James_Jan-Feb_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 38
Georgia already sits at the intersection of these worlds. Our film
infrastructure overlaps with sports
venues, music ecosystems, universities, gaming talent and fast-growing creative communities in cities
and rural towns alike. When local
leaders align these assets intentionally, the result is a production
win. And it is long-term economic
development.
We are seeing this play out
in communities that understand
the full value chain: supporting
creative workers who live locally,
attracting projects that return repeatedly and generating sustained
tourism impact that compounds
year after year.
The creative economy is the
older brother of the innovation
economy. It is a workforce strategy,
a tourism strategy and an economic
competitiveness strategy.
Film production may fluctuate
year to year, but creative ecosys-
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tems are durable. In places like
Columbus, Savannah, Fayetteville,
Athens, Macon and Atlanta, they
attract young talent, retain skilled
workers, activate underused real estate and create identity for communities competing on a national and
global stage.
Georgia’s leadership has long
understood this. The alliances
formed between the state, local
governments, educational institutions, labor and industry have made
Georgia a model others are trying to
replicate.
That means continuing to
modernize policy and recognizing
that incentives alone are not the
whole story. Education, health and
wellness, quality of life, community
engagement and cross-industry
collaboration all play a role.
competitor. Our advantage has
never been about flash. It has been
about credibility, partnership and
intelligence.
If we lean into the convergence
of film, sports, gaming, music and
live experiences, and if we position Georgia as a place where
ideas originate and grow, we will
continue to attract projects, talent
and investment even as the global
landscape shifts. Leaning in helps
us future-proof it.
This moment calls for confidence. The creative economy is
evolving into a full blown innovation
economy touching every industry
segment. And with thoughtful
leadership and continued collaboration, the next chapter of storytelling,
across every medium, can be written
right here in the Peach State.
THE PATH FORWARD
Randy Davidson is the founder and CEO of
Georgia Entertainment.
Georgia does not need to chase
every trend or outspend every
