Rockdale-Conyers takes another step towards solidifying its reputation as the "Hollywood of the East" with the opening of a premier film production studio.

East Mountain Studios will celebrate the opening of their Rockdale County facility with a ribbon cutting ceremony and soft opening on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 5 p.m. at  at 2030 East Park Dr, Conyers. This event is free and open to the public.

The studio will be home to some of the largest sound stages in the state. With over 130,000 square feet of space including four sound stages, conference rooms and office facilities, this area is an ideal space for production companies to use to develop their products from start to finish.

East Mountain Studios will also serve as an economic enhancement for Rockdale County.

Co-owner Thomas Blake, a Rockdale resident, said “This is a community-based company. We always put the community first by hiring local construction workers for our building projects as well as hiring from local vendors for any food needed for our events. We specialize in hiring from our local talent pool first.”

East Mountain Studios may be the new kid on the block, but they are no strangers to the film industry. Time Warner, Paramount, and Universal Pictures have previously used the building, the former Takahashi plant, before it was owned by East Mountain. The facility has hosted such productions as the fifth installment of the Fast and the Furious series "Fast Five," "Joyful Noise" and "American Reunion," the latest installment of the American Pie series.

With East Mountain Studios being the only studio specializing in back lots, and Rockdale-Conyers being designated as a "Camera-Ready" community, the owners expect the possibilities to be endless. In fact, the inspiration for East Mountain Studios has been Georgia's consistent recognition as one of the top three U.S. states for film and TV production, said Blake. He also pointed out the studio is conveniently positioned 25 miles from downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

The ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 20 will be followed by a mixer. Participants will be treated to an evening of fun and entertainment. There will be a 21-gun salute by the American Legion with a raising of the flag, light hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and performances including poetry and several selections. Special guests included Rockdale County Commission Chairman Richard Oden, representatives from Congressman Hank Johnson's office, and a host of film producers and directors. There will also be a selective tour of the facility. The attendance is expected to be around 500, so participants are encouraged to arrive early.

East Mountain Studios is currently working on completing four major New York Back lots including Upper Manhattan, Lower Eastside, Central Park, and Brownstones/Bodegas. The grand opening of the entire studio will be at the end of May. 

For more information on this event or the studio, visit emsrockdale.com or call 770 883-1757 or 678-668-1376.