Having recently been elected president of the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), I’m excited about the united efforts of our production community and its renewed commitment to keep Georgia at the forefront of feature film and commercial production. Much of my feelings regarding this group and my involvement in the Georgia production community can be traced back to a conversation I had early on in my career. I recall a discussion with a local production manager, and an esteemed producer, Marion Rees, who was here on a production. The topic centered on whether or not there was a need for us to relocate to Los Angeles to stay in the industry. I remember her words well, "If you do good work, work will come to you." As I look over my ever growing resumé and the resumés of many other professionals in this production community, I realize her words were great advice and somewhat prophetic.
I am biased. I believe that Georgia represents one of the most experienced film and commercial centers in the country. Over the years, I have watched it grow and mature into a market capable of hosting projects of every size and type, from a $500,000 independent to a $70 million studio feature to national commercials. The road, though, has not always been smooth. Our growth and development has meant turning challenges into opportunities. It’s taken drive, diligence, patience, and a whole lot of hard work to create the market in which I, and many other professionals, work everyday. It’s been gratifying to watch as this group of representatives from trade and industry organizations, unions, and diverse members of the production and postproduction community all work hand-in-hand to promote Georgia as a film-friendly and cost-effective place to do business. GPP makes it possible for any production coming into Georgia, as well as local independents, to have one group representing all facets of the industry to provide support for any of their production needs.
Formerly known as the Atlanta Production Partnership (APP), the GPP has expanded beyond metro Atlanta to include filmmakers and film industry executives from across the state. We started as a grass roots organization in ’97. The GPP now consists of a network of business owners, production and postproduction department heads, union business agents, producers, government representatives, and music and Internet industry professionals. Our goal in this ever-evolving, highly competitive marketplace is to be the most aware and prepared players on the playing field. As a group, we share information, experiences, ideas, and sometimes problems. I think the amount of production we are doing in Georgia reflects our effort.
Georgia governor Roy Barnes has recognized the economic and creative value of this highly skilled production industry in Georgia. This past September, Governor Barnes formed the Georgia Film & Videotape Advisory Commission that will complement the marketing efforts of the Georgia Film & Videotape Office. Entrepreneur and successful businessman Michael Coles serves as its chairman. This is the team, along with Georgia Production Partners, that will develop industry-specific incentives, increase funding, and expand on our ability to compete nationally and globally.
In every enterprise and endeavor that I am familiar with, success is not effortless—it takes hard work—GOOD WORK. This community has done both. Our work is represented in countless feature film and television credits. In numerous Clio, Emmy, Oscar and Grammy awards. We are a market that has made a major contribution to the national entertainment production industry. I am proud to be a member of the GPP. I am especially proud to be a part of this film industry that continues to flourish, enabling many of us to continue working and living in Georgia.
