Page 16 - Columbus NCG 2019

“Our goal is to promote Columbus as
a film-friendly destination,

with the expertise, knowledge, and skill sets to navigate
the local environment in a way that is efficient and
productive for anyone in the film, television, and
entertainment industry.”
~ Peter Bowden

with state-of-the-art sound furthering education and promotes
stages. The project also includes experimentation. From acting to production,
a partnership with Columbus through editing and screenwriting, seasoned
State University, which is a great and fresh filmmakers alike can cultivate their
example of the private-public craft, try out a new role or simply expand
cooperation that fuels innovation their understanding of the entire process.
in Columbus. These important Columbus institutions
Columbus State University’s are hoping to secure the region a spot as a
Department of Communication film-making mecca of Georgia – third only to
offers a Georgia Film Academy Atlanta and Savannah. Industry impact data
certification program. Thanks to W.C. released by the Motion Picture Association of
Bradley Co. Real Estate, the program is America indicates roughly $250,000 per day
can be injected into local economies when
now based out of Flat Rock Studio. The
a film shoots on location. In some cases,
collaboration is primed to create a well-
popular films and television shows can also
trained film production workforce.
boost tourism.
With the University System of Georgia’s Along with financial benefits, there
approval of the new “nexus degree” – a are experiential benefits. With each
60-credit-hour degree that includes 18 movie or TV show that rolls into the
credits of film industry coursework – the Greater Columbus Region, the workforce
number of students who can reap the becomes stronger and the area becomes
benefits of Flat Rock Studio is predicted more appealing to future productions.
to increase quickly. Both the location and W.C. Bradley Co., Springer Opera House
These entities understand the benefits of the degree are pending approval by CSU’s and Columbus State University aren’t waiting
hosting television on film productions and regional accreditation agency, the Southern for Columbus to be discovered as
are working diligently to make the region Association of Colleges and Schools a prime location for film production. They
even more viable for the future. Commission on Colleges. are actively setting the stage for success
The W.C. Bradley Co., with its deep Along with the emergence of Flat through innovation.
history of investing in innovation, has Rock, an already legendary venue of the
CSU film students in action at
carved out space for Columbus in the film Chattahoochee Valley is readying the Flat Rock Studio
industry landscape through the funding region for bright lights. In February 2018,
and development of a new addition to the the Springer Opera House announced the
region’s repertoire – Flat Rock Studio. opening of the Springer Film Institute. This
Geographically, Columbus is a great film industry incubator offers an array of
location to shoot a film or television show, 4- to 6-week film-making workshops.
but the area was missing key resources. Flat The Springer Film Institute knows there
Rock Studio changes this deficit to a benefit are stories to be told, as well as money to
by offering a large movie production studio be made, and its approach encourages

12 Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce | www.columbusgachamber.com | 706.327.1566