Banks County is one of 73 counties recognized Monday at the capitol by Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office as a “Camera Ready Community.” Shown are: (L-R) Erin Decker, assistant county clerk; Chuck Ansley, president of the Banks County Chamber of Commerce; Craig Dominey, “Camera Ready” program manager; Sherry Ward, executive director of the Banks County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Jenni Gailey, county clerk; Bradley Day, county community developer and Milton Dalton, chairman of the Banks County Board of Commissioners.

Banks receives ‘Camera Ready Community’ designation

Posted by
Angela Gary
in Top Stories
Tuesday, March 22. 2011
Comments (8)
Banks County is one of 73 counties recognized Monday at the capitol by Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office as a “Camera Ready Community.” The state’s “Camera Ready Community” program was launched as part of an ongoing effort to bolster Georgia’s growing film and television industry.

Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A “Camera Ready Community” must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level.

Banks County’s liaison is Sherry Ward, executive director of the Banks County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Ward attended the ceremony Monday at the capitol along with Milton Dalton, chairman of the Banks County Board of Commissioners; Chuck Ansley, president of the Banks County Chamber of Commerce; Bradley Day, Banks County community developer; Jenni Gailey, county clerk; and Erin Decker, assistant county clerk.

“We have experienced a significant increase in jobs, investment, infrastructure and film induced tourism, making Georgia’s entertainment industries among the state’s fastest growing sectors,” said GDEcD commissioner Chris Cummiskey. “The statewide response has been tremendous from Georgia counties that want to become ‘Camera Ready’ in order to help bring jobs and investments to their local communities.”

The 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act helped the state’s entertainment industry achieve record numbers. The economic impact of production activity increased 440 percent between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, surging to $1.4 billion. Georgia is now among the top five states in the nation for film and TV production with more than 335 productions shot in Georgia in FY2010 bringing in more than $759.3 million in investment to Georgia.

The Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), a not-for-profit coalition of companies and individuals active in the state's film, video, music, and interactive game industries, founded the original “Camera Ready” program formerly known as “Fast Forward.” Established in 1998, this professional group has been instrumental in the grass roots organization of the production community and the development of key legislative incentives.

To learn more about Georgia’s Camera Ready Community Program, visit www.georgia.org/cameraready.
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#1 really!? on 03/23/11 at 09:45 AM [Reply]
It is worth the effort to bring in any possibility of revenue to the county. My concern is: Why would all these people from the county need to make this trip? Did the cost of the trip come from the county tax payers? Why would clerks need to attend? Wouldn't a liason and a BOC member be enough? Did they do this on COunty time and were paid for the trip as well?
Looks like alot of wasted tax money to me!!!!
#1.1 banks county tax payer on 03/23/11 at 05:57 PM [Reply]
I agree with "#1 really?". I hope BC tax payers did not fund the trip to Atlanta. This whole designation is dumb. Who cares! I also hope the state is not spending our tax money on finding "camera ready communities". I think film companies and their producers make enough money to find their own communities.
And to think the BC citizens are complaining about having to fund our students' education. I'd much rather my tax money go to the local school system then a trip to Atlanta for something as stupid as an award for being a "camera ready community".
#2 tired of paying taxes on 03/23/11 at 07:02 PM [Reply]
You know it was the tax payers money!!! When is it going stop? It seems like they can't budget our money correctly!! More people need to speak out!!
#3 OMG...Shut up Already!!!!! on 03/24/11 at 11:51 AM [Reply]
Do you people have to complain against everything in the county....Come on, grow up!!!
#3.1 TAXPAYER DAVE on 03/25/11 at 07:42 AM [Reply]
Dear OMG - YES WE DO have to complain about everything! We HAVE IDIOTS RUNNING THE COUNTY! WHO THE HE77 do you think pays the expenses for these freeloaders to travel to Atlanta? WHO! GET OFF YOUR FREELOADING BUTT TEACHING JOB, Try making it when your job goes offshore and your salary is cut 3/4, then watch these aholes spend like there is no tomorrow and then you can say 'shut up'.
#3.2 really!? on 03/25/11 at 09:06 AM [Reply]
You must be in the photo. Explains why you want to make a "grow up" comment.
Otherwise you would wonder why we need splost to pay for the county expenses - when county official are out playing. If you work for a living, does your company pay for you to take unneeded trips? and pay you for it?
If so, I need to work for your company.
#3.3 outside observer looking in on 03/27/11 at 05:31 PM [Reply]
nope,,,MANY LAUGH.
#4 Great News on 05/24/11 at 11:47 AM [Reply]
I think that this is great news! Way to go Banks County for creating more local jobs and increasing the local economy! When the films come here, they will be putting Banks County on the map!! Plus, it benefits local actors in the area as well. Thanks for supporting your communities!!!
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