Georgia film industry expands - with taxpayer help

Some may chuckle at the city officials who are eager to dub Atlanta “Hollywood South.” But the metro area has fast become a filmmaker’s haven thanks in large part to state and, increasingly, local government incentives showered on the film industry in Georgia.

And the decision Thursday by Atlanta’s economic development agency to pump up to $500,000 in local property taxes to help build new soundstages at Lakewood is another reflection of the film industry’s growing role in metro Atlanta’s economy.

Subscribers can read our full report on the impact of state tax breaks aimed at production companies - and the criticism of those who question the need for public incentives targeting an already thriving industry - in Monday’s AJC or on our subscription tablet app.