Peach County wants piece of film action

Georgia is becoming a hub for the entertainment industry, and one Middle Georgia county wants to take advantage of that.

The Peach County Tourism Committee and the Peach Regional Chamber of Commerce collaborated to design a photography contest to entice directors to film there.

“We were trying to think of a way to get our beloved Peach County involved,” said Jill Bowen, project manager for the Peach County Development Authority and member of the tourism committee.

Georgia’s 248 film and television productions generated more than $6 billion in economic impact from July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015, according to a news release by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

The contest, titled “Put Peach in the Pictures” is open to adults and children, with parents’ permission.

Photographs must be of locations in Peach County.

During the committee meeting Sept. 17, the board members talked about how getting these photographs would allow them to submit locations to Georgia’s website.

“We want to get people out and about and get different types of perspectives,” Bowen said.

For photos of property, the board emphasized getting the property owner’s permission before submitting the site. Several photos of both the outside and inside of the location would need to be submitted. Pictures of buildings should include inside and outside shots, close-ups and panoramic views.

“You don’t have to be a real good photographer or a professional to submit something,” Bowen said.

Winners of the contest will receive cash prizes for first, second and third places of $500, $250 and $100, respectively.

Other prizes will be given out for finalists, said Kathie Lambert, Main Street director of the Fort Valley Main Street Downtown Development Authority.

Locations close to Peach County such as Macon and Perry have been sites for film and television productions, and Peach County wants to take advantage of that.

“Macon’s been able to take advantage of it. We want people to see Peach County,” Bowen said.

The contest started Aug. 27 and runs through Dec. 11.

Judging will take place in January with the winner announced Jan. 28 at the Sip See Stroll event at the Austin Theater in Fort Valley.

“I think we’ll have lots of interest,” Lambert said.

Official rules and entry forms are available at the Troutman House, 201 Oakland Heights Parkway in Fort Valley, the Byron Welcome Center at 311 Ga. 49 North, Suite 230 in Byron or by visiting www.peachchamber.com.

For more information, call 478-825-3733.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Peach County wants piece of film action ."