Takeaways:
- Savannah Increases Film Incentives: New rebate limits raised to $175,000 for films and $300,000 for TV series, aiming to attract more productions.
- Stackable Incentives: Producers can combine Savannah’s rebates with Georgia’s state tax credit, offering substantial savings.
- Competitive Edge: With growing competition from international locations, Savannah is making itself more appealing to filmmakers.
Savannah, Georgia, a beloved filming destination, is stepping up its game by increasing its production incentives to stay competitive in the entertainment industry. As global production trends shift and challenges mount, Savannah’s latest move aims to reinforce its position as a prime location for film and TV projects.
New Incentive Details
The Savannah Regional Film Commission has announced significant updates to its cash rebate program:
- Feature Films: Rebates increased from $100,000 to $175,000.
- Television Series: Rebates increased from $250,000 to $300,000.
These incentives can be stacked with Georgia’s highly acclaimed film tax credit, which provides:
- A 20% income tax credit for production costs in the state.
- An additional 10% credit for productions that feature Georgia’s logo in their final product.
Savannah also continues to offer a $25,000 bonus to productions hiring at least 50% of their crew within 60 miles of City Hall.
Why the Increase?
The adjustments come as Savannah and other regional film hubs contend with a sluggish rebound in production following the Hollywood labor strikes of 2023. “The temperature of interest is already good, and with the announcement of the incentive, we hope it puts a fire under a couple of producers to cement their agreements to be in Savannah,” said Walker Dalton, executive director of the Savannah Regional Film Commission.
The industry’s slow recovery is attributed to several factors, including:
- Studio Cost-Cutting: Studios and streamers are green-lighting fewer projects to save money amid inflation and elevated interest rates.
- Global Competition: Regions like the UK and Eastern Europe lure productions with larger subsidies and cheaper labor.
- Rising Costs: Recent union-negotiated contracts, including those by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, have increased production wages.
Savannah vs. Atlanta: A Regional Comparison
While Atlanta, Georgia’s top filming destination, boasts more soundstages and a larger crew base, it lacks a regional rebate program like Savannah’s. Savannah’s unique charm—from its natural beauty to its historic district—continues to draw filmmakers. Recent Savannah-based productions include:
- Todd Haynes’ Oscar-nominated film “May December”.
- Clint Eastwood’s drama “Juror #2”.
- The Amazon Prime series “Clean Slate” (upcoming).
Eligibility Criteria for Rebates
To qualify for Savannah’s rebates, productions must:
- Conduct 50% of filming within a 60-mile radius of Savannah’s City Hall.
- Spend at least $1 million in Chatham County.
- Meet budget thresholds: $5 million for TV series (minimum five episodes) and $4 million for feature films.
Industry-Wide Implications
The updated incentive program aligns with a broader trend of increasing rebates across the U.S. In California, for example, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed raising the state’s annual film tax credit cap from $330 million to $750 million. At the federal level, discussions are underway about introducing labor-based incentives for domestic productions.
As global competition intensifies, Savannah’s enhanced incentives serve as a clear message: the city is open for business. Dalton is optimistic, saying, “For the incentive, it’s a good time in the history of the industry to up it and show that the area is open for work.”
