Written by on Jul 9, 2013. Posted in On Location

Georgia plans regional location filming boost with Atlanta Film Office

A dedicated state film office has been confirmed for Georgia in the south-east US. Authorities have recognised the need for a single, centralised agency to help co-ordinate shoots like locally-filmed zombie drama The Walking Dead as the state’s production industry grows.

The new Atlanta office will clarify regional filming regulations and streamline permitting fees, while also improving communication with local communities when productions want to film on location.

“We need the film and entertainment office because other cities have [similar offices],” Atlanta City Council Member Michael Julian Bond told local outlet 11Alive: “They act as facilitators to aid the film industry and his industry is very portable and very fickle."

“We need to make sure that we're providing the type of customer service to the industry as well as our citizens, so Atlanta remains an easy place to do business,” he added.

We need to make sure that we're providing the type of customer service to the industry as well as our citizens, so Atlanta remains an easy place to do business.

Michael Julian Bond, Atlanta City Council

Georgia is emerging as one of the main production hubs in the US with a competitive 20% location filming tax credit. Studio facilities include Raleigh Studios Atlanta and Atlanta Film Studios, as well as the recently-announced Pinewood Atlanta Studios.

(The Walking Dead photos: Gene Page/AMC)