The Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, which was signed May 9, 2005 by Gov. Sonny Perdue in a ceremony at Turner Studies, will grow the state's film and video industry and level the playing field with its competitors, according to the Governor and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).Governor Perdue also announced two films to be produced in Georgia as a direct result of the new tax incentives.

A music-driven ensemble comedy, produced by Warner Brothers Pictures in association with Sweet Tea Pictures and directed by Chris Robinson, will begin filming in metro Atlanta this summer. Local film and music impresario Dallas Austin is one of the film's producers. Also, writer/producer Tyler Perry will partner with Lions Gate Films and Reuben Cannon Productions for "Madea's Family Reunion," a follow-up project to Perry's highly-successful "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." These projects bring together two of Georgia's biggest entertainment strengths: its film industry and its music industry.GDEcD officials say the bill's benefits will appeal not only to Hollywood, but also to the thriving and successful industry already in the state. Austin and Perry as well as other local, high-powered producers will reap just as many benefits from the newly passed tax incentives as those based outside Georgia.

Additionally, the bill is one of the first in the country formulated in the expectation it would help grow the game development industry. "The film and video industry offers Georgia a tremendous economic boost through direct and indirect spending, tax revenue generation and the tourism recognition that comes with a locally-filmed production," said Craig Lesser, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

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