Decatur County more ready than ever for film, TV productions

Often the best time to stoke the flames is when a fire is burning hot.

That’s exactly what the State of Georgia and Decatur County are doing with the state’s new Camera Ready program.  Decatur County joins 88 other communities across the Peach State in earning this special designation by the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office since October.  Being named Camera Ready means we have in place a program that provides film and television production companies with easier, faster and better access to local resources and location information. 

Why is that important?  2009 was a banner year for filming in Georgia, with more than 348 productions bringing an estimated $770 million to our state’s economy, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  Georgia-lensed movies "Zombieland" and "The Blind Side" both opened at No. 1 at the box office. In 2009, productions were shot in 50 counties in Georgia, impacting local communities like ours throughout the state.

As many communities have also experienced, films and television programs can drive increased tourism inspired by the success of the local production.  For example, the church built as a set for the Disney project “The Last Song” is now an event facility in Tybee Island. And the Whistle Stop Café from “Fried Green Tomatoes” put Juliette on the map. 

Producers love Georgia for our diverse settings, talented workforce and tax incentives.  Since it was created in 2005, the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act has helped generate unprecedented direct investment in our state.  In fact, economic impact from productions in Georgia amounted to more than $1.4 billion – up from $240 million just three years earlier.  Today, we’re one of the top five production destinations in the country.

 More than 25,000 Georgians are now employed in the entertainment industry, and numbers are only expected to grow.  The local economic impact from productions can be significant, including hiring of local residents, hotel stays and purchases of goods and services.

But while Georgia has done an effective job selling itself to production companies, other states have also worked hard to lure films and television programs.  Camera Ready will help to ensure we can stay ahead of the competition by meeting the very specific local needs production companies have. 

Adrienne Harrison is serving as Decatur County’s Camera Ready Liaison, which means she serves as the primary local contact for production companies. She helps to identify local resources, from locations and hotels to associated businesses, such as caterers and dry cleaners. 

There are a wealth of locations, talent and assets in our community and in our state that production companies can use to everyone’s advantage.  Camera Ready is one more way we’re making sure they do