Senoia, a city that has grown from its small-town roots to an important hub for the film and television industry, is situated in Georgia. Through recent incentives offered by the state with the help of Scott Tigchelaar, President of Raleigh Studios Atlanta, Senoia has become an example of the transformation that can come from investing in one’s home community. With lots purchased downtown and local families entrusting him to make sure the town remains as quaint as it was when they bought their properties, Senoia is now thriving and reaping the rewards of success in the film industry.

Senoia, a city that locals proudly pronounce without the ‘a’ at the end, has grown to become an embodiment of the success and potential of Georgia’s booming film and television industry. With Riverwood Studios—now known as Raleigh Studios Atlanta—having been part of the local community since the 1980s, Senoia is no stranger to the film industry, but it is only in recent years that the city has been able to use the occasional movie production to transform itself from a sleepy town into a thriving metropolis.

This transformation was spearheaded by Scott Tigchelaar, President of Raleigh Studios Atlanta, who worked hand-in-hand with a local state senator to secure the 2008 incentives package for the film and television industry. Tigchelaar’s investment in downtown Senoia, which started when he and his uncle bought 22 vacant lots near Main Street, has paid dividends for the city as it continues to attract new businesses and residents.

Five families sold their properties to Tigchelaar, trusting that he would protect the town’s quaintness and keep it from becoming a strip center. His commitment to preserving the original vision of the town has paid off, and the city is now thriving due to the success of the film industry.

Georgia’s 2008 incentive package proved to production studios that the state was serious about cultivating the industry, resulting in a large and diverse crew base that includes prop shops, set builders, caterers, and more. It has enabled film and television to take root in Georgia, creating a sustainable source of income for the community.

In 2015, direct spending on film and television hit an astonishing $2 billion, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This investment translated to over 85,000 jobs and created a staggering $4.2 billion in wages. Senoia is home to several producers, actors, set workers, and other film industry professionals who are taking advantage of this extraordinary opportunity. It is truly heartening to observe the remarkable growth of the film workforce and the success of the incentive package which has created well-paying jobs for citizens of Georgia.

The Georgia Film Academy has seen an incredible surge of interest from Georgians eager to be a part of the film industry. As a result, admissions have become highly sought after and there is currently a waiting list for those looking to join the program. This comes as no surprise considering the recent success of the two-block Main Street district, where over 65 retail/restaurant spaces have been established – five times more than what was available at the turn of the century. Not only this but new lofts are being built and all of the new retail space is 100 percent pre-leased, even during the Great Recession. Furthermore, Senoia now offers services that had previously been absent – largely thanks to a steady influx of fans who take tours, shop in the city, and spread the word to others.

Mayor Larry Owens is proud of the city’s accomplishments, claiming that legitimate global tourism in Senoia would have been a pipe dream just 10 years ago.

“Thanks to the film industry coming to Georgia, Senoia has been transformed from a small town in danger of being taken over by developers into an international destination. Without the film industry, residents of the town shudder to think what could have become of their beloved town.”

Rutledge Wood, NBC Sports analyst, and Senoia resident since 2004, attributes the industry’s success to the people of the South. He believes it is their positive attitude and willingness to help others that make this area so special. “People here want to see others succeed, and there is a great pride in the area,” he said. The economic impact of the film industry has not only been beneficial to the citizens of Senoia, but its success has made it one of Georgia’s most unique tourist attractions, showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of the South.

Senoia’s success is proof of how film and television production can be a critical benefit to local towns, according to Scott Tigchelaar. Thanks to his investments in the town, his commitment to preserving its “quaintness,” and the 2008 incentives package for the film and television industry, Senoia has become a thriving metropolis with businesses and residents alike. This shows just how far the potential extends of the film and television industry when combined with hard-working leadership and resources, and reveals innovative solutions for finding success.