Savannah Raises the Bar to Attract More Movie and TV Showmakers

Get this, Savannah in Georgia, known for its beauty and historic charm is going the extra mile to stay in the movies. It’s stirring up the game by offering more sweet deals for movie and TV show makers. This savvy move could make Savannah a go-to place for more big screen and small-screen ideas!

Bigger and Better Incentives for Filmmaking

Here are the juicy details. The Savannah Regional Film Commission is giving a bigger cash-back program. For movies, the incentives have been pumped up from $100,000 to $175,000! And for TV series, the number has escalated from $250,000 to a whopping $300,000! Woah, right?

That’s not all. These generous offers can be mixed with Georgia’s highly praised film tax credit. This includes a 20% income tax credit for making your show or movie in the state. You can also add an extra 10% credit if your end product features Georgia’s logo. Savannah is also happy to gift a bonus of $25,000 to projects that hire at least half of their crew within 60 miles of City Hall.

Why is Savannah Shelling Out More?

Okay, so what made Savannah hike up the money? Savannah, like other film hotspots, has been trying to speed up its comeback in film-making that took a hit after the Hollywood labor strikes in 2023. They’re banking on the incentive boost to make Savannah more attractive.

Several things have affected the sluggish industry recovery. Firstly, studios are sanctioning fewer projects to save some bucks with the rise in inflation and interest rates. Secondly, places like the UK and Eastern Europe are tempting production houses with bigger subsidies and more affordable workers. Lastly, recent contracts negotiated by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America have increased the cost of making movies and shows.

Savannah vs. Atlanta: Who’s More Attractive?

Atlanta, another happening film destination in Georgia, has a lot of soundstages and a big crew base. But, it doesn’t offer a regional rebate program like Savannah. Savannah’s stunning beauty and historic vibes continue luring creative minds. Some recent films and series shot in Savannah include Todd Haynes’ Oscar-nominated film “May December,” Clint Eastwood’s drama “Juror #2,” and the Amazon Prime series “Clean Slate.”

Cashing in on those Incentives

So how do you cash in on Savannah’s incentives? Firstly, half of your shooting needs to happen within a 60-mile radius of Savannah’s City Hall. Secondly, you must spend at least $1 million in Chatham County. And finally, your budget should be at least $5 million for TV series (minimum five episodes) and $4 million for feature films.

What’s the Ripple Effect Across the Industry?

Savannah’s upgrade aligns with a growing trend of better rebates across the U.S. In California, for example, the Governor has proposed to raise the state’s yearly film tax credit cap from $330 million to $750 million. And at the national level, talks are on about introducing similar incentives for local productions.

In a world where everyone’s competing to attract the best of the industry, Savannah’s beefed-up incentives send a loud and clear message. Savannah is open for business, and more than ready to welcome in the world of entertainment!Check the full story on https://projectcasting.com/blog/news/savannah-boosts-film-incentives-to-attract-productions-amid-industry-challenges

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