James March-April 2024 online - Flipbook - Page 76
In all practicality, Georgia’s
film incentive program has enticed
others outside the state to fund the
strong creative economy we have
today. Beyond film, the incentive has
spurred growth in all areas of the
creative arts.
The film tax incentive is a hotly
debated topic among our elected
leaders and especially during the
legislative session. To some, it’s
either one of our smartest policy initiatives or considered a wasted use
of Georgia’s tax revenue.
76
JAMES
MARC H/ A PR I L 2024
Personally, I believe
the film incentive gets
better with time driving
further growth in all
creative industry sectors. It’s also understood
that communities with a
vibrant creative and arts
scene is a key part of
successfully recruiting
multinational and large
conglomerates to locate
in Georgia. The success
of our overall economy
goes hand in hand with the health of
our creative industries.
Georgia Entertainment just
completed a nine-city tour that
started in June of 2023; the Georgia
Unscripted Roadshow gathered local
creatives and business owners together with legislators and government officials. These events were
held in Athens, Augusta, Columbus,
Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah,
Warner Robins and Valdosta. Thousands attended the events including
nearly 100 state legislators.
Regardless of age, race, gender,
or socio-economic class, Georgians
came out in full force to learn about
the Creative Economy. While some
of the communities we visited don’t
participate largely in the incentivized direct spending of film productions, they see the future. Remote
work trends, the uncapping of
young creative minds and the awesomeness of Georgia is leading to a
collision of opportunity.
Yes, program adjustments
should be considered, and responsible policy is expected of Georgia’s
elected representatives. However, I am hopeful that our leaders
embrace a strong and supportive
stance toward the state’s creative
industries. Let’s back our youth.
Let’s keep Georgia strong and invest
further in arts and entertainment as
an essential part of the state’s economic mix. The best is yet to come.
Randy Davidson is the founder and CEO of Georgia
Entertainment.
