Lights. Camera. Location! (Property Owners Beware)

The film industry in Georgia is booming. The state ranks number one globally in the production of top grossing feature films, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, California, Louisiana, and New York. The state, with its temperate climate and picturesque landscapes, bolstered by a highly successful tax incentive program, has proved irresistible to Hollywood production companies and filmmakers alike. From Savannah to Decatur, film crews can be seen shooting in public spaces, local businesses, and neighborhood homes on any given day.

Before any such private property may be portrayed on film, however, the filmmakers should secure various rights from the property owner or the owner's authorized agent. In industry-speak, the right to access, record, and depict privately owned property is secured through a location release agreement. As one might imagine, the length, scope, and complexity of these agreements often vary depending on the needs of the parties,