is this good for the tribe, good for York County?” commented Catawba Chief Bill Harris.
With Los Angeles’ dying film industry, producers have decided to look elsewhere to film their movies and TV shows. Recently, North Carolina closed their doors on their film industry by ending their tax incentive program for a grant program which didn’t settle well with producers. Ultimately, Georgia’s film industry has quickly taken over with no plans on stopping. While, South Carolina may not have the biggest film industry in the country, this new facility will help the Native American tribe transition from government grant funding to a self reliant tribe.
Image Credit: Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock.com
