January 18, 2026

Charleston’s Growing Film Scene Boosts Local Economy

Charleston, South Carolina, January 18, 2026

Charleston, South Carolina, is emerging as a vibrant hub for film and television productions, creating numerous opportunities for local talent while also enhancing the local economy. Notably, productions like ‘Outer Banks’ are filming in the city, and numerous casting calls offer local residents a chance to engage with the entertainment industry. This increase in film activity highlights the community’s support and initiative, paving the way for a diverse and thriving creative sector.

Charleston, South Carolina

Lights, Camera, Charleston: SC’s Growing Film Scene

Charleston is becoming an increasingly vibrant hub for film and television productions, offering exciting opportunities for local talent and boosting the area’s economic landscape. This surge in activity underscores the benefits of a community that embraces new ventures and the individual initiative driving a thriving creative sector.

Introduction: Charleston’s Emergence in Entertainment

The allure of Hollywood’s glamour captures the imagination of Americans from a young age, inspiring many to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. For residents of Charleston, South Carolina, that dream is becoming increasingly accessible as the city establishes itself as a notable location for both filming and casting for various movies and television shows. This growth speaks to the city’s unique charm and the adaptable spirit of its local workforce, fostering a fertile ground for cinematic endeavors.

Charleston’s ability to attract significant productions highlights how local engagement and the streamlined processes for film permitting can lead to substantial community benefits. It’s a testament to the proactive efforts of individuals and local entities that see the value in supporting a burgeoning creative economy, generating jobs and enhancing the city’s profile on a broader stage.

Charleston: A Hub for Casting Calls

Charleston, South Carolina, is consistently identified as a key casting location for a variety of film and television projects. This local focus provides tangible opportunities for area residents to engage directly with the entertainment industry. Beyond Charleston, other cities in the Carolinas, such as Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, also serve as casting locations for productions, creating a regional network for talent acquisition.

The presence of numerous casting calls in the city signals a robust local interest from production companies, drawing on the diverse talent pool available within the community. This decentralized approach to talent scouting, moving beyond traditional film hubs, empowers local individuals to achieve their professional aspirations without necessarily relocating.

“Outer Banks” Season 5 Filming in Charleston

One of the most prominent productions currently utilizing Charleston’s picturesque settings and local talent is the popular Netflix series “Outer Banks.” The show is actively filming its fifth season in Charleston, South Carolina, with ongoing casting calls for various roles.

Casting for “Outer Banks” Season 5 includes a search for background actors to portray diverse types of individuals, such as “park goers” and members of the show’s “Kook” community. Specific needs have included teen boys aged 11-14, adult Kooks 18 and older, and church-going Kooks, often requiring applicants to provide their own Sunday best attire. These specific requirements allow individuals to contribute authentically to the show’s narrative.

Participation in these productions often comes with compensation, reflecting the value placed on local contributions to these major projects. For instance, background actors may receive a rate of $132 for a 12-hour workday, while featured roles can command $150 for a 10-hour day. Requirements for these roles typically emphasize being local to the Charleston, South Carolina area and submitting recent, unfiltered photographs that accurately represent the applicant’s current appearance.

Feature Films and Diverse Projects

Beyond ongoing series, Charleston also serves as a casting and filming location for a range of feature films and independent projects, showcasing the diversity of the local film industry. Among these are projects like ‘Sweat,’ a feature film seeking lead and supporting roles. Short films such as ‘Booze Hound’ are also casting locally for lead actors. Another feature film, ‘Franz,’ has actively sought talent from the Charleston area.

The psychological horror film ‘Dark Places’ is casting roles from Charleston while planning to shoot in the upstate South Carolina area. Furthermore, ‘Taxidermy,’ a SCAD senior thesis film, and ‘The Seer,’ a short proof of concept project, are specifically seeking local talent for various roles in Charleston. These varied productions underscore the wide array of opportunities for local actors and crew members to gain experience and contribute to diverse storytelling. While many opportunities are local, some productions, such as the feature film ‘Lowball,’ and fan-film ‘Spider-Man: Fallout,’ also have nationwide casting calls, expanding the reach for ambitious talent.

The Economic and Community Impact

The growing film and television industry in Charleston brings significant economic advantages, offering not just acting roles but also a wide array of support positions in areas like production design, catering, transportation, and logistics. This comprehensive demand for services stimulates local businesses and creates a diverse job market that encourages specialized skills development and personal initiative among residents.

By fostering an environment where film projects can thrive, Charleston cultivates a culture of innovation and individual achievement. The influx of productions also boosts local tourism as fans visit filming locations, further strengthening the local economy and enhancing the city’s reputation as a dynamic cultural center. The ability of Charleston to attract and retain these productions speaks to the effectiveness of local leaders and private partnerships in creating a welcoming and efficient operational environment, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles that might otherwise deter such ventures.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Charleston’s Film Scene

Charleston, South Carolina, continues to solidify its position as a flourishing destination for film and television production, drawing interest from major series like “Outer Banks” and a variety of feature and short films. This trend provides exceptional opportunities for local talent and contributes significantly to the economic vitality and cultural richness of the community. The continued success of these ventures reflects the power of individual effort, community support, and efficient local frameworks in fostering growth and innovation.

We encourage all residents to stay engaged with local news and community platforms for updates on casting calls and events related to the burgeoning film industry. Supporting local productions and embracing the creative arts further strengthens Charleston’s unique identity and ensures a dynamic future for our community. The proactive spirit of Charlestonians in embracing these opportunities exemplifies how local choice and leadership can effectively boost engagement and participation in civic and economic development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of productions are currently casting in Charleston, South Carolina?

Charleston, South Carolina, is currently casting for various projects, including Season 5 of the Netflix series “Outer Banks,” and feature films such as ‘Sweat,’ ‘Franz,’ ‘Dark Places,’ and short films like ‘Booze Hound’ and ‘The Seer.’

What roles are being cast for “Outer Banks” Season 5 in Charleston?

For “Outer Banks” Season 5, casting includes background actors for roles such as “park goers,” “Kooks” (teen boys 11-14, adult Kooks 18+, church-going Kooks).

What are the typical requirements for casting calls in Charleston?

Typical requirements often include being local to Charleston, South Carolina, and submitting recent, unfiltered photographs that accurately represent the applicant’s current look. Specific wardrobe might also be requested for certain roles.

Are there paid opportunities for background actors in Charleston productions?

Yes, paid opportunities are available. For “Outer Banks” Season 5, background actors may receive $132 for a 12-hour workday, and featured roles can command $150 for a 10-hour day.

Are all casting opportunities in Charleston strictly local, or are there nationwide options?

While many casting opportunities are local to Charleston, South Carolina, some projects, like the feature film ‘Lowball,’ and the fan-film ‘Spider-Man: Fallout,’ also have nationwide casting calls.

Which casting companies are active in Charleston for film and TV?

Kimmie Stewart Casting is noted for handling casting for “Outer Banks” Season 5 in Charleston and surrounding areas.

What is the broader impact of film and TV production on Charleston?

The film and TV production in Charleston contributes to local economic growth by creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, fostering individual achievement, and enhancing the city’s reputation as a cultural destination.

Key Features of Film and TV Casting in Charleston, SC

Feature	Description	Scope
Primary Location for Casting	Charleston, South Carolina, is a significant casting location for movies and TV shows.	Charleston, South Carolina
Notable TV Series Filming	“Outer Banks” Season 5 is actively filming and casting in Charleston, SC.	Charleston, SC
Specific Casting Roles (Outer Banks)	Roles include background actors such as “park goers,” and various “Kooks” (teen boys 11-14, adult Kooks 18+, church-going Kooks).	Charleston, SC
Compensation for Background Actors	Background actors may receive $132 for a 12-hour workday; featured roles can command $150 for a 10-hour day.	Charleston, SC
Key Requirement for Local Roles	Applicants are typically required to be local to Charleston, South Carolina.	Charleston, SC
Diverse Film Projects	Charleston hosts casting for various feature films (e.g., ‘Sweat,’ ‘Franz,’ ‘Dark Places’) and short films (e.g., ‘Booze Hound,’ ‘The Seer,’ ‘Taxidermy’).	Charleston, South Carolina (and some State-level for filming)
Nationwide Casting Opportunities	Some projects, like the feature film ‘Lowball,’ and fan-film ‘Spider-Man: Fallout,’ also have nationwide casting calls.	Nationwide
Key Casting Director Mentioned	Kimmie Stewart Casting handles casting for “Outer Banks” Season 5.	Charleston, SC