The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is investing in protecting Georgia’s film tax credit.
The group has launched a statewide advocacy organization to work on keeping the cameras rolling in the state.
With such hit shows such as The Walking Dead and Stranger Things taking advantage of the state’s film tax credit, the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition (GSEC) launched earlier this month to keep the state’s film industry alive and thriving. Their mission is to be the “go-to” resource for state leaders regarding the film, television and digital entertainment industry in Georgia.
“We want to make sure there’s a single voice speaking on behalf of the industry,” Steve Mensch, president and general manager of studio operations at Tyler Perry Studios told Biz Journals. Mensch is now working as the GSEC’s vice chair of the organization. “Our position is that the legislature has done a terrific job in creating the business climate. We want to make sure it stays that way.”
Since Georgia leaders enacted the film tax credit 10 years ago, the state has established itself as one of the biggest filming locations in the world. In the fiscal year 2018, Georgia had 455 film and TV productions, creating an economic output of $9.5 billion including $2.7 billion in direct spending.
Mensch argues the success of the film industry depends on three points.
- A Stable Tax Incentive
- Building a trained workforce
- Investment in production infrastructure
“We are fighting a global battle to keep business here,” Mensch said. “The world is seeing Georgia through the movie and TV shows being created here.”
“The founding members of GSEC represent Georgia’s top industry and private sector leaders … united by their commitment to protect and promote the screen entertainment industry in our state,” said Chris Clark, the Georgia chamber’s president and CEO. “With the incredible economic impact this industry has on our state, we’re proud to introduce GSEC as the united, cohesive voice of the industry at the Capitol.”
Update: This article was updated after misquoting Steve Mensch.
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