Movie and television productions are already scouting out locations for next season and Conyers-Rockdale is on their radar.
Glenn Sears, director of the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council reported to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday about various productions looking at facilities in the county.
The former Takahashi plant, which was the site of productions such as the recently wrapped "American Reunion" and last year's "Fast Five," has also been looked at by a Warner Brothers film, NBC movie, and MTV show.
Shows such as "The Walking Dead," "Teen Wolf," and "Vampire Diaries" that have previously shot in the area are reportedly also looking at creating sets in addition to on-location shooting.
The state's deputy commissioner for the Georgia's Film, Music & Digital Entertainment office, Bill Thompson, reportedly came by the Black Box Theater in Olde Town Conyers on Monday while looking at locations for an NBC pilot.
Sears praised the financial infusion film and television productions bring to the local economy. "It’s like conventions," he said. "They come to town. They’re great people. They do what they say they’re going to do. They spend a lot of money." The retail sales contribute to local sales taxes, he pointed out. "That return is immediate."
"That film industry is intense," he continued. "Once they get a location, then it becomes a sprint. Timing is everything."
Sears also described several manufacturers and companies looking at offices and warehouses locally.
The former John Deere location reportedly made the short list, along with one other Georgia location, for a midwestern truck specialty manufacturer that would bring 300 jobs to the area, and potentially 1000 jobs over 10 years.
Another potential company is a Japanese chemical manufacturer representing a $200 million investment and 100 employees, looking for a 300,000 square foot facility. The facility would use about 1 million gallons a day. Sears said the search is on hold.
A healthcare industry company's inquiry in Rockdale is also reportedly on hold. That company would bring a $30 million investment and 130 new jobs.
Sears emphasized the slow nature of economic development.
"This doesn’t happen quickly," he said. "It’s a business of staying at it and putting things in place."
