From WABE
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ATLANTA, GA (WABE) – More big-screen productions could soon be filmed in Atlanta. The city finalized a 50-year leasing agreement for the Lakewood Fairgrounds with EUE/Screen Gems Friday. Mayor Kasim Reed says the leasing agreement will continue to transform Atlanta into an entertainment and movie-making powerhouse.
“I stand here with absolutely no doubt that EUE/Screen Gems and the Cooney family is the right partner for Lakewood Amphitheatre, and that’s why we entered into this partnership.”
Screen Gems President and COO Chris Cooney says, the more six million dollar renovation will turn 30-acres of the fairgrounds into a studio complex with a state of the art sound stage.
“We’re so excited because you’re going to witness the transformation of a legacy site that really had no modern day purpose. We’re going to transform it into a world class facility.”
Cooney says construction on the site will take seven months to complete. Mayor Reed is hopeful the deal will bring between 250 to 500 new jobs to the city.
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