Task Force Created to Bring Film & TV Production, Estimated $1.6 Billion Economic Impact to Upstate South Carolina
GREENVILLE, South Carolina (May 10, 2023) – Cargo is pleased to announce the creation of an alliance with the Urban League of the Upstate to create workforce development initiatives in the entertainment industry. This alliance is part of a joint task force with the Minority Film Institute, the SC Film Commission, and the Urban League to attract more productions to the Upstate region.
As part of this initiative, Cargo will produce marketing materials and media to support the workforce development programs that will provide training for minority groups in wealth management and personal development, as well as the technical and creative aspects of film and TV production. The instruction will take place at the George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics at USC Upstate in Spartanburg.
In addition to the training program, the Urban League will host an annual symposium with film screenings, discussion panels, and breakout sessions led by industry experts. This symposium will provide a platform for industry professionals and aspiring filmmakers to network and learn from one another.
In efforts to expand available infrastructure for film production, the Urban League has developed plans for a virtual production studio and theater in Spartanburg. Once complete, Cargo will manage and operate this studio. This will provide even more benefit to the students and community, while also giving Cargo and its clients extended access to virtual production capabilities.
The alliance and task force represent a significant step forward for the growth of the entertainment industry in the Upstate of South Carolina. Establishing a well-trained, diverse workforce and a robust industry infrastructure, the region will better position itself as a hub for film and TV production, attracting filmmakers from across the country. This initiative will generate an estimated $1.6 billion in economic impact across the region over the next 10 years.
“Cargo is thrilled to be joining forces with the Urban League of the Upstate to support workforce development in the entertainment industry,” said David Estrada, Global Executive Producer for Cargo. “We believe this initiative will help to create opportunities for more individuals to enter the industry and develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. We look forward to working with the Urban League and other collaborators on this exciting project.”
Urban League President & CEO Gail Awan welcomes this new alliance with Cargo.
“The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization and as an affiliate, we remain dedicated to education, workforce development and economic empowerment. One of the major steps South Carolina can take to increase film production is to offer more training and educational programs.
This innovative alliance with Cargo will develop a diverse, skilled workforce of Upstate crew members, which would make the state and our region more attractive to production companies. This creates new jobs and expands existing ones for entrepreneurs, small and minority business owners, and creative professionals.”
ABOUT CARGO
Founded in 2006, Cargo is a global, data-informed, B2SB (Business to Small Business) Marketing® agency that delivers strategic marketing solutions and services. The agency specializes in connecting compelling brands with their small- and medium-sized business customers to drive business goals.
ABOUT URBAN LEAGUE OF THE UPSTATE
The Urban League is the oldest and largest community-based organization of its kind in the nation. It is dedicated to the principle of economic empowerment for individuals by providing the tools they need to achieve success. As the leading champion of empowerment for the black community, the Urban League of the Upstate envisions a region where all people are valued members of the community, can adequately support themselves and their families, achieve their fullest potential, and share in prosperity.