Outside the 'South': Want to work on the set of 'Walking Dead'? Columbus State now o
Columbus, GA
In this image released by AMC, zombies appear in a scene from the second season of the AMC original series, "The Walking Dead," in Senoia, Ga. The seriesi fourth season premieres on Oct. 13. Crews have been filming the new episodes in Georgia, but they keep locations of future episodes closely-guarded secrets until the shows air. In Grantville, Ga., the townis ruins were featured prominently last season. In nearby Senoia, many scenes are filmed in the historic downtown area, transforming into the fictional town of Woodbury for the show. (AP Photo/AMC, Gene Page) (Gene Page)
By Erin Edgemon | eedgemon@al.com
Film production is now a $6 billion industry in the state of Georgia. More than 250 films and television shows were shot in Y'allywood in 2015.
To capitalize on this booming industry, Columbus State University, in partnership with the Georgia Film Academy and Springer Opera House, will offer training in on-set film production beginning in January, according to the university's website.
More than 100,000 people currently work in film production in Georgia, but it's not enough to meet the growing demand.
Georgia doesn't currently have the trained to fill the jobs, which on average pay $84,000 to $150,000.
"Georgia just doesn't have the volume of scenic carpenters, scene painters, set decorators, lighting electricians, grips, prop masters, audio engineers or wardrobe professionals to crew all these films," Springer artistic director Paul Pierce told the Ledger-Enquirer.
"Jets are landing in Hartsfield-Jackson every day with film workers from other states who are going directly to work sites. Gov. Deal is determined to put a stop to that, and we are determined to help him."
Columbus State University's Department of Communication is offering an 18 credit hour certificate program in on-set film production that can be completed in two semesters. Those who graduate will be placed in the Georgia Film Academy workforce database.
The courses can also be taken by students pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Link to photos and more: