Cumming, Forsyth Co. reaching out to Hollywood

CUMMING - The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forsyth County have announced a new initiative to build on its recent success as an attractive place to film.

In a span of less than 18 months, major film producers have used Forsyth County locations to film motion pictures. The County Commissioners, The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and FLIPSFilm sm, an Alpharetta based company, will soon be launching an innovative "One Stop Shop" to make filming here even easier.

FLIPSFilm sm will offer around the clock access to a specialized web application that coordinates Forsyth County and Cumming permitting requirements, community events and local vendors.

Over $770 million in filming was produced in Georgia during 2010, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. During the recent filming of "American Reunion", 400 room nights were booked at two Cumming area hotels.

Dave Horton, Director of the Cumming Fairgrounds, agreed there are many benefits when crews shoot locally.

"They really participate in the community when they are here, buying supplies, food, fuel, eating at restaurants and bars to watch games at night", Horton states.

Brian Tam, Chairman of the County Commission, said officials considered the economic impact of the new initiative.

"This is a service that aims to enhance economic development by making it easier for production companies to film in Forsyth County," Tam said. "Forsyth County has so much natural beauty and a number of beautiful locations that would serve as great backdrops for production companies. This type of activity would be a benefit to our economy."

Dale Sizemore, CEO of FLIPSFilm, said "this service can create jobs, promote the community for years to come and have long term economic impacts. We are proud to be working with such innovative leaders to help promote Forsyth County to the film and TV industry."

Anna Brostom, Director of Tourism at The Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, said "Helping bring movies crews to Forsyth is part of my job. It can only be beneficial for our community and this initiative will make things much easier."