Georgia film and television productions spent $4.4 billion in the 2022 fiscal season to help launch new opportunities

According to the Georgia Film Office, film and television productions spent $4.4 billion statewide in fiscal year 2022, setting a new record.

Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022, the department recorded 412 production shoots in the state. They consist of 32 feature films, 36 independent films, 269 television productions, 42 commercials and 33 music videos.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said of the accomplishment, “When the pandemic hit, we worked hard in Georgia to communicate with our partners in the Georgian film, television and streaming industries.”

“Together, we have forged a safe and proper path for the film industry to get back to business and deliver Georgia Made productions to eager consumers around the world – even as some states have continued to remain closed and stifle the industry back to normal.Because of this partnership approach and the resilience of our state’s film and television infrastructure, which state and local economic development officials have worked for nearly fifty years to build, we once again celebrate the incredible growth and investment from industry leaders.

Some particularly notable high-grossing productions have called the state home in recent years, including Black Panther, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, Stranger Things, Ozark, and Loki.

The growth in the amount of projects from Georgia has coincided with massive investments in studios and production infrastructure.

Shadowbox Studios has acquired a significant investment from technology investment firm Silver Lake to expand its presence. Triltith Studios expands, along with Cinelease Studios-Three Ring and Electric Owl Studios. All aim to capitalize on the rush for business in Georgia due to incentives.

The tax credit has, however, come under recent legislative attack. In March, a proposal was tabled before the Georgian Senate Finance Committee to cap tax credits at $900 million, coupled with a ban on film and television production companies selling the credits to third parties. The movement was quickly crushed and jettisoned.

“In addition to providing production jobs spanning a variety of skills from bookkeeping to carpentry to engineering and graphic design, productions use local vendors, eat at Georgia restaurants and stay at our hotels. “, Kemp said. “We are proud to train more Georgians to become decision makers in film and television production, keeping their talents in our state, and we look forward to the continued success of this industry in Peach State!”

With the series of Georgian productions, jobs and talent have mushroomed across the state. As Kemp mentioned, this isn’t just limited to production roles, as the financial hit of a film, television, or content-based project is far-reaching.

Angie Callen, founder and director of the national organization Career Benders Inc., said of the development of opportunities in Georgia: “The professional landscape is changing and career coaches play a central role in helping candidates meet the challenges of job search and professional development, so raising awareness of these types of movements in Georgia is always great.

“The film and television industry offers opportunities that I’m sure Georgians were initially skeptical of, but the proof is in the pudding. The most important thing is that people take advantage of the opportunity that has arisen. It’s a great time to learn a new skill if you’re unhappy with what you’re doing, and to develop other passions, as there’s so much room to grow with high amounts of incoming public investment. .

Callen is in a unique position as someone who has experienced some very unique career changes and challenges that have led her down the path of building a business. As a result, she thinks Georgians who want to get into the entertainment industry or a neighboring industry in the state are “as well placed as ever before.”

“I started my career as a civil engineer, and I knew in college that wasn’t what I wanted to do, but when you go to engineering school at Carnegie Mellon, you don’t don’t change your major your junior year,” Callen said. “As a generational ‘cusper’ stuck between Gen X and Millennials, I entered the market at a time when career options weren’t as strong as they are today, and that It’s exciting to see how many career paths there are now.”

Callen’s professional journey has had several stops, including attending a non-profit film festival where she gained insight into the inner workings of the entertainment industry as well as corporate leadership. This information has proven beneficial for designers, engineers, creatives, and executives looking to enter the film, entertainment, esports, gaming, or similar competitive industries.

“I saw the changes start to unfold before my eyes and I did something that a lot of people hadn’t done in the early 2000s. I changed careers.”

Callen is adamant that while changing careers can seem daunting, it’s often necessary for true career longevity, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction.

“Job hunting today is not as easy as it was ten years ago. It’s not enough to throw around a few printed resumes with random bullet points on your career summary, especially in high-volume, competitive markets. You must be strategic, intentional and focused.

“I think it’s important for people in this state and beyond, especially those struggling to find job satisfaction, to consider coaching or professional development support. Getting where you want to go is entirely achievable; sometimes you just need a guide.

While Career Benders has risen into the global spotlight, with a recent nomination for an International Career Coach Award, it hasn’t always been easy. “Career Benders is my 13th entrepreneurial venture, and it’s the one that finally stuck,” Callen explained.

Callen advises job seekers that whether you’re an entrepreneur or an employee, don’t give up. Keep moving and have patience; you will encounter roadblocks, but if you persist, you will get there. Whether it’s on TV, in a movie, or anywhere else, you can do it.

Controversial

It hasn’t been easy for Georgia. Their controversial 2019 abortion law was allowed to go into effect in the state, leading many celebrities to call out productions to boycott the area.

In response, several entities, including the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Georgia, and Georgia-based law firms Caplan Cobb and Bondurant Mixson & Elmore, argue that when the law has was filed – in 2019 – it was still protected by the federal constitution and since the law must pass based on the date it was filed, it should be void.

A new legislative proposal is expected to be tabled after Roe v. Wade in order to be processed, which in itself would be a long process.

Through the aforementioned credits, it’s clear that Marvel/Disney has a deep connection to the state. It will be interesting to see whether legislative changes to abortion law will impact this relationship, and if so, to what extent.

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