Meet Our Founders
When John Gramling III and Charles Randolph-Wright look at the South, they see untold stories, extraordinary talent, and the opportunity to build an industry that could create lasting impact for generations to come.
Charles has spent a lifetime bringing stories to audiences around the world. John has spent his career building businesses that strengthen communities. Both of their stories began in South Carolina. Now, together, Charles Randolph-Wright and John Gramling III have created something that is both deeply personal and boldly ambitious: a home for storytelling rooted in the Carolinas.
Charles Randolph-Wright: Creative Principal
Charles Randolph-Wright was born in York, South Carolina. After attending Duke University,
Charles began his professional career as a performer, appearing in Broadway productions of Pippin and Dreamgirls. He later transitioned to directing and writing, helming the Broadway premiere of Motown: The Musical—based on Berry Gordy's autobiography—which also toured nationally and played London's West End. Randolph-Wright has built a dynamic and diversified career in performing, producing, directing and writing for theater, television, and film. As a director, writer, producer, and playwright, his work has appeared on stages and screens around the world. He has directed acclaimed television series including Brilliant Minds, Delilah, Greenleaf, and Will Trent, championed the long-awaited Broadway premiere of Alice Childress's Trouble in Mind, and helped bring countless stories to life that center humanity, dignity, and truth. Last summer, Charles’ play, Duke and Roya, starring Jay Ellis, premiered Off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.
But despite a career that has taken him across the globe, South Carolina has always remained home.
That connection is at the heart of Salt Run. Charles believes that world-class storytelling doesn't have to begin in New York or Hollywood. It can begin here—by investing in local artists, developing regional voices, and proving that authentic Southern stories deserve a global audience. As Creative Principal, he brings not only decades of creative excellence, but a genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, writers, actors, and craftspeople.
John Gramling III: Business Principal
John Gramling III is a business leader, investor, and community builder dedicated to transforming vision into lasting impact. In his early career, John earned his B.S. in Business Administration from The Citadel and was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer, completing Infantry and Airborne training. Currently, he serves as President and CEO of New Canaan Impact Capital, a faith-rooted merchant bank focused on high-impact opportunities across technology, real estate, green energy, and healthcare.
In addition to leading New Canaan Impact Capital, John serves as Managing Director of Carolina Financial Securities, where he structures private securities and partners with companies to strengthen governance, operations, and long-term value creation through an activist investment approach. His entrepreneurial background includes founding and operating construction companies, developing real estate projects, and managing diversified investments across agriculture, manufacturing, and equipment.
John is also deeply committed to service and leadership development. He serves as Board Chairman of Haggai International and Co-Founder and Chairman of XPan Global, organizations focused on equipping leaders and fostering transformed communities around the world.
________________________________
Spend a little time with John and Charles, and you'll notice how they champion the people around them. They talk about young filmmakers looking for their first opportunity. They talk about the incredible crews already working throughout the Southeast. They talk about creating partnerships with schools, businesses, and communities that will strengthen the industry for the next generation.
In many ways, Salt Run reflects the strengths of its founders. Charles brings decades of creative experience and an unwavering belief in the power of story. John brings the vision, leadership, and determination to build something that can endure. Together, they've created a company that feels grounded in the place they call home while reaching for stories that can resonate far beyond it.
This company is still at the beginning of its journey. But if its foundation tells us anything, it's that Salt Run was never meant to be just another production company. It was meant to be a place where great stories are made, great talent is nurtured, and South Carolina takes its place as a destination for exceptional filmmaking. For Charles Randolph-Wright and John Gramling III, this isn't simply the next chapter in their careers. It's the beginning of something much bigger.