Georgia’s Film Tax Incentives Spark Debate in Thomasville
Thomasville, Georgia, a picturesque city known for its cobblestone streets and mom-and-pop stores, has become a hotspot for Hollywood productions looking for a stand-in for Main Street U.S.A. With its red clay soil and rolling hills, Thomasville has attracted major stars like Dustin Hoffman and Dennis Quaid, thanks to Georgia’s generous filming incentives.
While the influx of film productions has provided an economic boost to the local economy, some Georgia lawmakers are questioning the sustainability of the state’s uncapped tax incentive program. The program, which has given billions of dollars to Hollywood studios, has raised concerns about its impact on the state’s budget.
Despite the economic benefits brought by film productions, critics argue that the cost to the state outweighs the benefits. Georgia has paid out over $5.2 billion in tax incentives for filming between 2015 and 2022, with projections estimating an additional $2.5 billion in costs for the program in the coming years.
However, supporters of the film tax incentives point to the positive impact on the state economy. A recent report commissioned by the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition found that every dollar spent on film tax incentives generated $6.30 in value to the state economy and supported over 59,000 jobs in 2022.
In Thomasville, the arrival of film productions has brought both benefits and challenges to local businesses. While some business owners have seen a significant increase in revenue during filming, others have experienced disruptions and losses.
As lawmakers continue to debate the future of Georgia’s film tax incentives, the city of Thomasville remains divided on the issue. While some business owners welcome the economic opportunities brought by film productions, others are concerned about the impact on their livelihoods.
With the debate ongoing, the future of Georgia’s film industry and its impact on communities like Thomasville remains uncertain. As the state grapples with balancing economic growth and fiscal responsibility, the fate of the film tax incentives program hangs in the balance.
