GEORGIA IS
“ON THE MINDS” OF A BUSTLING ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY BY LYNDA LEE SMITH
The entertainment industry has been largely connected to Hollywood and New York City, almost since the inception of the big screen— but recently the playing field has widened considerably. Many other locations—notably in Georgia—have taken center stage of film and entertainment productions, because of special incentives to attract the industry. In 2008, three strategic visionaries came together to advocate for robust film tax credits in Georgia. The legislature brought it to life with a signature from then Governor Sonny Perdue. Since then, Georgia’s film industry has skyrocketed— along with music, video gaming and e-sports. “Georgia has wisely identified video gaming and e-sports as critical components of the creative economy,” says Todd Harris, CEO of Skillshot Media and Ghost Gaming. “Gaming worldwide is the largest entertainment industry, actually greater in revenue than TV, movies and music combined, yet drawing upon much of the same creative workforce.” > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | FALL 2023 | 56