Genesis Studios Premieres New Facilities, Site of Large Budget Film Based in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC – August 26, 2008 – Genesis Studios officially opened its new state-of-the-art, full-service production facilities on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, announcing that it will be the production site of “1.8 Days,” an independent feature film originating in South Carolina. The full-length horror feature will be produced by Movie Tao Productions and will be directed by Chuck Fallaw.

Genesis Studios, based on conversations with producers, announced a production budget of $13.5 million for “1.8 Days.” However, because Movie Tao is in the closing phase of project development, the bottom line will not be finalized until production begins.

Genesis Studios President Cliff Springs says, “We officially announced our opening with an event that is closest to our mission and our passion. We want to grow the film industry in South Carolina in a strategic and responsible way. We plan to create opportunities instead of waiting for them to come along. That means keeping a large budget film in the state, instituting a way to encourage and train production students and professionals, or creating original entertainment content.”

South Carolina Film Commissioner Jeff Monks attended today’s ribbon cutting and commented, “We’re excited Genesis is up and running. It will act as a calling card for us when we are recruiting TV, commercial production or feature films. It’s an important step forward and a great one for Columbia.”

State legislators who attended the official opening included State Senator Nikki Setzler, State Representatives Kenny Bingham and Mac Toole, and Cayce Mayor Bob Malpass.

In his speech to statewide press, Springs emphasized that today is just a beginning, as is implied by the Genesis name. “Even today as tax incentives are being evaluated as a means to encourage filmmaking within South Carolina, I want to take this opportunity to stress that we in the industry have to do our part. We support the incentives, but we also believe the true foundation of an ongoing, thriving film and entertainment industry in this state requires
the development and production of quality projects by South Carolinians. This means a commitment to excellence and high production values.”

Marty Bluford of High Output, based in Charleston, South Carolina says, “We’re very impressed with the new stage and post-production facility Genesis is opening this week in Columbia. It’s a turnkey facility that can take a commercial production from storyboard through finished spot — all at the same location. I wish we had a facility to match it in Charleston!” High Output has supplied lighting and grip equipment to film and television productions in South Carolina since
1996, including: “Army Wives,” “The Strangers,” “The Notebook,” “Who’s Your Caddy,” and “The Patriot.”

Movie Tao’s Fallaw and producer Joshua Dease say they chose to work with Genesis Studios because of the experience and vision of Springs and his team. “Genesis is a fantastic asset for filmmakers right here at home who, up until now, have not had access to this kind of facility, and this facility is top-notch,” Fallaw says.

The film production will utilize Genesis Studio’s 15,000 square feet of space with:
• 70-foot x 60-foot main stage with lighting grid
• 18-foot x 22-foot chroma key insert stage
• Four editing workstations
• Two rentable post production suites
• Live-switch master control room
• ADR/Audio booth
• Digital projection theater with stadium seating and 7.1 surround sound
• Grip and lighting packages
• Camera and audio packages
• Make-up room and dressing rooms
• Production offices
• Reception and catering areas

Fallaw says, “As you know, we have recently had our fair share of Hollywood visitors here in the Midlands, and I am sure that having a studio like Genesis’ is going to be instrumental in bringing even more.”

More announcements will be made about “1.8 Days” and its cast in the coming months.

For more information about Genesis Studios go to: www.genesisstudiossc.com.