EUE/Screen Gems Opens Studios in Atlanta
EUE/Screen Gems rolls into Atlanta to entice film, television and digital production companies to
incentive-friendly Georgia.
Atlanta, GA (Vocus) June 8, 2010 -- EUE/Screen Gems has opened a studio complex in the former Lakewood
Fairgrounds site near midtown Atlanta. The new studio targets film, television and digital production
communities and commercial agencies in the United States and other countries as potential clients. According to
the lease agreement with the City of Atlanta, EUE/Screen Gems can book films and television series in an
existing soundstage now. One nationally recognized entertainment brand is currently shooting a film at the
facility.
EUE/Screen Gems is undertaking a multi-million dollar phased renovation for the property and is updating five
other buildings. They will start construction on a new 37,500-foot sound stage that will be ready in March 2011.
Plans include the development of office space, a mill shop and lighting and grip facilities. The Lakewood site has
a film history. It was home to “Smokey and the Bandit” the 1977 film that inspired other trucking films and its
own sequels.
This investment represents another bold move for the bullish studio provider who currently houses the “Rachael
Ray” show in New York City and offers a 50-acre studio complex in Wilmington, N.C.
“Producers, directors and studios came to us and asked us to go into Atlanta. We were humbled by that vote of
confidence, and we feel strongly about how this investment further extends our offerings,” says Chris Cooney,
chief operating officer and co-owner of EUE/Screen Gems. “Through our properties in New York City,
Wilmington and now Atlanta, we provide coastal, rural and urban settings to our clients as well as size and
infrastructure needed to handle intensive special effects for film, commercial and gaming needs. This urban
location expands our portfolio in a powerful way.”
Cooney says the company was also drawn to the attractive 30 percent tax cred