Netflix has said that it would 'rethink' its investment in Georgia if the state's proposed abortion ban comes in.
Thanks to Georgia's 30 per cent tax break, which was introduced in 2008 to attract TV and film production companies, the streaming giant uses the state extensively for location filming. Netflix films TV shows Ozark and Stranger Things in Georgia. Films including The Avengers, Black Panther, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire were also filmed in the state. Last year, more than 92,000 jobs and over $9 billion was brought to the area through the tax incentive. Chief content officer of Netflix, Ted Sarandos made a statement to Variety about the company's plans to fight the ban. He said: "We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law."It's why we will work with the ACLU and others to fight it in court. Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we'll continue to film there, while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to."Should it ever come into effect, we'd rethink our entire investment in Georgia."Georgia is the next in a line of US states that have considered introducing new abortion restrictions after Alabama and Kentucky both passed the controversial laws. Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill earlier this month to effectively ban all abortions after six weeks - although most women don't even know they are pregnant in this time. One of the main points of the bill that has caused anger is that even if women fell pregnant through rape or incest - they still wouldn't be exempt from the law. Netflix has made a very powerful point with the statement, as such an economic loss is much more likely to sway the opinions of governors and lawmakers in the state. And even if Netflix made a U-turn on its decision, should the ban go through, Ozark actor Jason Bateman has already said that he 'will not work' in Georgia if it does. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said: "If the 'heartbeat bill' makes it through the court system, I will not work in Georgia, or any other state, that is so disgracefully at odds with women's rights."In the event of other actors and companies following in the footsteps of Bateman and Netflix, the ban could have a very serious impact on Georgia's economy.
Thanks to Georgia's 30 per cent tax break, which was introduced in 2008 to attract TV and film production companies, the streaming giant uses the state extensively for location filming. Netflix films TV shows Ozark and Stranger Things in Georgia. Films including The Avengers, Black Panther, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire were also filmed in the state. Last year, more than 92,000 jobs and over $9 billion was brought to the area through the tax incentive. Chief content officer of Netflix, Ted Sarandos made a statement to Variety about the company's plans to fight the ban. He said: "We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law."It's why we will work with the ACLU and others to fight it in court. Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we'll continue to film there, while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to."Should it ever come into effect, we'd rethink our entire investment in Georgia."Georgia is the next in a line of US states that have considered introducing new abortion restrictions after Alabama and Kentucky both passed the controversial laws. Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill earlier this month to effectively ban all abortions after six weeks - although most women don't even know they are pregnant in this time. One of the main points of the bill that has caused anger is that even if women fell pregnant through rape or incest - they still wouldn't be exempt from the law. Netflix has made a very powerful point with the statement, as such an economic loss is much more likely to sway the opinions of governors and lawmakers in the state. And even if Netflix made a U-turn on its decision, should the ban go through, Ozark actor Jason Bateman has already said that he 'will not work' in Georgia if it does. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said: "If the 'heartbeat bill' makes it through the court system, I will not work in Georgia, or any other state, that is so disgracefully at odds with women's rights."In the event of other actors and companies following in the footsteps of Bateman and Netflix, the ban could have a very serious impact on Georgia's economy.