Georgia has been in the spotlight recently after Governor Brian Kemp signed a controversial abortion bill into law last week. While there are MUCH more pressing issues than movies and television, the entertainment industry has been pretty vocal about this recent decision.
The upcoming J.J. Abrams and Jordan Peele HBO horror series “Lovecraft Country” will film in Georgia but, the producers say they will donate their profits to groups that are fighting the so-called “fetal heartbeat” law. Reps said the production on the series will be based in Atlanta but that it will film throughout Georgia.
So far, at least five productions companies have pledged to not shoot any projects in the state until the law is overturned. The MPAA, for its part, says it is watching the law closely and waiting on final court outcomes. “Film and television production in Georgia supports more than 92,000 jobs and brings significant economic benefits to communities and families,” says MPAA senior vp communications Chris Ortman. “It is important to remember that similar legislation has been attempted in other states, and has either been enjoined by the courts or is currently being challenged. The outcome in Georgia will also be determined through the legal process. We will continue to monitor developments.”
Read the joint statement below:
“In a few weeks we start shooting our new show, “Lovecraft Country” and will do so standing shoulder to shoulder with the women of Georgia. Governor Kemp’s ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Abortion Law is an unconstitutional effort to further restrict women and their health providers from making private medical decisions on their terms. Make no mistake, this is an attack aimed squarely and purposely at women. We stand with Stacey Abrams and the hardworking people of Georgia, and will donate 100% of our respective episodic fees for this season to two organizations leading the charge against this draconian law: the ACLU of Georgia and Fair Fight Georgia. We encourage those who are able to funnel any and all resources to these organizations.”
