Georgia Governor signs legislation that ensures long-term viability and stability of Georgia’s film tax credit

Gov. Brian Kemp signing House Bill 475

With the signing of HB 475 into law, Gov. Brian Kemp reinforces Georgia’s commitment to the long-term success of Georgia’s film industry. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Matt Gambill (R-Cartersville) and Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan), modernizes the film tax credit language to reflect industry changes since the original bill was passed 20 years ago. 

“We thank the Governor and the state legislature for their support of this bill, which will help Georgia stay competitive by addressing evolving film, television, and streaming technologies, while strengthening the guardrails for the administration of the Film Tax Credit program,” said Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and Director of the Georgia Film Office. “The success and consistency of the tax credit, combined with world-class production facilities, diverse locations, hundreds of support service companies, well-trained crew, and high quality of life, keep Georgia a top filming destination.” 

The film industry is ever-evolving and these updates allow for flexibility in how GDEcD administers the program  — positioning Georgia’s film tax credit for today and tomorrow’s filmmakers. Key elements of the bill include enabling GDEcD to set application deadlines and fees to help provide flexibility for productions that have missed deadlines to obtain the 10% uplift; updating the 2005 definition of “multimarket commercial distribution” to reflect current distribution models, such as streaming services and FAST (free ad supported television) channels; and clarifying GDEcD’s rulemaking abilities to establish and update administrative processes, allowing the agency to respond more nimbly to industry changes.

The success of Georgia’s film industry would not have been possible without the 2005 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, known as the film tax incentive, which created a new homegrown, statewide industry. The tax incentive — one of Georgia's most successful economic development initiatives to date  — has become a powerful catalyst for growth resulting in hundreds of film and television productions, thousands of jobs for Georgians, and billions of dollars in economic activity throughout the state.

The passing of HB 475, along with recent efforts such as expanding the 10% uplift menu options, post production tax incentive legislation, and streamlining the film production audit process, are key changes that support the long-term viability and stability of Georgia’s film and television production industry. Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition’s (GSEC) advocacy efforts were integral in achieving these important victories that make it easier for film productions to continue to choose Georgia.

"On behalf of our members and Georgia’s film industry, we’re grateful to state and agency leadership for their collaborative efforts and clear commitment to the production industry's long-term success,” said Kelsey Moore, Executive Director of Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition. “This legislation modernizes Georgia’s film tax credit to reflect the realities of today and tomorrow's film, television, and streaming landscape. It’s a forward-looking step that reinforces Georgia’s position as a global production leader.”