Hi all,
I'm a Los Angeles based indie DP, union gaffer & lighting technician (IATSE Local 728). I'm on the cusp of putting some of my lighting technician work behind me and going full time freelance as an indi cinematographer and commercial gaffer.
I've been in LA for nearly 10 years, and while I love what I do, I don't know that I see myself living in Los Angeles long term. Atlanta has become a strong contender as a place to relocate to and continue to work in the industry.
I'm curious if any folks on this forum can speak to the independent film scene in Atlanta. Obviously major studios film in ATL, but I'm talking about independent features with budgets of a couple hundred thousands to a couple million, not Marvel movies. Can you speak to the numbers of indi films that originate in Atlanta, as opposed to LA producers and directors that simply seek out Georgia as a location because of advantageous tax credits and take their DPs with them? I'm trying to see if an independent and commercial DP career could advance and continue with residency in Georgia.
Thank you in advance for any insight.
Mike