Post Press Conference with Kasim Reed and EUE Screen Gems

Written by Pree Dammond, Film Director/Writer/Entrepreneur
Date: August 18th, 2010

A Press conference was held August 13th, 2010 with Atlanta's Mayor Kasim Reed and EUE Screen Gems to discuss the Film and Television Industry in Atlanta GA.

This event was held at the W-Hotel Down Town in Studio 3, 4th floor.

Stacey Johnson, Events manager spoke on economic development regarding Georgia's local government affairs who later introduced Hyde Green, who later spoke on Georgia Entertainment Investment Act of 2008.

Special thanks were given to the Georgia Film Commission for the recognition of a 40% increase in Productions coming out of the state of Georgia.  It was also mention that there was an 4% margin increase in Georgia's production budget. 

A lot of local activist are excited and curious to see if the development of EUE Screen Gem in the Lakewood community will create Jobs for their communities.

EUE Screen Gems are responsible for a few well known production that most people would be familiar with. Such productions such as, Smokey and the Bandit, Lottery Ticket, and more.  Chris Cooney, President of Screen Gem would not elaborate but did comment on a few more first phase productions which are scheduled to come to the Atlanta area by mid September 2010.

At this time, Screen Gems will not be operating as a Production Company but rather as a production stage facility to companies who wish to produce major films in the state of Georgia.

Georgia offer great incentives for production companies to relocate here.  The weather is marginally perfect and you will experience all seasons.  The talent pool in Atlanta continues to grow as more Acting coaches are taking an interest in moving to the area.  Art institution such as SCAD, and Art Institute of Atlanta are production qualified and skill workers to enter this workforce in Ga.  Local film makers and the Art communities are taking a strong interest in the development of our Entertainment and Film sector in Atlanta.

Jasmine Guy is now a resident of Georgia and was in attendance for August 13th Press Conference.  Jasmine Guy is a very credible and establish Actress to say the least.
Ed Spivey was also in attendance. His involvement in bringing entertainment to Georgia has been a 20 year dream transformed into reality for Ed.

When asked the question; "what can we expect in terms of Job creation in the Atlanta area", Kasim Reed responded with a figure between 250 - 500 jobs would be created.

Jobs with emphasis in post production, production crews, carpenters for stage designs, custom designers, and more.

The Entertainment sector in Atlanta Ga is expected to grow rapidly.  The sound stages at turner are already running at full capacity.  Over 700 million dollars in film and entertainment has already been invested in Georgia.

In conclusion, everyone seems to be hoping for the best in terms of growth in Georgia overall economy.  Whether it comes from Entertainment, or an Increase in Industrial production, the communities of Atlanta Georgia are sitting on the edge of their seats for a positive change in our economy.