The Georgia Chamber’s Creative and Digital Industries Initiative shared a number of recommendations for updates to the state’s existing entertainment tax credits with the Georgia House Study Committee on Georgia-Based Film and Post Production during its meeting Thursday at the Savannah College of Art and Design.   

The recommendations are the result of input received from over 100 members of the state’s growing film and entertainment sectors, representatives of chambers of commerce, and experts from Georgia’s academic institutions.

“Each of us who participated in this initiative has witnessed the growing economic impact of the creative and digital sectors.  We are committed to the development of a path forward that sustain these exciting industries and expand upon the growing ecosystem of companies and professionals now located in Georgia,” said initiative member and subcommittee chair Skin Edge of GeorgiaLink.

“The group of professionals that came together as part of this initiative has a true pulse on what is happening in the creative and digital economy not only in Georgia, but throughout the nation,” added Eric Tanenblatt, chair of the Georgia Chamber’s Innovation & Technology Committee and senior managing director of McKenna, Long & Aldridge.  “With their input, we were able to design recommendations that will enhance our long term competitiveness.” 

The recommendations would provide additional support to both the interactive production, or gaming, and post-production industries and include:

• The elimination or extension of the current sunset date for interactive productions to participate in the Entertainment Tax Credit, which is currently 2015
• The removal or expansion of the $12.5 million annual program cap for interactive companies
• The expansion of the $1.5 million per company cap for interactive companies
• Allowing the state to waive the $100 million revenue limit for interactive production companies that meet certain requirements
• Establishing a new tax credit for post-production services provided by qualified Georgia vendors on content shot outside of Georgia
• The development of a “qualified Georgia vendor list” for post-production services

“Georgia’s elected leaders showed great foresight through the entertainment tax credits created to date.  The results have been an incredible number of jobs and level of investment,” added president and CEO Chris Clark.  “We believe that these recommendations are logical next steps that will foster continued growth and allow Georgia to stay ahead of the game as states across the nation begin to mimic what we have done.”

The Chamber’s Creative and Digital Industries Initiative began its work in late 2013 and is chaired by Chris Klaus, founder and CEO of Kaneva, Candice Alger, CEO of Giant Studios, and Joel Katz, Atlanta managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig.   It will continue its efforts in the coming year and hopes to serve as a resource for the state’s elected leaders as they make decisions regarding those economic sectors.