On the surface, it seems like business as usual for the state's film industry. However, an insidious trend is starting to have a negative impact - and the situation could get worse before it gets better. Even though Georgia has all the crews, equipment, locations and accouterments to make a first class feature film or TV movie, the state is losing business to other southern states.
Incentives are the issue.
Other states now offer filmmakers financial incentives that don't exist here. Compounding this problem, the United States as a whole is losing film business to foreign countries, particularly Canada. Industry professionals in our state and across the country are gearing up to reverse this trend. Now, when we get calls from TV or feature film producers or directors, they ask if we offer any incentives. Unfortunately, that's not enough any more.