Three Production Companies Vow Not To Film In Georgia Due To Abortion Ban

The state of Georgia finds itself at odds with those behind its booming film industry after the signing of controversial legislation.

On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed legislation dubbed the “heartbeat bill,” banning abortions after a heartbeat is detected—which can be as early as six weeks. The legislation also criminalizes women that seek abortions outside of the state. While the bill does include exceptions in the cases of rape and incest, those exceptions are only valid if the woman files a police report.

In late March, when the Georgia General Assembly approved the ban in a 92-78 vote, actors Alyssa Milano, June Diane Raphael, and George Takei spoke out against the bill and are now being joined by production companies. Christine Vachon, the CEO of Killer Films (which produced Vox Lux and the critically acclaimed First Reformed), said in Thursday morning tweet that the company will “no longer consider Georgia as a viable shooting location until this ridiculous law is overturned.”

Following Killer Films is the creator of HBO’s The Wire and The Deuce David Simon, the head of Blown Deadline Productions. Simon also expressed his feelings on social media:

I can’t ask any female member of any film production with which I am involved to so marginalize themselves or compromise their inalienable authority over their own bodies. I must undertake production where the rights of all citizens remain intact.”

Related – Hollywood Leaders Threaten to Abandon Production in Georgia Over Anti-LGBT Bill

Duplass Brothers Productions’ Mark Duplass, whose company has a four-picture film deal with Netflix, has taken a stand alongside the aforementioned production companies. Soon after these statements, the Senior Vice President of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) Chris Ortman issued a statement regarding the legislation and potential boycott:

Film and television production in Georgia supports more than 92,000 jobs and brings significant economic benefits to communities and families. It is important to remember that similar legislation has been attempted in other states, and has either been enjoined by the courts or is currently being challenged. The outcome in Georgia will also be determined through the legal process. We will continue to monitor developments.”

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Source: The Hollywood Reporter.

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