Sparkle City: Here's why you may see movie production crews in Spartanburg this summer

Bob Montgomery, Herald-Journal
·3 min read
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This summer, don't be surprised when you see movie filming taking place at locations in and around Spartanburg, according to the production's writer and director.

The independent film, "Little Box of Hope," is about a businessman (David) who slips into paranoia when he finds a magically appearing box that transports him to the mind of a psychotic killer (Tom). David then tries to thwart Tom from killing a young man and woman.

The 90-minute drama has a $150,000 budget.

"We're now in the middle of casting and hoping to shoot in the middle of July," said Edgar Bravo of No Restrictions Studios. "Filming will take place downtown Spartanburg and in homes. We are still seeking confirmation of the other locations in Spartanburg."

He did not specify locations to be used over the two-week period, but mentioned that some scenes will likely be shot downtown and in local parks.

Hollywood coming to Spartanburg Hollywood is coming to Spartanburg through an effort to bring more movie, TV productions

Filming for a movie called "Little Box of Hope" will take place in Spartanburg this July, according to Edgar Bravo of No Restrictions Studios.
Filming for a movie called "Little Box of Hope" will take place in Spartanburg this July, according to Edgar Bravo of No Restrictions Studios.

Here's what to know about Little Box of Hope, No Restrictions Studios

Bravo said he is working with the Urban League of the Upstate and The Cargo Agency in Greenville to hire crews and conduct casting.

The Urban League is planning to erect a virtual production studio and theater in Spartanburg that will be managed by Cargo.

Edgar said his team visited New Mexico, Texas, Georgia and other states before choosing Spartanburg for his movie production.

"After visiting many times we made the decision to move to Spartanburg," he said. "We admire the business energy and can do attitude here."

Casting is being conducted for five characters:

➤ Jimmy: 17 to 19, never gives up on taking care of his alcoholic dad;

➤ Jennifer, 17 to 19, hopeful despite dealing with a family secret;

➤ David, 40 to 45, businessman afraid he is losing his mind;

➤ Tom, 45 to 50, the charming killer;

➤ Karen, 40 to 45, optimistic and focused on protecting her only daughter.

Edgar Bravo of No Restrictions Studios said filming for a movie called "Little Box of Hope" will take place in Spartanburg this July.
Edgar Bravo of No Restrictions Studios said filming for a movie called "Little Box of Hope" will take place in Spartanburg this July.

To submit resume and video reel, email Bravo at cinemabravo@yahoo.com. Bravo said he plans to eventually make five movies a year with the help of SC filmmakers and writers.

"We want to spread the word that we are seeking Upstate playwrights and short story writers whose work may be adaptable into feature films," he said.

He said his dream is to direct his script, "The Conquest Of Mexico," which depicts the beauty of Mexico before the treachery of Cortez and European diseases he brought devastated a highly developed indigenous culture.

Bravo said before moving to Spartanburg earlier this year, he ran a production company in Los Angeles for 11 years where he directed seven independent films.

"After learning about (Edgar Bravo's) use of virtual production technologies and successful track record producing films distributed to 70 countries, I introduced him to our great partner, OneSpartanburg, and other local organizations," said Cole Dudley, director of South Carolina Research Authority's Industry Solutions.
"After learning about (Edgar Bravo's) use of virtual production technologies and successful track record producing films distributed to 70 countries, I introduced him to our great partner, OneSpartanburg, and other local organizations," said Cole Dudley, director of South Carolina Research Authority's Industry Solutions.

He said Cole Dudley, director of South Carolina Research Authority's Industry Solutions, introduced him to Kathryn O'Neill, chief economic development officer of OneSpartanburg, Inc.

O'Neill informed Bravo of the recently formed tax force to to create a Hollywood-level one-stop shop for film production in the Upstate.

“Edgar contacted SCRA through our website," Dudley said. "After learning about his use of virtual production technologies and successful track record producing films distributed to 70 countries, I introduced him to our great partner, OneSpartanburg, and other local organizations.

"I'm excited to be part of the team that helped Edgar relocate his company and bring film production to Spartanburg," Dudley added. “Relocating and growing technology companies is core to SCRA's mission.”

Training programs for a wide variety of film production roles will be held at the George Dean Johnson Jr. College of Business and Economics at USC Upstate in Spartanburg.

"Spartanburg is an ideal location because it is close major cities and an airport for the cast we are flying in," Bravo said. "An extra plus is that the community has been very warm welcoming."

Bob Montgomery covers Spartanburg County politics and growth and development. Reach him via email at bmontgomery@shj.com.

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg will be setting for upcoming independent movie, studio