BT Media Productions

There is a new trend in Macon and the midstate that has me very excited. There are currently three films either being shot or in pre-production to shoot in town. All three movies are providing jobs to local people, whether it be as an extra, a lead actor, or in production. I believe (and hope) that this trend will continue. Tax incentives, a variety of shoot locations, and great local people like Elliott Dunwody of Bright Blue Sky Productions and Tabitha Walker have all led to this trend that will support our local economy.

The first and highest budget film, “The Crazies,” is being produced by Rob Cowan and stars Timothy Olyphant, who played the bad guy in the most recent “Die Hard” film. The film is budgeted at $23 million and could have a $5 million impact on the midstate, according to Cowan in a Macon Telegraph article. Most of the production has taken place in Perry, GA, but the film has also shot some scenes at the Fountain Car Wash in Macon.

“The Hardest Hitter” is a smaller budget independent film that is being filmed in Macon. It is about Ricky Hill, who aspired to play in the MLB. More synopsis information available here. As a smaller independent movie, it is bringing less of its own people to Macon, and relying more on locals for talent and production work. Most production will take place at Luther Williams Field. Two local friends and associates of mine have already been hired on this project, Tabitha Walker in the art department, and another in the accounting department. Production is currently slated to begin late May.

The latest movie setting up shop in town is called “Stuck!” and is being directed by Steve Balderson. According to the film’s website, it is a “homage to film noir women-in-prison films.” Balderson’s “Firecracker,” starring Karen Black, was recently shown at the local MAGA Film Festival. According to Con Browning, Balderson’s assistant, Karen Black will also be in this film. The film is being co-produced by Elliott & Beth Dunwody of Bright Blue Sky Productions. Production on this film is set for some time this summer.

About “Hardest Hitter,” Mayor Reichert said that he was very excited to have such an uplifting movie being filmed here and that they would be working to attract more filmmakers to the city in the future (Macon.com). I’m also very excited about the future of the film industry in Macon and I’m definitely looking to get some work from the ones currently in production.