Filmmakers love South Carolina

George Clooney

Universal Pictures will film a romantic comedy starring Oscar winner George Clooney in S.C. Leatherheads will begin production in early 2007 at a number of locations throughout the Upstate. Clooney will not only star in and direct the film but he also serves as one of Leatherheads' writers.

Leatherheads follows Clooney as Dodge Connelly, a swaggering, aging football hero who convinces a college football star to join him in the ragtag pro league beginning to catch on in America during the 1920s. But the two become quick rivals once outspoken reporter Lexie Littleton inserts herself into the game.

"Since Gov. Mark Sanford pushed for our new film incentives, we have had remarkable success in attracting the film industry to S.C. with seven projects announced since July," said Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. Film productions play an important role in strengthening our economy, and we are pleased the local businesses in the Upstate will benefit from the positive economic impact this production will add to this region."