New Governor’s School program aims to bolster future film industry in South Carolina
April 9, 2024
Since 1999, the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities has provided talented young artists with pre-professional training in creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual arts. In August of 2024, the public high school will welcome its first class of aspiring filmmakers with a new, two-year residential film program that will provide an immersive journey into the art of cinematic storytelling. Poised to impact the future film industry in South Carolina, this premier program will serve as a launch pad for a pipeline of creative and experienced filmmakers.
“As an important element of our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, the development of our high school film program has been in the works for several years,” explained Dr. Cedric Adderley, Governor’s School president. “With successful film collaborations between our Creative Writing and Drama Departments, the launch of our two-week Introduction to Filmmaking summer programs last summer, and our partnership with the 3-2-1 Student Film Festival, we have seen an increase in young people who are interested in this career path.”
In January, the school hired educator, writer and producer Kevin Human to lead the charge of building a cutting-edge program that will serve up to 24 students each year.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to work with young filmmakers of South Carolina,” said Human, a native of the Upstate. “Like several people I’ve talked to, I had to leave South Carolina to pursue opportunities in film. Now, after more than a decade in Los Angeles, there’s a lot of cinematic momentum across the state – and right here in Greenville! A big part of my excitement for this program is providing young filmmakers with opportunities that I wish I had.”
As the vice president of development at Emmy-nominated Bee Holder Productions, Human brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success in the entertainment industry. He has written and developed features, pilots, VR experiences, and short-form interactive narratives for companies across the globe—from mainstream Hollywood studios to startups and indie companies. His work has been seen on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, NBC Peacock, Syfy Network, Oxygen Network, and other networks.
Currently, Human is a producer of the upcoming Netflix limited series “Untamed,” from Warner Brothers Studios with Eric Bana set to star and executive produce. Other EPs include showrunner John Wells, writers Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, Todd Black and Tony Shaw for Escape Artists Entertainment, Steve Lee Jones for Bee Holder Productions, and Cliff Roberts for Syndicate Entertainment.
Human is co-producer on several upcoming films, including “Chief of Station”, “Marinus,” and “Raider,” and he is a producer on the film “Red Camellia,” to be directed by Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Tamlin Hall. As a writer, Human has an original feature screenplay under option with Escape Artists Entertainment with a first-look deal at Sony, and his work has received multiple screenwriting awards, including the Samuel Goldwyn Writing Award, Screenplay Festival Grand Prize at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival, and recognition as a Nicholl Quarterfinalist
Under the mentorship of Human and other industry professionals, students will learn the intricate craft of cinematic storytelling as they are guided through every facet of the filmmaking process—from inception to the final cut.
“Our curriculum will provide a comprehensive foundation, allowing students to progress from fundamental to advanced techniques in directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, lighting–exploring future-facing techniques like virtual production as well,” explained Human. “But the core of it all is storytelling. Students will develop their unique artistic voices and use the tools of cinema to bring their stories to life.”
The Governor’s School’s film program was great news for the South Carolina Film Commission whose mission is to bring television and film productions to the state. “While there are many programs that focus on the commercial, corporate and journalistic aspect of media and filmmaking, there are very few full-fledged programs that focus on narrative filmmaking, especially at the high school level,” explained Matt Storm, SCFC director. “We’re looking forward to seeing this program launch and grow.”
While spaces are limited, the Governor’s School is still accepting applications for the tuition-free, Residential High School Film program for the 2024-2025 school year. Any 10th-grade resident of South Carolina can apply. Seventh, eighth and ninth graders can also apply for the two-week Introduction to Filmmaking summer program offered in June and July. Interested individuals can apply online at SCGSAH.org.
