Netflix says it will rethink its investment in Georgia if 'heartbeat' abortion law goes into effect

[demmiblue]

Source: CNBC

Netflix says it will continue to film in Georgia amid controversy surrounding the state's passage of an abortion law forbidding termination of a pregnancy after an indication of a heartbeat.

But the company said it would rethink its investment in Georgia should the bill go into effect. The statement comes as some in the film and TV industry have said they will boycott working in the state because of the law.

"We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law," Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement sent to CNBC Tuesday. "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."

Last week, CNBC reported the state's up to 30% tax credits lured more than 450 film and television projects last fiscal year, driving more than $4.5 billion in wages and a greater than $9.5 billion economic impact, citing Georgia's governor's office. Projects included Disney's "Black Panther" and "Avengers: Infinity War," AMC's "The Walking Dead" and Netflix's "Ozark." Netflix has also shot shows including "Queer Eye" and "The Haunting of Hill House" in Georgia in recent years.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/28/netflix-would-rethink-investment-in-georgia-if-abortion-law-stands.html

[oldsoftie]

1. It wont go into effect; it'll be in the courts for years.

until it IS put into effect, 100,000 people work in the business & shouldnt be punished for a law that isnt being used.

[Aristus]

2. 100,000 people are enough to swing a state election.

If they want to keep their jobs, they can always vote out the supporters of the law.

[LanternWaste]

3. A state boycott, much as the successful one in NC, can be one of the most effective voices

in a language the GOP understands... revenue.

The 100,000 people who work in the business are already being punished by a law that should not exist. Pretending otherwise is short-sighted. At best.

[oldsoftie]

14. But they're not being punished by the law. The law hasnt gone into effect & likely wont.

As i stated below, Ron Howard has the position i agree with. he said IF the law goes into effect he would have to reconsider doing business there.
Right now, its a big "if"

[MGKrebs]

6. It's not just production companies.

There are conventions, sports events, concerts, corporate relocations... organizations choose to do business in locations for various reasons all the time. If you are choosing between city A and city B, and city A has some law or even just attitude, or traffic problem, or whatever, you can choose city B.

I am in Atlanta and in the convention business. That industry has suffered here for many years now because:
- Freaknik scared some people away
- Ice storms put some shows off
- Panhandlers
- traffic

[oldsoftie]

7. And the traffic will ALWAYS be a problem. I mean, can you double deck the Connector??

They'll never expand the MARTA rail system enough.
I'd be thrilled just to see a few stops south of the airport!! (I live below the city)

[MGKrebs]

9. I just moved from SWAT to Marietta.

Traffic is worse up here than it is in the city!

[oldsoftie]

12. Ah, the north side. Yeah, how bout The Battery development in Cobb? GREAT location!!

Its great once you're INSIDE it, but getting there is a nightmare.

If only they'd built that around Turner Field.
But i digress......

[Initech]

10. That's what I've been saying - these bills are lawsuit bait.

They were designed to get the attention of lawyers and all they will do is tie up the courts with bullshit for years, decades even. They will probably never reach SCOTUS, at least currently. It's a pretty dick move by the religious right if you ask me.

[LiberalLovinLug]

11. So....continue on as if nothing has changed. Continue to fund their government with tax revenue

Who uses that money to, perhaps after lavishing themselves with tax reductions for their own business interests, even may increase that 30% tax credit limit to lure even more productions.


Maybe those people would be reminded that it isn't the production companies that are punishing them, but their own damn government who voluntarily pushed this through.

[oldsoftie]

13. I prefer Ron Howards position. "IF" it goes into effect........

But until then, there are too many people working in the industry that would be harmed when nothing has actually changed.
Stacey Abrahms even put out a statement asking the industry to not punish the workers and stay put.

[LiberalLovinLug]

15. Fair enough

I guess there is a fine line to walk.

But then there should be a line drawn. Like put out a statement that IF this law is still on the books next year, the company will move. Giving the workers at least a heads up. I mean, yes there may be casualties, but those workers can help vote in a government that is not so barbaric. Unfortunately, casualties are always required for advancing human rights it seems. If we cannot accept causalities then we live in paralysis.

[Tech]

4. Once a law goes into effect, I think it is hard to get it off the books, but I have no legal experti

Perhaps someone can enlighten me? Maybe Netflix should tell them drop it now or they are leaving. I am still deciding if I want to keep Netflix based only on the stand they take as to women's rights and abortion. We are leaning towards cancel.

[beachbum bob]

5. Neflix should pull out, this may be pushing me to cancel my subscription if they remain, we

should have a list of all companies that have presence in Georgia as well

[oldsoftie]

8. Pretty much ALL of them.

Its #3 behind only CA & NY. And some years its been #2