The excitement surrounding Georgia’s booming entertainment industry reached new heights on Thursday, March 20, as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens hosted Georgia Film Day at City Hall.
This flagship event marked the grand finale of the inaugural Georgia Film Week, a celebration organized by the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) in honor of the organization’s 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades, GPP has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s film industry, from advocating for tax incentives to fostering economic growth through the Camera Ready program.
The week-long celebration highlighted the immense impact of Georgia’s film and television industry, which generated an impressive $2.6 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2024 and a staggering $11 billion over the past three fiscal years, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Festivities at Atlanta City Hall kicked off with a mayoral proclamation honoring entertainment industry executive Steve Mensch. The morning continued with a Legislator Meet & Greet, where key figures such as Rep. Long Tran, Lee Thomas and Craig Dominey from the Georgia Film Office, and representatives from the Camera Ready Community and Georgia Latino Film Alliance engaged with industry professionals and advocates.
As the evening unfolded, Georgia Film Day officially commenced with Mayor Dickens welcoming guests to City Hall. Attendees were treated to an inspiring program featuring remarks from GPP President Darius Evans, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film Office Lee Thomas, and notable industry leaders such as Brennen Dicker, Executive Director of CMII and Chair of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition (GSEC). Success stories from GPP members, including actress Anisa Nyell Johnson and Scott Thigpen of Crazy Legs Productions, underscored the vast opportunities Georgia continues to offer filmmakers and creatives.
“The strength of Georgia’s film industry comes from the incredible collaboration between studios, unions, independent filmmakers, and state leaders,” said Evans. “Expanding Georgia Film Day into a full week of events allows us to truly celebrate the impact, the people, and the future of film and television in our state.”
With Georgia Film Week setting a new standard for industry advocacy and celebration, many in attendance expressed excitement for the continued growth of film and television production in the state. The networking session that followed the formal program provided an invaluable opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share ideas, and envision the next chapter for Georgia’s entertainment sector.
As GPP celebrates 30 years of championing the local film industry, Georgia Film Day served as a testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering innovation, supporting creatives, and ensuring that Georgia remains a top destination for film and television production.