Georgia’s picturesque locales — and a bevy of state tax credits — have helped make the state one of the top places outside Hollywood to shoot movies and TV shows. But the knock on the Peach State is it lacks the behind-the-scenes workers to support all those projects.
On Tuesday, state and business leaders made one potential fix by officially opening the Georgia Film Academy and a new teaching soundstage on site. The school, at the bustling Pinewood Studios campus in Fayette County, will train students how to work in the booming movie business.
The school was a high priority of Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2015 legislative session, and is one of the commitments Deal has made to keep Georgia the top destination outside California and New York for Hollywood.
The state’s film office said 248 productions shot in Georgia last fiscal year, totaling $1.7 billion in direct spending, up from $1.4 billion the prior 12-month period.
Like many corporate ribbon cuttings, Tuesday’s event featured hopeful speeches by dignitaries — in this case Georgia Film Academy executive director Jeff Stepakoff; University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby; Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Gretchen Corbin; and Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy, an investor with the group that owns a majority of Pinewood.
“What a proud day to be a Georgian and what a great time to pursue a film career in our state,” said Stepakoff, who did the ribbon-snipping honors.
Teddy Dicks, who spoke at the ceremony, is interested in a new career as a boom operator or in design. He spent 18 years in corporate banking until shifting economic winds persuaded him it was time for a new direction.
He’s taking courses through the Georgia Film Academy certification program, through which students at a number of campuses including his, Clayton State University, can prepare for film jobs.
“I have a lot of friends who have been affected by downsizing and they’ve had to move,” said Dicks. He’s happy to be able to get training locally.
“I’m ready for my closeup,” he quipped.
The film academy started certificate programs in January through affiliate programs at Clayton State, Columbus State University and Gwinnett Technical College. The program will provide hands-on experience with industry equipment with credits toward degrees.
A number of Georgia public and private colleges have film-related programs, but the industry has said it imports behind-the-scenes stage hands because of a shortage of locally grown talent. That can add to the cost of productions.
Tuesday’s event also boasted some star wattage: IronE Singleton, an alum of “The Walking Dead” drama filmed in the south metro area, attended to show his support (and to mention his new album, “Hip-Hopcrisy,” scheduled for a May 3 release on iTunes).
“I’m so excited,” he said of the festivities.
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