Georgia’s studios banking on filming returning to the state, but the tax incentive under pressure

On the back of news of Fayette County’s Pinewood Atlanta Studios surprise rebranding, studios are confident business will be returning to the area. Trilith Studios, as the site will now be renamed, will be focusing on a mixed-use model, retaining the 1,400 homes and 60 on-site businesses already. As we’ve noted before, Georgia has been pushing since May to get the film industry reopened within the state, and both studios and local government seem confident that the increase in filming in the area will continue to boost the state economy. What’s the attraction? A 2005 tax incentive program that allows up to 30% tax credit if more than half a million was spent in the state and the peach logo is included in the work. Despite its popularity among producers, It hasn’t been without its detractors, who suggest it’s generated less economic impact than hoped. It’s also been suggested that some projects have claimed tax credits through fraud. It’s also become a talking point now COVID-19 has impacted state budgets so heavily.

Despite introducing new restrictions to iron out these issues as of January, the state has remained very film-friendly, pushing the idea that entertainment production will be a backbone of the state’s post-COVID recovery.  Georgia’s been able to open up early in comparison to more well-known filming locals, and this is enabling them to make bank off of Hollywood projects looking for a place they can get down to businesses.

Hollywood’s unions have already created a framework agreement with film studios on what constitutes adequate safety on set, including strict testing protocols, and Georgian studios have taken care to comply, adding safety protocols of their own too.

Overall, the state of the entertainment production industry in Georgia is looking positive and set to grow, perhaps fulfilling the predictions that it will be a key part of stimulating the rest of their economy, too. 

Blake & Wang P.A is an entertainment attorney assisting media related businesses and resolve their taxation matters professionally. Blake & Wang P.A is always the best choice for the media industry in licensing, contracting and taxation.