Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the film production centre of BlueStar Studios is set to open in the summer of 2023. There hasn’t been a lot of press in regard to this multi-million dollar construction site, but now that the campus is almost complete, filmmakers and cinematographers are getting excited at its potential to be the home to making some great movies and shows.
Blue Star Studios: The Basics
Just 10 minutes from Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown, the campus is hoping to be an excellent base for a lot of film-making. Acting as a hub for the cinematic arts, BlueStar founder and CEO Rich Goldberg hopes to provide filmmakers with all the tools they need to create high-quality, revolutionary films. Mark Parkman, COO, is set to manage the day-to-day running of the studios, having come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where he oversaw broadcasts for twelve Olympic Games.
Why Atlanta?
Atlanta, in the state of Georgia, makes a perfect location for this kind of studio because of its diverse culture, seasons, weather, residential areas, and terrain. Because the studios are going to create many jobs, it was important that the housing market would be steady and in good supply for those who may start moving there. Specifically, Georgia real estate will be a good investment for future BlueStar Studios employees because housing prices are below the US average and the state has a lower cost of living compared to many others. Having to relocate for work is not uncommon in the film industry, so it’s important for there to be flexibility in the housing market to enable staff at the studio to come and go.
The city of Atlanta also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, theatres, and galleries showcasing a diverse range of art and entertainment. The city has a strong economy, with a growing job market and a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and – of course – film and television production.
The History Of The Atlanta Film Industry
The history of filmmaking in Atlanta can be traced back to the early 1900s when the city served as a popular location for silent films. However, it was not until the 1970s when the state government established a tax incentive program to attract film productions that Atlanta began to emerge as a major player in the film industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, several high-profile films were shot in the city, including “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”.
The Atlanta Film Industry Today
Filmmaking in Atlanta has experienced a significant boom in recent years. With its diverse landscapes and tax incentives for film productions, the city has become a hot spot for filmmakers. The city’s infrastructure and talented crew base have attracted big-budget productions such as Marvel’s Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War. Additionally, the opening of Tyler Perry Studios, the largest film studio in the United States, has solidified Atlanta’s position as a major player in the film industry. Because of Georgia’s 30% tax credits, Atlanta’s business costs are much lower than filming places such as New York or LA. And with the new BlueStar Studios due to open this year, the success of Atlanta in the film industry is bound to only grow further.
The Importance Of Cinematic Arts
The cinematic arts play a crucial role in our society as they serve as a means of storytelling and communication through the visual medium of film. Through cinematic arts, we are able to explore the human experience, express our ideas, and connect with others in a way that transcends language, culture, and borders. Films have the ability to inspire, educate, entertain, and provoke thought and discussion on a variety of important topics.
They can also serve as a powerful tool for social change and activism. Films like “Philadelphia” (1993), which explores the discrimination faced by a man living with AIDS, and “The Kite Runner” (2007), which depicts the experiences of an Afghan immigrant in the United States, have helped to build empathy and understanding for those who face discrimination and persecution. Then you have also got documentaries like “An Inconvenient Truth” (2006), which highlights the dangers of climate change, and “The Hunting Ground” (2015), which exposes the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, have brought important issues to the forefront of public consciousness and sparked conversations and activism around them. So as you can see, there’s been some pretty moving films out there!
9 Facts About The New BlueStar Studios
1. It Covers 600,000 Square Feet
With more than 600,000 square feet of production and office space, film crews and professionals will be able to carry out their jobs more efficiently. Having a lot of space in film studios is important for several reasons:
- Flexibility: Large spaces provide more flexibility for film production. With ample space, film crews can build elaborate sets, move equipment around more easily, and have room to work without feeling cramped or crowded. This allows filmmakers to create the settings they need to tell their stories effectively.
- Lighting: Large spaces also allow for better lighting options. With more space, filmmakers can use natural light or artificial lighting to create the desired atmosphere for their scenes. They can also position lighting equipment more effectively to create the desired effect.
Sound: Sound is a critical element of film production, and having a lot of space can help to control and improve sound quality. With larger studios, filmmakers can isolate sound better and reduce the impact of ambient noise. This can make it easier to capture dialogue and sound effects without the need for extensive post-production work.
- Logistics: Large film studios also have space for important logistical elements of production, such as storage for equipment, costumes, props, and set pieces. This makes it easier to keep everything organized and accessible throughout the production process.
2. There Will Be 14 Stages
At the studios, there will be 14 purpose-built stages. They will range in size from 20,000 to 40,000 square feet, which will provide a controlled environment for filmmakers to create their desired shots and scenes. Purpose-built stages offer filmmakers the ability to control factors such as lighting, sound, and environmental factors, resulting in more consistent and high-quality footage. They will also offer a convenient space for filmmakers to work, eliminating the need to search for and secure locations that may be difficult to access or have limited availability. This can save time and money during the production process. Not to mention, there will not be any curious citizens walking past the film set who could ruin a scene or spoil the film for others!
3. There Will Be Two 100GB Fibre Lines
With two intersecting 100GB fibre lines, there will be the ability to provide a high-capacity connection for big data analytics, cloud services, and various other uses necessary to aid the filming process. Fiber optic cables are thin, flexible strands of glass or plastic that are used to transmit data over long distances at high speeds. When two or more fiber optic cables intersect, it is typically at a point where they are spliced together to create a network connection. The presence of two lines means that if one of them goes down, there will be a backup one. At the end of the day, it is a key component of the infrastructure that will enable the studios to function.
4. It’s A Former Military Base
Blue Star Studios is actually built on the former US Army Post Fort Gillem. Fort Gillem was a United States Army post located in Clayton County, Georgia that was established in 1941. Named after Lieutenant General Alvan C. Gillem Jr., a decorated officer who served in both World War I and World War II, Fort Gillem was primarily used as a logistics and supply centre for the United States Army. However, in 2011, Fort Gillem was officially closed as part of a larger effort by the U.S. Army to reduce its presence in the Atlanta area, and now will be home to the film studios. To preserve the history and legacy of the military base, six buildings are being repurposed and one will serve as a kind of HQ for the Blue Star Studios campus.
5. There Will Be Amenities
As well as being a functional and practical space, there will also be several creativity-inspiring amenities. Having amenities in a workplace is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. Amenities refer to the additional facilities and services provided to employees beyond their basic work requirements. By providing amenities, employers can demonstrate that they value and care about their employees’ well-being, which can boost morale and increase job satisfaction. Additionally, having amenities can help reduce stress, promote healthy habits, and foster a sense of community among colleagues. The BlueStar Studios campus has ensured there will be an on-site cafe and several nature trails for employees to enjoy.
6. It Cost About $180 Million
Despite making use of the previous buildings of the army base, it has been reported that the construction cost about $180 million, and there are still more developments to come. Continued building works may continue until 2024 as the studio will grow and adapt as filming at the studio begins. Ultimately, a well-developed film studio can not only produce high-quality films but also serve as a hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration among filmmakers and industry professionals. Therefore, continuous developments at the studio are likely to be inevitable.
7. There Is Potential For Shooting Outside
The campus has preserved a lot of its 1940s architecture so there is potential that filmmaking can use the buildings as sets for certain productions. That, combined with all the great landscapes that Atlanta has to offer, means the studio will have a lot to offer for a variety of different productions. The state boasts a diverse range of locations that can double for various parts of the world, from urban landscapes to scenic mountains, forests, and beaches.
8. It Will Provide Top-Of-The-Range Technology
Throughout his career, Rich Goldberg (the CEO and leader of the studios) has utilised technology to create innovative and ground-breaking entertainment. Technology has revolutionized the film industry in many ways, making it possible to create stunning visual effects, edit films with precision, and distribute them to a global audience. Cameras with high-resolution sensors and advanced lenses have made it easier to capture images with unparalleled clarity and depth. Editing software allows filmmakers to manipulate footage, add special effects, and adjust colors and sound to create the desired mood and atmosphere. Goldberg hopes to provide users of the studio with this kind of tech that can help them tell compelling stories.
9. It May Become A Place Of Learning
The studios may also become a place of learning and teaching for students. Presenting the opportunity for younger generations to explore the art of film and film-making will have many benefits for the future of cinema. By seeing the inner workings of a film studio, students can learn about the many different roles that go into making a movie, from screenwriting and directing to cinematography, editing, and sound design. They can also gain hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and technology, allowing them to develop their technical skills and understanding of the craft. Moreover, visiting a film studio can be a great source of inspiration for young filmmakers, as they witness firsthand the collaborative and innovative nature of the film industry.
To conclude, BlueStar Studios represents an exciting new chapter for filmmaking in Atlanta. With its high-tech and boasting a large range of studios with specially built stages, people from around the world can move to this thriving city to take part; the city itself offers a fantastically diverse community with great housing and job opportunities. The studios could become a great opportunity for students to learn what it’s like to be on film sets, as well as to enjoy the historic architecture of the 1940s military base. Covering more than 600,000 square feet, there’s no doubt this studio is going to make some great cinematic art in the future.
