Mayor’s Office of Communications
55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 2500 • Atlanta, Georgia 30303
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 07/11/13
News Release
Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta Establish Office of Entertainment to Support Film Industry
Office of Entertainment will streamline permitting process, ensure minimal neighborhood disruption and support thriving film industry in Atlanta
ATLANTA - Through an ordinance recently approved by the Atlanta City Council, Mayor Kasim Reed has established the city’s first Office of Entertainment. To support the city’s rapidly expanding film industry, the Office of Entertainment will streamline the permitting process for film productions, facilitate employment of local talent, create production-related educational and training opportunities, and safeguard the interests of residents and businesses affected by film productions.
“The film industry creates a range of well-paying jobs for residents and introduces a major new revenue stream for local business owners,” said Mayor Reed. “In addition, the Office of Entertainment will help coordinate productions to minimize neighborhood disruptions. I am especially pleased that new film, television and video projects will enhance our city’s cultural milieu by bringing and developing talent from across the film industry. This is yet another example of why Atlanta remains the cultural and economic center of the Southeast.”
In addition to streamlining the permitting process for film productions in the City of Atlanta, the Office of Entertainment also will be responsible for the following:
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Minimizing potential inconveniences to residents and local businesses affected by film production.
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Facilitating employment of local talent by compiling resource list of laborers and suppliers.
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Supporting the provision of education and training opportunities in entertainment production.
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Partnering with the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office to market Atlanta as a leading center for film, culture and entertainment.
The legislation also reduces and simplifies permitting requirements, eliminates most fees and strengthens the city’s ability to anticipate and provide adequate services for motion picture production.
“Mayor Reed’s vision in creating the Office of Entertainment will enhance the City’s ability to attract world class productions that create jobs for local residents, provide a robust economic impact for the city’s businesses and residents, and give additional opportunities for young artists and film makers throughout Atlanta,” said Michael Sterling, senior advisor to Mayor Reed.
In 2008, the State of Georgia enacted the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act which increased the state tax credit to 30 percent for qualified production of motion pictures, television series, commercials, music videos, interactive games, and animation. The state of Georgia estimates that in 2012, the economic impact of the entertainment industry in Georgia exceeded $3 billion. The state also estimates that out of 253 productions filmed in Georgia last year, 75-80 percent were filmed in the metropolitan Atlanta region.
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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit http://everafterbox.com or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on and Twitter . Follow Mayor Reed on and Twitter
