Film Forsyth | Discover Foco
- Eeryn Ann TBD
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 27
Discovery of:
The county has seen a significant uptick in interest since launching Film Forsyth, (Under Construction for Progress, Research, Growth and Development) with a reported 367% growth in filming inquiries following the initiative’s start in 2018. Productions like Ozark, The Vampire Diaries, The Fate of the Furious, Goosebumps, Love & Hip Hop, Game Night, Halt & Catch Fire, Bargain Hunters, and even Smokey and the Bandit (filmed on GA 400 between Exits 12 and 14) have utilized Forsyth’s locations. Currently in Treatment: Legal Crime Drama and multiple genres, nearly ready for Greenlight, Productions ....and 'Pictures Up."
While exact economic impacts for 2022 were not quantified in the sources, productions often use privately owned residences and businesses, injecting money directly into the local economy through rentals, hospitality, and services like construction and catering.
Strategic Advantages and Locations:
• Forsyth County’s appeal lies in its diverse settings, blending urban and rural environments, with access to natural sites like Lake Lanier and unique venues like The Reid Barn, Silver City Farms, and the Cumming Fairgrounds. Its proximity to Atlanta, a major film hub, enhances its attractiveness.
• The county has worked to create a seamless permitting process and film-friendly hospitality, collaborating with local leaders like Sheriff Ron Freeman and the City of Cumming to minimize community disruption during shoots.
Broader Context in Georgia’s Film Industry:
• Georgia is a global leader in film production, ranked No. 1 by Business Facilities Magazine in 2024, with $2.6 billion in direct spending in fiscal year 2024, despite a slowdown from $4.4 billion in 2022 due to industry strikes.
• The state’s 30% transferable tax credit, introduced in 2008, has been a key driver, though some productions have shifted to lower-cost countries post-2024 labor agreements. Forsyth County benefits from this statewide infrastructure, including the Georgia Film Office’s Camera Ready Communities program, which provides local liaisons in all 159 counties, including Forsyth.
• The Georgia Film Academy supports workforce development, training locals for industry roles, which complements Forsyth’s efforts to attract productions.
Future Potential:
• Industry professionals see Forsyth County as a potential “creative economy” hub, with articles in 2025 suggesting it could become a significant player in Georgia’s film landscape due to its strategic location and proactive initiatives like Film Forsyth.
• The county’s ongoing efforts to expand its film presence, including hosting location tours and maintaining a database of film-ready sites, position it for continued growth, especially as Georgia’s studio infrastructure expands
In summary, Forsyth County is actively building its film industry through the Film Forsyth initiative, leveraging its diverse locations, streamlined processes, and Georgia’s tax incentives. While it has already hosted notable productions, its potential for growth is significant, with ongoing efforts to attract more projects and boost local economic benefits.
Contact Missy Roberts via Discover Georgia www.discoverfoco.com
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