Georgia Chamber and Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition Comment on Politicization of Film Industry
Atlanta, GA – Tuesday, May 10, 2022 – Georgia is one of the top filming locations in the world, and in FY2021 hosted a remarkable 366 film and television productions, generating $4 billion in direct spending in the state.
“The Georgia Chamber continues to support the film industry’s strong presence in Georgia that began back in the early 1970’s and flourishes today,” said Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber. “Unfortunately, recent commercials and efforts by a candidate to politicize economic growth drivers like the film industry are counterproductive to the long-term prosperity of our film-friendly communities. The Georgia Chamber is committed to the lives and livelihoods of the residents of the Peach State and believe that should be the priority for anyone seeking higher office as well. We have benefited from bipartisan support for economic development and specifically for the entertainment industry. No one individual is responsible for this growth. We applaud the work of Governors Perdue, Deal and Kemp, and Speaker Ralston, along with hundreds of Republicans and Democrats that have served in the general assembly over the last 20 years and helped to create this major economic driver for our state.”
“Georgia’s entertainment infrastructure is a dynamic system involving studios, a talented homegrown workforce, all 159 camera-ready communities and thousands of small businesses that support production statewide. This incredible growth and success of this industry would not have been possible without the bipartisan support from state and local elected officials, as well as support from the communities they serve,” said Kelsey Moore, Executive Director of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition, which represents the largest Georgia-based studios, organized labor workforce, and dozens of companies engaged in the film industry. “We are thankful for the collaboration and leadership that has helped to grow the film industry in our state and look forward to the continued prosperity and opportunities it brings to the students, businesses and communities of Georgia.”