Atlanta is making yet another appearance on the big screen, but this time it’s behind the cameras.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed proudly announced a major partnership between the city and EUE/Screen Gems. The agreement will transform an under-used area of the city, employ local workers, and give a boost to the inner-city neighborhood. It also raises Atlanta’s national profile as a quality filming destination for not only scenery and location, but production capabilities.

“Because of this new partnership, Atlanta will be able to successfully compete with other states and cities who are vying for business within the entertainment industry,” said Mayor Reed in a statement. “Creating these types of advantageous investments in Atlanta is vital in moving Atlanta forward as the next major mecca of the film and television industry,” the mayor added.

The lease was signed that will transform 30 acres with an abandoned building at the city’s Lakewood Fairgrounds into an entertainment destination. The finished destination will host television, commercial, digital, and film production. The 50-year lease assures the company’s commitment to the city and building its brand locally.

EUE/Screen Gems is not the first high-profile studio to open in the city. Filmmaker and playwright Tyler Perry opened his namesake studio in southwest Atlanta in 2008. In similar fashion, Perry’s studio offers a major outlet for film, television and production projects of his respective brand.

Companies such as EUE/Screen Gems and Tyler Perry Studios benefit from the state’s investment in the growing entertainment industry. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, productions have jumped 400 percent in Georgia since the General Assembly passed the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act in 2008. The legislation offers various tax incentives to music, video game, movie, television and other production companies choosing to work in Georgia.

Renovation work on the new EUE/Screen Gems property in Atlanta should be completed by September ahead of its first scheduled production.