Client: Dekalb Entertainment Commission and Decide Dekalb Development Authority
Project: Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Strategic Plan
Year: 2021-2023
Dekalb County, Georgia USA
Challenge:
In Georgia, the thriving film and production industry is a key economic catalyst. For DeKalb County, the goal was ambitious yet clear: devise a 5-year strategy to bolster its film, music, and digital entertainment sectors to ensure DeKalb County not only sustains its vital contribution but also sets the stage for significant future growth.
Key objectives included:
Fostering an equitable, inclusive environment for the entertainment sectors in DeKalb.
Establishing precise metrics for tracking job growth, both direct and indirect, in these industries.
Developing indicators to monitor the progression of local industry infrastructure.
Conducting thorough market and industry analyses to pinpoint areas where DeKalb holds a competitive edge.
Process
The journey to achieve these goals encompassed several critical steps:
Market Cluster and Business Practice Analysis:A comprehensive examination of local and national literature and policies was conducted, focusing on DeKalb's film, music, and digital entertainment industries. This included assessing the economic impact and mapping out 1,752 assets across five Districts within DeKalb County.
Stakeholder Engagement: Over two months, Sound Diplomacy engaged deeply with the community. This involved conducting seven roundtables and three one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders in DeKalb's entertainment sectors.
Comparative and SWOT Analysis: A detailed comparative analysis of each city within DeKalb County was undertaken, focusing on their regulatory and policy frameworks. This informed a comprehensive SWOT analysis, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within DeKalb's entertainment ecosystems.
Five-Year Strategy and Implementation Plan: The culmination of research and conversations led to the development of 11 actionable recommendations, complete with estimated budgets and implementation plans for DeKalb County.
Outcomes
The entertainment sectors in DeKalb have generated a Gross Value Added (GVA) of $7.34 billion.
This initiative supports 13,852 direct jobs and has established 1,752 physical assets.
There is an indirect and induced economic effect of $477.94 for every $1,000 of output generated.
Moreover, this project inspired the creation of a tailored film, music, and digital entertainment strategy for Stonecrest, a key city within DeKalb County, signalling the plan's influential ripple effect.