This was posted on Saturday, August 5, 2017 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Earlier this year, Netflix content officer Ted Sarandos told The Wrap the behemoth would cut back on chasing tax credits in other states and countries and focus on "building infrastructure" in Los Angeles.
But with a $6 billion commitment this year for 1,000 hours plus of original programming, there is plenty of production to go around outside of Los Angeles.
Netflix, ,which has already shot "Stranger Things" and "Ozark" in metro Atlanta, has committed to at least four other shows locally, according to the state's film office.
"Georgia is still one of the most attractive destinations to do a film and TV series," said Ric Reitz, president of SAG-AFTRA Atlanta. "California is entitled to do its own strategy as well as New York. Georgia has a strategy. We're thrilled Netflix continues to pick Georgia as a destination."
Georgia is now the third most popular state to shoot films and TV thanks to its generous tax credits passed in 2008 for production companies. More than 70 television programs are now shooting in the area, though not at the same time.
Netflix, with 52 million U.S. subscribers and 100 million worldwide, now has more shows shooting in Atlanta than any other network except for VH1, which also has six ("Signed," "Scared Famous," "Black Ink Atlanta," "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta," "Leave it to Stevie," "Daytime Divas").
Here are the four new shows Netflix is shooting in Atlanta:
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
"Insatiable"
"Insatiable" is a dark comedy based on a real-life Southern lawyer and top beauty pageant coach Bill Alverson. The show focuses on Bob (Dallas Roberts) , a disgraced, dissatisfied civil lawyer-turned-beauty pageant coach who takes on Patty (Debby Ryan), a vengeful, bullied teenager as his client, and has no idea what he's about to unleash upon the world.
The CW liked the show, according to Deadline.com, but it was crowded out by other promising shows such as "Black Lightning," "Valor" and "Dynasty," three projects also shooting in Atlanta. So Netflix scooped it up.;
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
"The Haunting"
Netflix is creating a version of "The Haunting of Hill House," which a modern re-imagining of the classic 1959 horror book. Carla Gugino ("Wayward Pines," "Spy Kids") and Michiel Huisman ("Game of Thrones," "Orphan Black") star in the 10-episode straight-to-series.
"First and Last"
This is identified as a reality show by the film office. Netflix has not commented about what this is.
This is a revamp of the original Bravo show with a new cast featuring five gay men trying to help out a straight guy's fashion choices, style, personal grooming, interior design and culture. This has been shooting locally for several months.
"The Emmy Award-winning Queer Eye is back and ready to Make America Fabulous Again. With a new Fab 5 and the show's toughest missions to date," according to a statement. "Queer Eye moves from the Big Apple to turn the Red States pink — one makeover at a time."
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