“The Ritz Group is working hard to support Georgia’s entertainment industry as an advocate, and adding in critical aspects in raising capital. We want to engage the community and provide a venue to bring all entertainment professionals together.” Larry White

Living the Dream was commissioned by Sky 1’s channel director, Adam MacDonald and Jon Mountague, Sky’s head of comedy. It is created by Mick Ford and produced by James Dean.

Many wrote off Texas as a worthwhile moviemaking location after budget cuts hit the state’s film tax incentives in 2015: The overall budget was cut from $95 million to $32 million that year, discouraging a then-robust community. In April this year, Texas House voted to pass a bill that slashes the budget entirely.

The WGA membership overwhelmingly voted in favor of ratification. Of the 3,647 valid votes cast there were 3,617 “yes” votes (99.2% percent) and 30 “no” votes (.8% percent).

Governor Deal and his wife along with Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and State Representative Tom Taylor were present to thank the Studios personally.

Georgia took first place with 17 projects (all live-action). The United Kingdom immediately followed, with 16 projects (all live-action).

“Ridley Scott’s idea to wrap the machines in gold delivered a stunning result and is certainly an eye-catching addition to a film which will be seen by millions of people around the world.”

Says AJFF Executive Director Kenny Blank, “After the sold-out success of The Wedding Plan, our debut AJFF Selects screening, we’re privileged to continue bringing more of the world-class cinema that audiences have come to expect from us.”

Over $4 million on local rentals and purchases for set decoration, production, and other supplies and more than $1 million on catering, bakery goods and other food items.