By Chris Starrs
Despite its lack of proximity to the Hollywood sign in Southern California, Atlanta remains on the cutting edge in the entertainment industry, with more than 150 productions – ranging from major film features and hit network shows to independent fare – having called Georgia home in the past year.
The list of films and television shows with a Georgia connection is staggering, with films including the “The Hunger Games” trilogy and “Selma,” and TV shows such as ultra-popular “The Walking Dead” all having production roots here. The Motion Picture Association of America also estimates that about 23,500 people in the Peach State have entertainment industry jobs, giving it the nickname ‘Y’allywood.’
More growth is expected: The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees projects that Georgia’s film industry will double in size over the next two years. With the industry exploding in the state, there’s a need for more energetic and skilled individuals to work in the film, TV and digital media industry.
Often, the hard work happens in many of the studio spaces that that have opened in the last several years in Georgia. Besides Tyler Perry Studios, Turner Studios, Pinewood Atlanta Studios, Atlanta Filmworks Studio & Stages, Raleigh/Riverwood Studios, PC&E and EUE/Screen Gems Studios, there are plans in Gwinnett County for the Atlanta Media Campus & Studios, a mixed-use facility on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross.
While local residents might run into celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence or Daniel Craig while they’re in the area to shoot a movie, the bigger picture is that show business offers strong job opportunities.
“As Atlanta continues to grow and flourishes as a global destination for production, we’re seeing a lot of convergence going on in the industry – TV, film, new media, experience-based marketing,” said Bob Judson, owner of Image Digital Media and a former professor of television production at SCAD. “So a lot of the jobs that are coming into the forefront are kind of newly defined jobs with regard to opportunities.”
Since some producers have found it difficult to find local crew and workers, bringing people in from California. Some Georgia colleges, universities and technical institutions are responding by creating programs to help students acquire the skills necessary to work in show business. By getting involved in those programs you could help provide be an answer to the dilemma facing employers in the entertainment sector today.
“The good news is there’s a lot of demand for jobs, but the tough part is there are jobs out there with just enough skills that it takes a while to develop that,” said Kris Bagwell, executive vice president for EUE/Screen Gems Studios.
If you’re looking to enter into the field, jobs in demand locally include line producers and associate producers, animators, electricians, directors of photography, carpenters and construction workers and – a relatively new position – digital imaging technicians.
In addition, Gov. Nathan Deal’s High Demand Career Initiative has made film and television production a high priority, focusing on providing ways to grow the workforce in the state.
“The opportunities for our students are growing by leaps and bounds,” Judson said.
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