A large movie studio is being built near Gresham Park in DeKalb County, bringing nine sound stages and hundreds of film jobs starting early next year.
Valhalla Film Studios is a 53-acre complex that will produce major feature films and TV shows, said James Schulz, the president of the studio.
The studio, located south of Starlight Drive-in, is the latest to locate in Georgia as the state offers generous tax credits to recruit show business.
“It’s a big facility, so it’s not something that a low-budget show could come in and afford. We’re building a state-of-the-art place for more of the larger films and TV shows,” Schulz said.
A $70 million investment on the site will help build one 40,000-square-foot sound stage, one 30,000-square-foot stage and seven 20,000-square-foot stages. The property, a former paint and wall covering warehouse, will also include office space.
Between 500 and 600 people will be working on the site at any given time, Shultz said.
"All the major players are moving into town and setting up shop here," he said. "You can get the equipment you need to make a movie in town now. People from Atlanta are finally learning the business. You can get good help here."
DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson said he hopes the studios will help promote further economic growth in the area, including the potential for more restaurants and hotels.
“We need to have things that build up the community around here,” Johnson said. “I’m excited. It’s something we’ve been talking about for years.”
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