With metro Atlanta now the third-busiest production location in the country behind L.A. and New York, White is among a growing number of Emory alumni working in the industry locally.

Beard is an award-winning independent filmmaker for the last 20 years. The Vancouver, Canada native had been a staple at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival since its inception in 1984, initially submitted three shorts to film event in the late 80s.

“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.”