Georgia entertainment industry impacted by strikes

ATLANTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Georgia’s Labor commissioner says one industry in that state that seems to be heavily impacted this year in terms of jobs is the entertainment sector.
The peach state known for its tax credits – has seen a slump this year in the TV and film industry due to recent strikes.

“I think the industry isn’t brand new here but a secret to some people. When we first moved here to Georgia some people from New York and Los Angeles were like Georgia,” said actress/producer, Christina Wren.

According to the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition in 2022, the state could count more than 400 productions, nearly 60,000 jobs, 68 feature films and more than $4 billion dollars invested in productions. But new data just released in August shows in 2024, that number has dropped to 273 productions and only $2.6 billion dollars invested to the state’s economy.

“Some of the areas that aren’t hot now are the motion picture industry. I think there is a lag because of the strike that was going on and a strike that shut down for several months. It takes a while to get that train going,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner, Bruce Thompson.

Actors say lawmakers should keep the state’s tax credit programs to bring more productions here from start to finish — and not adding “tax cap” limits.

“Don’t get rid of the credits. The tax credits are why shoots and productions are coming here. I think figuring out a way to support and incentivize projects from start to finish. A lot of stuff is originating in New York or Los Angeles,” said Wren.

The state’s labor commissioner says besides the entertainment industry, the hospitality industry has also seen a dip this year in Georgia.

Some lawmakers in Georgia are concerned that there are many too tax breaks being given to film and tv projects without seeing the clear benefits and that the tax credits should be capped. Lawmakers say that bill may reappear in 2025 during the legislative session.

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