With the addition of Cinelease Studios - Three Ring, Covington is now home to one of the largest and most technologically capable studio campuses on the Eastern Seaboard.

Members from Covington’s city council, the Newton County Board of Commissioners, the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, the Newton County Chamber of Commerce and other local entities were present at the event as representatives from Cinelease Studios and its ownership group Woodvale extended their gratitude towards the community.

“Thanks to the state of Georgia and the support of Newton County and the City of Covington, Cinelease Studios Three Ring is an example of how business friendly policy and support from your local municipal partners can bolster innovation and local economic growth,” said Bahir Mansour, senior associate at Woodvale. “These individuals, along with so many other city council members, county commissioners, leaders and staff have played an integral role in the success of this project and in truly making Covington, Georgia, the ‘Hollywood of the South.’”

According to Mansour, the studio spans 600,000 square feet across 90 acres of land with over $150 million invested over the last five years.

Commissioner Chairman Marcello Banes recognized several individuals during his keynote address, including former mayor of Covington, Ronnie Johnston and Rahim Charania, managing partner at Woodvale, for “believing in the dream he has.”

“Newton County, Covington, Georgia, – we are on the map, as they say, the governor himself has said, and many other esteemed elected officials have made the comment that we are the ‘Hollywood of the South,’” Banes said. “Because of this investment that Raheem has made to this community, we’re not only on the map. We’re now on the globe. We’re worldwide.”

On behalf of Covington mayor Steve Horton who was unable to attend the event, city councilmember Susie Keck expressed her thanks to the studio for recognizing Covington’s potential for the project and bringing opportunity to the community.

“Today we gather to celebrate not only the remarkable achievement of this state of the art facility, but also the incredible opportunities it brings to our beloved city,” Keck said. “Your decision to invest in our city speaks volumes about the potential you see in our community. We are truly honored and humbled to have you as a partner, providing not only great jobs, but also contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of this region.”

According to Cinelease Studios - Three Ring, more than 3,000 crew members have worked on productions at the facility since October 2020. 

The studio also credits 80 percent of its crew members with shopping at local convenience stores and dining at local restaurants. Residentially, 89 percent of the studio’s Herc Rental branch employees live in Newton County and 33 percent of employees at Cinelease Studios - Three Ring live in Covington.

Olivia Schmitz, manager of studio client relations at Cinelease Studios - Three Ring, shared how the studio fostered a relationship within the community earlier this year.

Following the wrapping of a production in the spring, leftover costumes were donated to the Arts Association in Newton County.

“I was just so thrilled to see that happen and see the give back directly from a client and watch it happen, and them wanting to give back to the community,” Schmitz said.

Cinelease Studios’ executive vice president, Gannon Murphy, emphasized his appreciation for the community’s acceptance and hospitality of the film industry.

“What truly makes a great home are the neighbors. And that’s all of you,” Murphy said. “I want to ask all of you to give yourselves a round of applause for what you’ve done to make this the home that it is. We plan on being fully booked for next year and many years to come.”