Can you Shoot a Low Budget Film In Georgia Non Union?

Filmmaking in Georgia is a growing industry that has gained a lot of traction. And it continues to involve a mix of both union and non-union film crews. Can you shoot a low budget film in Georgia non union? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re trying to film a budget friendly docuseries or a full feature film. Low budget films in Georgia that are backed by a non-union crew represent a unique opportunity for filmmakers to save money.

Georgia allows both union and non-union film shoots to take place which means that if you’re wondering, “Can you shoot a low budget film in Georgia that’s non union?” the answer is YES.

Shooting a non-union film shoot will save you quite a bit overall in crew expenses when compared with union shoots. Just in day rates alone you’ll have the potential to save hundreds and more. 

Union Salaries Higher in Georgia

For crew members in Georgia that are union members such as SAG or other filmmakers unions, the rates for a day shoot or even a half day shoot are generally much higher than those for nonunion workers.

In fact, several unions in Georgia with respect to the film industry have set significantly higher day rates for crew members which makes any film shoot that includes union members more costly than non-union shoots.

Georgia Tax Incentives

If you’re working with an ultra low budget, various tax incentives provided by the state of Georgia can help to offset the total costs of your production.

Consider the different tax incentives available and paid for by the Georgia government as a secondary source of funding to assist you in filming a low budget film shoot.

Common incentives include:

• A 20 percent tax credit that is transferable.
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• The Georgia Entertainment Promotion of 10 percent.
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• Qualifications for resident and non-resident workers for FICA, SUI, FUI and other payroll tax programs.
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• Post-production incentives.

Budget Friendly Permitting in Georgia

Since you’re wondering, “Can you shoot a low budget film in Georgia, that’s nonunion?” the answer is yes! There are a lot of ways that a non-union crew, and other incentives of filming in Georgia can be low budget, affordable and fun.

Permitting in Georgia is relatively quick and simple too, ideal for budget friendly film shoots. For information on local permitting by county, visit the Georgia.org website. 

Can you technically shoot a low budget film in Georgia without using union film crew? Absolutely! Your decision to hire a union film crew would be much more costly overall compared to hiring a nonunion crew.

Going non union for your film shoot in Georgia can certainly save you a lot in production costs. Without making any major sacrifices otherwise! So, if you’re interested in filming low budget in Georgia, and you’re leaning towards a non union film crew, you’ve made a great choice.