Georgia Today Podcast — September 3, 2025

Main Theme Overview

In this episode of Georgia Today hosted by Orlando Montoya, the focus is on three significant topics impacting the state: the potential dangers of the upcoming hurricane season, updates on a delayed electric vehicle (EV) plant project in Middle Georgia, and the noticeable decline in film and television production in the state. Through in-depth reporting and interviews, the episode unpacks the context behind these trends and provides forward-looking insights from key stakeholders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Declining Film Production in Georgia

State of the Industry

• Sharp downtrend: Georgia saw “245 film and television productions...spent a combined $2.3 billion in the fiscal year that ended in June. That's down by half from the same period in 2022.” [00:48]
• Not unique to the state: This is part of a global and national trend, with production down sharply since 2023.
• Main factors: Lee Thomas, Director of the Georgia Film Office, attributes the decline to a combination of the pandemic, pent-up demand following lockdowns, the rush by streaming services to produce content, and the subsequent crash prompted by industry labor strikes. [01:22–02:13]

Boom vs. Bust: Anomaly or New Normal?

• Lee Thomas reflects: The 2022 boom (with 93 projects at once) was likely an outlier. She says, “I feel like this is an anomaly. I feel like we're going to get some of our momentum back, that we've had a series of things that have been problematic.” [02:37]
• International competition & labor: Thomas notes that studios looked abroad to avoid labor disruptions and for cheaper crews, but emphasizes Georgia’s cost-effective value proposition.

Strategies to Regain Momentum

• Industry outreach: Recent trips to Los Angeles with state economic leaders to promote new incentives and improved processes in Georgia.
  • Streamlining of the film tax credit audit process.
  • Introduction of House Bill 475 (effective January), allowing more nimble responses to industry changes without legislative delays.
  • Reintroduction of the post-production tax credit. [03:32–04:52]

Notable Productions & Stability

• New and continuing local productions:
  • “Beyond the Gates” (CBS soap opera) filmed at Assembly Studios, Doraville.
  • The final season of “Stranger Things” and ongoing series like “Will Trent.”
  • Tyler Perry’s continuing prolific output.
  • Year-round episodic productions offer jobs and stability for local crews, as with “Vampire Diaries,” “Walking Dead,” and “Stranger Things.” [05:17–06:11]
• Industry professionals: Thomas encourages local pros, emphasizing Georgia's resilience: “Our crews, we have some of the best crews in the world…there’s the cheapest and then there's the best value. Ours is probably a better value.” [07:42]

Training & Workforce Development

• Georgia Film Academy: Just opened at Assembly Studios, a unique collaboration between the University System of Georgia and Technical College System, providing hands-on training directly relevant to industry needs. [06:25–07:34]

2. New Electric Vehicle Plant in Middle Georgia

Imola Automotive Project Update

• Project status: Imola Automotive (Florida-based) still plans to build an EV factory in Fort Valley, producing European-style mini-electric cars, despite more than a year's delay.
• Job creation: The project promises 8,000 new jobs.
• Current milestone: The company has secured plot approval; next step is drawing and stamp approval, after which groundbreaking could occur in 9–12 months. [08:48–09:24]
• Challenges: The company continues to seek investors and financing. [09:24–09:36]

3. Growth in Magnet Manufacturing

JS Link Plant in Columbus

• Details: Korean company JS Link will invest $223M to build a rare earth permanent magnet plant in Muskogee County, creating 520 jobs.
• Timeline: Operations expected by late 2027.
• Product importance: Magnets are vital for industries like automobiles, elevators, robotics, and electronics. [09:36–10:16]

4. Legal & Social Updates

Federal Judge Strikes Down FDA Rule on Cigarette Labels

• Background: U.S. district judge Lisa Wood ruled against the procedural implementation (not content) of FDA’s graphic warning label requirements due to legal challenges from the tobacco industry.
• Next steps: The FDA may appeal to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. [10:16–11:08]

Athens Park Renaming Petition

• Initiative: A nonprofit seeks to name a downtown Athens park after Alf Richardson and Madison Davis, the first Black legislators from the county, who served during Reconstruction and endured KKK violence.
• Community effort: Petition tied to a public education event and ongoing local advocacy. [11:08–11:57]

5. Hurricane Season Risks for Georgia

AccuWeather Forecasts Alarming Season

• Expert perspective: AccuWeather’s Alex Da Silva compares 2025 conditions to 2017 and 2023, both impactful hurricane years.
• Key factors: Unusually warm Gulf waters, akin to what fueled Hurricane Helene last year.
• Projections: AccuWeather maintains a forecast of 13–15 named storms, with peak risk later in September. [11:57–12:50]

6. Labor: Airport Workers Unionize

Hartsfield-Jackson Plane Train Operators Unionize

• Action: 90 employees (Alstom) at Atlanta’s airport voted to unionize with the Transportation Communications Union and IAM, seeking their first labor agreement.
• Importance: These operators move about 250,000 passengers daily. [12:50–13:25]

7. Sports Highlight

Braves Closer Ráicel Iglesias Honored

• Award: National League Reliever of the Month (August), his fourth career win, tying the franchise record. [13:25–13:35]

Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lee Thomas on the downturn:
  “I feel like we're going to get some of our momentum back, that we've had a series of things that have been problematic…We have a great value and we have a great package in Georgia.” [02:37]
• On the Georgia Film Academy’s impact:
  “The great thing about the Georgia Film Academy is that it is really hands-on…they do it in places where it’s going to be exactly like when you walk on set.” — Lee Thomas [06:35]
• Stability of year-round productions:
  “Year round is definitely more stable. And from what we've seen historically… it gives people, it gives a project time to build an audience. And with that comes Film Tour, which has been great with all three of those shows.” — Lee Thomas [05:53]
• Reassurance to industry professionals:
  “All industries… have their ups and downs and I feel like film is especially volatile… But Georgia has a lot going for it. We really do... Ours is probably a better value.” — Lee Thomas [07:42]

Noteworthy Timestamps

• 01:22–07:42: In-depth discussion with Lee Thomas on Georgia’s film industry challenges and outlook.
• 08:48–09:36: Updates on Imola Automotive’s delayed EV plant project.
• 09:36–10:16: Announcement of JS Link magnet plant investment.
• 11:57–12:50: Hurricane season risks and AccuWeather projections.

Podcast Tone:
The conversation is frank but optimistic, highlighting both Georgia’s current challenges and its strategies for recovery and growth. The tone is informative, measured, and reassuring—especially for those concerned about film industry jobs and economic opportunities.

This comprehensive summary covers the major content segments and stories featured in this Georgia Today episode, providing clear context, insight, and direct quotations useful for listeners and non-listeners alike.