Governor Kemp ignores the demand of local film companies to discuss …

Some of Georgia's leading entertainment companies have asked to meet the government. Brian Kemp after signing the anti-abortion "heartbeat" bill, the Republican did not respond to the May 22nd request.

Fifteen companies sent Kemp the letter requesting a meeting at EUE Screen Gems where three sequels of "Hunger Games" and "Stranger Things" from Netflix were shot. They wanted to discuss the consequences of his support for abortion restrictions, which led some Hollywood heavyweights to threaten to block the state if the law took effect.

The companies that co-signed the letter include Third Rail Studios in Doraville, Moonshine Post-Production in Atlanta and Lightnin Production Rentals in Lawrenceville.

Although Kemp visited the Pinewood-owned Georgia Film Academy last month and met with film executives, he did not talk to any key movie studio directors or any members. from the filming and television crew on the ground likely to be hit by quicksand.

Kemp never said yes or no to a meeting.

Today, Kemp spokeswoman Candice Broce provided this statement without responding directly to the meeting request: "Governor Kemp is – and will continue to be – a strong advocate for hard-working Georgians in the film and television sector."

Channel 2 Action News has placed a request for correspondence regarding the Abortion Act and the Freedom of Information Act Kris Bagwell, which manages EUE Screen Gems, has appeared.

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Written by Bagwell on behalf of several Atlanta-based companies, he said, "We believe that hearing your comments directly will have a dramatic impact and help to ensure that the conversation about the film and television industry Georgian once again a positive note, while reassuring everyone. Georgia voters that their state will not have to replace the 92,000 well-paying jobs that we and we, together, have created for more than a decade to create. "

The letter was written before Netflix, Disney, Viacom and others sent threatening notes to leave Georgia if the restrictive anti-abortion bill survived court challenges and enters into force early in 2020 .

In the letter, Bagwell wrote that the meeting would be private without media. But Kemp chose not to attend the meeting and he has not made any public statements about Hollywood since major studios began expressing their reservations a week ago.

Bagwell confirmed today that he had received no response from Kemp, but otherwise declined to comment. Earlier, he said the bill had damaged the state's reputation with US authorities in Hollywood and was losing customers.

None of the companies in question benefit from the valuable tax credits granted to qualified production companies such as Disney and Sony. Instead, the companies all invested millions of dollars in the state of Georgia, believing that the credits would attract long-term Hollywood films and television productions. This has been the case – until now.

If enough Hollywood companies leave Georgia because of laws like this, worry Bagwell and others, many of these small businesses would suffer financially and possibly close their doors.

Here is the full letter:

Dear Governor Kemp,

Over the years, I have enjoyed the good relationships you have with you and I have always appreciated your willingness to listen to the aspirations, feedback and concerns of our industry. When you took the time to visit EUE / Screen Gems several years ago, it was clear that you understand not only what it means to be a business owner, but that you also value opportunities and jobs for Georgians. who work hard in the state.

I write today with serious and immediate concern. Recent public comments have raised concerns about whether our state is committed to this multi-billion dollar industry. Now, and very suddenly, tens of thousands of Georgians employed in the film and television industry in our state are worried that their job offers will quickly leave this state. Now, when I speak with many of the more than 400 members of my group's Georgian team this week, I hear for themselves that they are quickly closing their portfolios as they feel a radical change in this successful story. of Georgia called film and television production. This is why I think they would benefit a lot from having your opinion directly on your future support for their jobs in their state.

For this purpose alone, and in response to your desire last week to visit film and television production centers in this state, I respectfully send an invitation on behalf of 15 local film and television studios and support companies to the production so that they start a series of conversations with these Georgians by first visiting the EUE / Screen Gems studios this week or next week. We believe that hearing your remarks directly will have a dramatic impact and help to turn the conversation on the Georgian film and television industry on a positive note, while reassuring all Georgian voters that their state will not have to replace the 92,000 well-paying jobs. that you and we, together, have spent more than a decade creating.

Out of respect for you and your office, and if you wish, we will not allow any media in our premises during your visits.

The companies that launched this invitation are:

EUE / Screen Gems Studios

Business Entertainment

Atlanta FilmWorks

SIM Atlanta Camera and Post Mailing Avenue

Stagework

Crafty Apes Visual Effects and Production Services

Triple Horse Studios

Moonshine Post-Production

Third Rail Studios

Lightnin Production Rental

PC and E

United Locations

HERC Entertainment Services

Workshop of innovation

Cofer Brothers

On behalf of all of us, I look forward to your prompt response and your visits with us.

Regards,

Kris Bagwell Executive Vice President and General Manager

Channel 2 Action News and Atlanta Journal-Constitution are both part of the Cox Media Group.

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