georgia film industry Archives

Atlanta Media Campus Casts Los Angeles Based MBS3 Production Studio

August 22, 2014 by Thom Abbott

The curtain is up and we now know who will be running the next big Atlanta movie production studio….Atlanta Media Campus. Developer Jim Jacoby (you know him from Atlantic Station fame) has a deal with the Los Angeles based MBS3 to lease, manage and operate the Atlanta Media Campus, located at Jimmy Carter Blvd and I-85, just outside the Perimeter and close to Midtown Atlanta.

Atlanta Media Campus Casts Los Angeles Based MBS3 Production Studio

MBS3’s television and feature film studio is home to James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment and the next three sequels to Avatar, a science-fiction blockbuster from 2009. MBS3 will provide new lighting and equipment and relocate a large portions of its inventory to Atlanta. That kind of technology is sure to bring even more major film productions to the OFS plant location, which Jacoby is transforming into Atlanta Media Campus and Studios.

Atlanta Media Campus plans includes six sound stages, future office buildings, a hotel, condominium residences and production support in an area that is ready for new life in Norcross.

A challenge the Metro Atlanta area faces is qualified people (better known in the industry as “crew” to handle all these studios and the productions they are bringing to Georgia. Atlanta Media Campus and Studios will address that with an on-site school where students can learn, and then get “hands-on” training on the set. All of this is a challenge as most production companies want a crew that already has the experience. I think we will see some of that change as they look to staff up for their production.

The story from 11Alive below highlights this exciting development and news!

MyMidtownMojo.com will soon launch a new portion of our site, entitled “Living Near Atlanta Media Campus” where we will offer information about housing for individuals that may be looking to relocate to the Atlanta area and….live near the campus. We currently have a Facebook Page with the same name. One huge benefit to the location of this studio versus the already opened Pinewood Studios in Fayetteville, is that this location is only about 10 miles from Midtown Atlanta. People relocating to Atlanta for Atlanta Media Campus will be able to enjoy the urban lifestyle of Midtown Atlanta, and be close to the studio.

Could The Atlanta Civic Center Become a Film and Television Center?

August 10, 2014 by Thom Abbott

It’s been languishing there for sometime…with quite the name to follow….Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. But times have changed since 1967. I remember going to see the Lion King here and would miss much of the show because if you did not have a dead center seat, the show was off to the side.

Now, imagine….Film and television studios surrounded by a performing arts center, a hotel, along with residential, office and retail could transform the downtown Civic Center property into a regional tourist destination. The site is actually in what is often called no-mans land, since the Downtown CID and the Midtown CID don’t cover the area.

But the location certainly IS close enough to draw off either visitors/residents of Midtown Atlanta as well as visitors in the Downtown Atlanta area attending conventions and visiting other tourist attractions like the Football Hall of Fame, World of Coke and the Aquarium.

The city is in the initial process of getting a real estate broker in place and issuing a RFP (request for proposal) as to what the site could be turned into.

In the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Carter is the one proposing such an exciting change to the site.

Bob Peterson, Carter’s chairman and CEO, said the firm is putting together a team that specializes in entertainment-oriented developments and movie-television production facilities. “The idea of studios with pre-production and post-production facilities, live TV and live audiences is not unique, but seeing that conceptually in Atlanta is new,” Peterson said.

Carter officials have had “a number of conversations” with a potential studio operator that he described as capable, reputable and financially sound.

The potential redevelopment of such a site (some 19 acres in fact) just shows there is still room for some exciting projects to come to live in Midtown Atlanta and the surrounding area. Keep in mind, the Civic Center MARTA station will also help this be a transit-oriented development…something we certainly need in Atlanta.

I’ll be keeping an eye on this project for sure!

Tyler Perry believed to be buyer of massive Douglas County…

February 27, 2014 by Thom Abbott

See on Scoop.it – Georgia Film & TV

A massive Douglas County property once slated for more than 1,300 residences has been sold to a company with apparent ties to entertainment mogul Tyler Perry.

Thom Abbott‘s insight:

Perry also owns 30+ acres adjacent to his current Atlanta Studio that can be further developed. Atlanta is ON FIRE when it comes to the film and television industry! Now, we just need more permanent shows to be filmed here.

See on www.ajc.com

Living Near Pinewood Studios Atlanta | Fayette County Foreclosure Homes For Sale

November 30, 2013 by Thom Abbott

If you are relocating to the Atlanta area to work at the new Pinewood Studios Atlanta, you are going to find numerous choices in location and price when it comes to real estate. You may choose to live closer to the studio to minimize your commute time, or you may decide to opt for the urban feel of Midtown Atlanta. Our goal is to show you the variety of homes, townhomes and condominium living options that will be available to you. Today, let’s look at some homes for sale that are foreclosures.

Living Near Pinewood Studios Atlanta | Fayette County Foreclosure Homes For Sale

First off, we are only showing three homes here…there are many, many more options available. We happened to select foreclosed homes since they were the easiest to get access to. (Note: most of the listings we looked at via FMLS (First Multiple Listing Service) required appointments and were occupied homes.)

In this post, we are featuring 3 homes that ranged in price from $350,000-$425,000.

As a disclaimer, these homes are listed by other real estate brokers. The photos shown here were taken by us, not copied from the MLS.

222 Palette Lane, Peachtree City, GA 30269 $354,900 FMLS 5222024 Property Taxes: $3430

Conveniently located just west the intersection of Highway 74 and 54 (“Downtown Peachtree City”) on Highway 54. Planterra Ridge Subdivision features a community pool, tennis courts and playground. This particular home really caught me off guard, based on the price. There were no upgrades of any sort (granite, stainless steel, etc) and the existing hardwoods may need a refinish. Other homes in the neighborhood are listed at this price range, or higher, but have the aforementioned upgrades. I think we’d need some negotiation on the price. Listing provided by Providence REOS Realty FMLS#5222024.

311 Harp Road, Fayetteville, GA 30215 $374,900 FMLS#5202589 Property Taxes: $4797

This home has the word “potential” all over it! WOW! Talk about some house for the money! Located South of Downtown Fayetteville, this home sits on SIX, yes, SIX acres! The listing says “renovated and move-in ready” but I’d say she needs some work.

At the front entrance, a probably once awesome fountain will need some attention. I say a great fish pond! And as the picture from Harp Road shows, there is almost no landscaping around the home to really set it off….and the driveway is cracked in numerous places.

I missed a picture of the main floor kitchen which was probably ok, but had a tiny, tiny kitchen island. A tour of the home found some mold in the main floor bedroom bath (on the ceiling) so, I’d not call it move in ready.

The bedrooms were all HUGE, so perfect for a family or have several room-mates, each with their own suite! With a total of 7 bedrooms….The lower level even has a separate full kitchen so you might have leasing possibilities here. (You’d have to check local zoning, but being on 6 acres, I’m sure you could rent out the lower floor.) But it would make a great recreation room, opening out to the in-ground pool. As the photo clearly shows, the pool will need some work as well, a new liner for sure, and one can only guess as to the condition of the pool pump and equipment. But very private, and not at all visible from the main road! Re-do the pool decking area, new landscaping…and it will be just like Hollywood…without the neighbors and LOTS of privacy!

The Master Suite upstairs has two different kinds of marble between the shower and the jetted-tub, and rather dated mirrors/cabinets. But again, huge bedrooms!

This would be a perfect home for a 203k renovation loan, although they can be challenging to work out. Some negotiation on the price on this home, and a check of comparables in the area, and you could have one amazing showplace when you were done. Rough guess…probably needs $250,000, maybe more if you figure in the missing landscape and fencing it needs.

Listing Provided by Gloria A Watson Realty.

195 Rebecca Court, Fayetteville, GA 30215 $424,900 FMLS#5199784 Property Taxes: $4246

This 4-sided brick home is located at the back of the Rebecca Lakes subdivision, and while you have neighbors on both sides, it’s semi-private. Overlooking the lake is what makes this home unique. The large deck will probably soon need some work, but offers a great place for unwinding after a long day at the studio, or, when you have that rare day off to relax!

When we viewed this home, there were installing all new carpet in all the rooms. Not a high end type, but nice enough. The home has 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and a unique two-story living room with stacked stone fireplace. The kitchen could use a remodel to more modern cabinets, granite and stainless steel and it would be stunning!

The daylight basement has a rec room, additional storage and the bar…but would best be cleared out and really done right.

Listing provided by Gloria A Watson Realty.

As you can see…there is a lot of house for the money if you decide that Living Near Pinewood Studios Atlanta is the choice for you! Learn more about Living Near Pinewood Studios HERE and also “Like” our Facebook page, Living Near Pinewood Studios Atlanta.

Georgia Production Partnership Monthly Meeting — August 6th 11:30am

July 29, 2013 by Thom Abbott

If you have been wondering about all the movie activity happening in and around Atlanta and Georgia, a great place to learn about it is at the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) monthly luncheon.

You might also want to consider JOINING GPP! Not only does your membership help support the work of GPP towards the state’s tax incentive, you will be kept up-to-date on upcoming movie productions, special events and more!

If you are interested in Membership with GPP, feel free to contact me, as I’m a member, AND on the Membership Committee.

Here is more information about the August Meeting!

GPP is delighted to welcome Bob Fisher – Stunt Coordinator, Rigger and Stuntman – as our August guest speaker.

Bob will take us behind-the-scenes of many filmed-in-Georgia projects that showcase the unique talents and skills of our stunt people, riggers and stunt coordinators.

From car hits, bailouts, high falls and bar fights to explosions, ski stunts, burns and rappelling – Bob definitely doesn’t spend a “typical day at the office.

Born and raised in western Massachusetts, Bob grew up skiing, canoeing, boating, and climbing.

After high school, he moved to Vail, Colorado and became a “semi-pro” skier, competing in multiple ski competitions and x-games type races.

Meanwhile he spent summers climbing, learning high angle rigging and playing in whitewater, where he learned swift water rescue techniques. As he mastered mountain biking, he learned how to crash… A lot. And he added running heavy equipment, and rigging for rock shows and corporate events to his growing bank of skills.

When it came time to choose his dream, Bob set his sights on becoming a stuntman.

With the help and kindness of working stunt people, he landed several “live show” jobs. And between stunt jobs, he was a full time rigger and learned the craft from some of the best tour riggers and show riggers in the business.

Bob’s rigging skills enhance his stunt work and he’s now been a professional stuntman for 18 years. He loves his work more each day and is grateful that he’s “been lucky enough to do what I have dreamed of doing since I was 8 years old.”

Committed to excellence in every aspect of his work, Bob plans to be stunt performing and coordinating shows for as long as he can – and Georgia-lensed films and TV shows will continue to be a lot more exciting – to make and to watch — thanks to the remarkable work of Bob and his fellow stunt people.

Manuel’s Tavern

602 N Highland Avenue NE

Atlanta, Georgia 30307

[p] 404.525.3447

https://www.manuelstavern.com

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=602+N+Highland+Avenue+NE+Atlanta+GA+30307&spn=0.029338,0.053245&hl=en

Member meetings are normally held at noon on the first Tuesday of every month. Please plan to arrive by 11:30am to place personal food orders.

Non-members will be asked for $20 at the door.

NOTE: Due to space constraints, non-members will be allowed entry (space permitting) once members have been seated. We appreciate your cooperation, understanding and support.

Midtown Atlanta | You Never Know Who You’ll See!

July 3, 2013 by Thom Abbott

I’ve never been a “star watcher.”

I don’t mean the kind in the sky. I mean the kind you see on your favorite TV show or movie.

I could probably walk right past many of them and never even know it, or I’d have that “I swear that was a movie star, but I can’t remember their name” reaction. I’m pretty sure I did that in the Salt Lake City Airport once.

But if you ARE a star watcher, then Midtown Atlanta is probably a good place to hang out!

Movies and TV are a big business in the Metro Atlanta area…and are only going to get bigger with the addition of studios like Pinewood Studios Atlanta. And when the stars are in Atlanta, many of them stay in Midtown Atlanta. The Renaissance Midtown Atlanta Hotel is a very, very popular place for actors to stay who are here a short time filming. (I know many of the Fast and Furious 5 were here…)

My business associate, Ray Benitez, also an actor here in Atlanta was working on the set of Let’s Be Cops, and had the pleasure of working with and talking to Andy Garcia. Andy was in just for the day to film and wanted to sample something close to where filming was taking place. (I’ll keep that location a secret!) Ray suggested Papi’s Cuban Grill in Midtown, at Myrtle and Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Andy enjoyed their great Cuban food, and took a moment to pose with some of their staff. (Photo compliments of Papi’s Cuban Grill)

Keep your eyes open when you are wining and dining in Midtown Atlanta. You just never know who may be at the table next to you.

Atlanta Media Campus Casts Los Angeles Based MBS3 Production Studio

Living Near Pinewood Studios Atlanta | Fayette County Foreclosure Homes For Sale

222 Palette Lane, Peachtree City, GA 30269 $354,900 FMLS 5222024 Property Taxes: $3430

HomeSmart