Charleston, South Carolina, August 30, 2025
News Summary
The USA Network has announced a significant shift in the production of its upcoming legal drama series, The Rainmaker, which will now take place in Dublin, Ireland, instead of Charleston, South Carolina. This change raises concerns among local film industry advocates, as South Carolina has seen a nearly 50% reduction in film productions over the last three years. The move is primarily attributed to Ireland’s financial incentives, which make it a more attractive option for filming major projects.
Charleston, South Carolina – The production of the USA Network’s new drama series, The Rainmaker, has shifted from Charleston to Dublin, Ireland, raising concerns among local film industry advocates. Set to premiere on August 15, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET, The Rainmaker is based on John Grisham’s 1995 bestselling novel, which follows protagonist Rudy Baylor, portrayed by Milo Callaghan, as he confronts a corrupt insurance company.
While the series is set in present-day Charleston, production was moved to Ireland due to the latter’s considerably lower production costs and substantial financial incentives. The Irish government is offering a 40% cash back incentive for using local staff and resources, making it an attractive option for film projects. The show had a brief filming stint in Charleston earlier this year to capture B-roll footage, but the majority of the production will unfold in Dublin.
Duane Parrish, the director of South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, cited disappointment regarding the decision to film abroad. This shift highlights an alarming trend for South Carolina’s film industry, which has already experienced a nearly 50% drop in productions over the last three years. The South Carolina Film Commission’s incentive program offers cash rebates of 20-35% for productions, but these figures fall short when compared to Ireland’s more competitive offerings.
The transition of major studios, including Disney, Netflix, and Paramount, toward overseas filming is placing additional pressures on local film industries in regions like Georgia and South Carolina. This trend underscores the need for more aggressive financial incentives to retain productions in these states.
The cast of The Rainmaker features notable actors, including Lana Parrilla as Jocelyn “Bruiser” Stone and PJ Byrne as Deck Shifflet. The show’s development marks USA Network’s initiative to reinstate a focus on scripted programming, diverging from its recent emphasis on unscripted content. While Milo Callaghan has prepared extensively for the role, mastering a local dialect with the help of a dialect coach, the series is also expected to explore themes and character relationships that differ from both the original novel and the 1997 film adaptation.
As USA Network aims to reboot its programming slate with more scripted series, the audience’s reception of The Rainmaker and its ability to compete with established shows like Outer Banks remains to be seen. The landmark decision to move production abroad poses significant implications for South Carolina’s film landscape, leaving many to wonder about the state’s capacity to draw in major projects in the future.
FAQ
- What is The Rainmaker about?
- The Rainmaker is a legal drama series following the character Rudy Baylor, a fresh law school graduate, as he challenges a corrupt insurance company.
- When does The Rainmaker premiere?
- The series is set to premiere on August 15, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET.
- Why was production moved to Ireland?
- Production was moved to Ireland to take advantage of lower costs and lucrative financial incentives, including a 40% cash back offer for local resources.
- How has the local film industry in South Carolina been affected?
- The South Carolina film industry has seen a nearly 50% reduction in film and TV productions over the last three years, impacting local economic growth.
- What are the incentives offered to productions in South Carolina?
- South Carolina offers cash rebates of 20-35% for film productions.
- Who are the main cast members of The Rainmaker?
- The cast includes Milo Callaghan, Lana Parrilla, and PJ Byrne.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | August 15, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET |
| Main Cast | Milo Callaghan, Lana Parrilla, PJ Byrne |
| Production Shift | From Charleston, SC to Dublin, Ireland |
| Incentives in Ireland | 40% cash back for using local resources |
| Incentives in South Carolina | 20-35% cash rebates for productions |
| Industry Impact | 50% reduction in film/TV projects in the last 3 years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Creative Screenwriting
- MSN
- TV Insider
- Boston Globe
- Wikipedia: The Rainmaker (John Grisham)
- Google Search: The Rainmaker 2025
- Google Scholar: The Rainmaker John Grisham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Rainmaker (novel by Grisham)
- Google News: The Rainmaker TV series
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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