'Hunger Games' sequel gives boost to Ga. economy

As of Monday, September 24, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

JONESBORO — Filming of the second movie in "The Hunger Games" trilogy is expected to provide an economic boost to Clayton County, just south of Atlanta, officials said.

Filming of "Catching Fire" is taking place over the next few months at a man-made water park known as "The Beach" at International Park in the Jonesboro area. The park was built as the beach volleyball venue for the 1996 Olympics.

The park is being transformed into a post-apocalyptic setting for the movie, which is based on a book about children forced to fight to the death for food.

"Because of the numerous assets of Clayton and its proximity to Atlanta and the airport, it has been and will continue to be a big player in Georgia's film industry," said Lee Thomas, director of the Georgia Film Music and Digital Entertainment Office. "They'll continue to get shows."

The production brings with it demand for movie extras, moonlighting gigs for local police and work for local businesses.

Clayton County will be paid $80,000 in the deal it reached with Project GGX Productions Inc., according to the Associated Press. Additionally, off-duty Clayton police officers will earn $45 an hour for security, and a Clayton County Water Authority worker will be paid $75 an hour to drain and refill the park's lake.

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