Film producers looking for smaller, more serene locations in Georgia

CONYER - It may not look like Hollywood, but more and more movie and television shows are being filmed in Conyers and Covington. <br> <br> According to statistics from the Georgia Film, Video and Music office, 326 feature film and television shows have been filmed in the state between 1973 and 2001. <br> <br> Although the majority have been filmed in Atlanta, producers say they are looking beyond the hustle and bustle of the city for smaller, more serene locations. <br> <br> ``Most production companies are out of New York or Los Angeles and their first impression is to make a movie in their hometown,&#39;&#39; said Greg Torre, director of the Georgia Film Video and Music office at the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (GDITT). ``But they don&#39;t have everything they need there. <br> <br> ``They have no small southern towns, farms or country roads. With Atlanta, in Conyers or Covington with downtown areas intact that look interesting, it&#39;s what L.A. doesn&#39;t really have.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The newly revitalized Olde Town in Conyers and the Square in Covington are the exact kind of environment movie makers look for when trying to capture a small-town feel, Torre told The Rockdale Citizen. <br> <br> The GDITT keeps a list of all the movies that have been filmed in the state. <br> <br> There have been more than 200 movies filmed in Atlanta since 1973. Savannah ranks second in popularity with almost 20 percent of the states 326 movies shot there. Covington, Madison and Conyers round out the top five locations. <br> <br> Tour groups often stop in Newton County to get information on the long-running television show ``In the Heat of the Night&#39;&#39; that was filmed there, said Misti Whitfield Martin, president of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce. <br> <br> ``People love to reminisce and drive by locations and take pictures,&#39;&#39; she said. ``It&#39;s a big part of tourism here and something that sets Covington and Newton County apart from other areas.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Besides bringing recognition to the area, projects filmed on location stimulate local economies. <br> <br> Production companies not only purchase supplies for scenes and stages, they also set up temporary businesses that require renting office equipment, furniture and other supplies, Torre said.