Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) has announced the creation of a House Working Group which will work with state agencies and stakeholders to bolster investment and job creation in Georgia in the film, television, music and video game industry.
Combined, these industries employ 200,000 Georgians and generate more than $60 billion of economic activity in the state each year. The working group is authorized for the entirety of the 2019-2020 legislative term.
“I am proud to ask these members to serve our citizens by focusing on the creative arts and entertainment industries,” said Speaker Ralston. “We will redouble our efforts to support the growth of these industries throughout our state and ensure that our workforce is ready for the jobs they create. We are committed to Georgia remaining a leader in the creative economy.”
The members of the working group are:
Rep. Matt Dollar (R-Marietta) will serve as chair, and Josh Bonner (R-Fayetteville) will serve as vice chair. Fayetteville is home to Pinewood Studios, which is billed as the new, go-to choice in the US. Set across 700 acres and home to 18 sound stages ranging from 15,000 to 40,000 square feet, it has an extensive backlot spanning 400 acres.
“I want to thank Speaker Ralston for creating this working group and for allowing me to serve in this leadership capacity,” said Rep. Bonner. “As we move forward with our work, it is my desire to support our state as it develops one of the largest entertainment industries in the country.”
Other members of the committee are:
* Teri Anulewicz (D-Smyrna)
* Timothy Barr (R-Lawrenceville)
* Dave Belton (R-Buckhead)
* Park Cannon (D-Atlanta)
* Mike Cheokas (R-Americus)
* Winfred Dukes (D-Albany)
* Spencer Frye (D-Athens)
* Carl Gilliard (D-Garden City)
* Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta)
* Randy Nix (R-LaGrange)
* Bert Reeves (R-Marietta)
* Terry Rogers (R-Clarkesville)
* Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs)
* Lynn Smith (R-Newnan)
* Ron Stephens (R-Savannah)
* Al Williams (D-Midway)
The working group has not yet scheduled its first meeting.
