About Duluth
The city motto of Duluth, Georgia, is “Pride of the Old and New.” This allegiance to its past and present makes for excellent scenery of landscape and architecture for filming in Duluth, Georgia. Duluth is located in North Central Georgia in Gwinnett County, approximately 25 miles from Atlanta. The city has a population of just below 32,000 encompassing 10 square miles.
As with many small towns in the South, the original namesake is that of either the first settling family or of a plantation owner who established a road to the nearest river or train station for crop transport. The City’s founding name of Howell’s Crossing was named after Evan Howell who constructed a road connecting the Chattahoochee River to his cotton gin.
A North/South rail line was constructed through Howell’s Crossing in 1871 following the rail line through Duluth, Minnesota. The line through Howell’s Crossing was dubbed as “a waste of money.” This prompted the name change to Duluth, Georgia, to emulate a significance like that of Duluth, Minnesota.
Filming Options in Duluth
The mixture of design and style of residential, government, and commercial buildings in Duluth, and the rural characteristics of Gwinnett County, will match any genre of film. The film industry in Georgia has been boosted substantially by state and local tax incentives. The ancillary services to support a film production are based in nearby Atlanta.
- Staging
A majority of the companies providing products and services for staging a film production are located in Atlanta. These services include set designers, labor for the set-up and the breakdown, and equipment rental.
- Catering
Of all the services supporting a film production set, the most scrutinized is the catering. The coordination and the need for mobility of the catering service on a film set is an art. The catering vendor for both on-site preparation and delivery from the commissary must be done with efficiency and respect for the timetable.
- Equipment Rental
There are many companies in Atlanta offering equipment rental services, and one in Duluth, for film production. The equipment for rent and the crews available for hire include the fixturing for lighting, special effects, and A/V. The scope of these services can be expanded to include design talent.
Filming Companies in Duluth
Because filming takes so much planning and time, why not get some help? You can find a plethora of companies that can help with your Duluth filming space. From catering to equipment rental, you can find what you need in this city and let them take care of all the details.
- Fugo Studios
The staff at this Atlanta-based company provides the talent for every aspect of film production. The services are broken down into three facets: pre-production, production, and post-production. The talent within any of these areas are employees of Fugo Studios and they are considered to be experts in their respective sector.
- Delicious Dishes by Gail
Since 2001, this Duluth-based catering company has provided catering and rental options. The meu options range from “everyday to gourmet.” All meals are made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients.
- Get-a-Grip Atlanta
This company located in nearby Norcross is a full-service equipment, grip, and lighting rental company. Get-a-Grip also offers service options for wardrobe, make-up, and all support crews. The platform is to be a one-stop company for equipment and crew member needs.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Duluth
Every project and task comes with pros and cons. The items listed below are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider. The list is a suggestion of important aspects to contemplate for the location, production, timetable, and the crew’s comfort and recreation.
Advantages
- State and local tax Incentives
Both the state of Georgia and the Economic Development Department of Duluth offer tax and investment incentives for the film industry. The incentives on the local level are awarded on a case-by-case basis.
- Non-compete
The film industry is not an economic driver of this small community. However, Duluth is proactive in attracting industries and investments into the city. The staff of the Economic Development Department will recognize the value of filming in Duluth by way of jobs, investment, and exposure.
- The old and the new south
Duluth, Georgia, embraces its history and opens its arms to the present. This city in rural Gwinnett County has maintained its historical features and architecture as its Economic Development team attracts new industries to diversify the employment base.
Disadvantages
- Non-compete
This category belongs in both the advantage and the disadvantage columns. Although there are economic incentives at the state and local levels, the need for lobbying is often not a part of a film production crew.
- Transportation
The transportation options from the Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Duluth will depend on the self-containment of the film crew and the flexibility of the time schedule. The modes of choice are rental car, subway, taxi, shuttle, or a combination of any of these.
Famous Locations in Duluth
- Gas South District
This 118-acre campus is the location of an arena, a convention center, and a performing arts theater serving Metro Atlanta. At any given time, there will be concerts, trade shows, and Broadway productions hosted in these venues. The district is also the home field of the Swarm and the Gladiators, Atlanta’s professional hockey and lacrosse teams.
- McDaniel Farm Park
The land and the structures were owned by the McDaniel family from 1859 until 1999. Park visitors will learn the workings of a cotton farm in Northeast Georgia. The original barn, farmhouse, blacksmith shed, and other outbuildings have been restored on this 125-acre site. The park also accommodates picnic areas and walking trails.
- Southeastern Railway Museum
This museum in Duluth is known for more than railroad memorabilia. As the official museum of transportation history of Georgia, visitors will enjoy the largest collection of rolling stock such as carriages, cars, buses, and life-sized trains. The admission price includes a ride on either the historic or the park train.
