From The Walking Dead to Georgia’s emergence as a major film and television production hub, what does the future hold for one of the country’s most influential entertainment markets?

In this episode of Beyond the Ledger’s The Growth Exchange, Bennett Thrasher Partner, Peter Stathopoulos sits down with veteran producer and executive producer Tom Luse, whose career spans more than four decades and includes productions such as The Walking Dead, Remember the Titans, Drumline, and One Tree Hill.

Together, they explore the evolution of Georgia’s film industry, the transformative impact of the state’s 2008 film tax incentives, and the challenges reshaping production today from rising costs and international competition to labor dynamics and shifting streaming models.

Looking ahead, Peter and Tom discuss opportunities for independent and lower-budget productions, local talent development, film financing, and distribution. They also examine how strategic investment, potential federal incentives, and stronger connections between creators, capital, and infrastructure could position Georgia for its next era of entertainment industry growth.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia’s Rise as a Film Production Hub: Explore how the 2008 film tax incentives helped transform Georgia into a major destination for film and television production, attracting studios, investment, and industry talent.
• Navigating Industry Challenges: Understand how international competition, rising production costs, labor dynamics, and post-pandemic shifts are influencing where and how content is produced.
• Opportunities Beyond Major Studio Productions: Discover why independent films, lower-budget content, and local talent development could create new growth opportunities for Georgia’s entertainment ecosystem.
• Connecting Capital, Talent & Infrastructure: Learn why sustainable industry growth requires more than production facilities, including access to financing, distribution channels, and strategic partnerships.
• The Future of Film Tax Incentives: Examine how potential federal incentives and evolving production strategies could influence Georgia’s competitiveness in the global entertainment market.
• Adapting to the Streaming Era: Explore how changing distribution models and audience demand are creating new challenges and opportunities for filmmakers, studios, and content creators.

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