Film-stacked future for Columbus; more projects coming soon to a screen near you
COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - It's a wrap on production for a movie recently filmed in the Fountain City.
Ty Manns, writer and executive producer of "My Brother's Keeper," said he and his crew spent 30 days in the area, using 13 different locations that ranged from Rose Hill Church to Piedmont Columbus Regional, and over to Broadway and Uptown.
Manns said he plans to come back to Columbus for another future project.
"The plan is to shoot two more movies here in Columbus, one more this year, later in the year, and another next year," he said.
Other than Manns and his team, what lies ahead for the future of film and TV in Columbus? Peter Bowden, CEO of the city's convention and visitors bureau and a member of the local film commission, said his team has a strategy in place; one that's now boosted by recent developments such as the new WC Bradley soundstage and Columbus State University's expanding film curriculum.
"[These are] a game changer for Columbus," Bowden said. "Working with our office, it is designed to bring 10 films over the next three years through the Georgia Film Academy."
Manns also said he will personally recommend Columbus to his peers. He hopes public and private partners will take advantage of these new resources and be proactive in selling the Fountain City as a top film destination.
Bowden said several groups in Columbus, including the visitor's bureau, film commission, CSU and the Georgia Film Academy will establish and monitor a film fund worth millions of dollars. The fund will allow producers and filmmakers to apply for grants that will cover any extra costs and help establish new productions in the city.
"We can't build these wonderful facilities, train all these people, then sit back and think producers are just going to show up," Manns said. "It's just not how it works. They should put together a team that's going to go out and sell Columbus to these producers; show them what we can do here."
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