If a TV show or movie was filmed in Gwinnett County, Lisa Anders can quickly name the location on screen. For example, the Gwinnett County Jail makes an appearance in Ozark, the Netflix drama starring Jason Bateman. “It’s kind of amazing because you realize how much effort and skill it takes to turn almost nothing into anything,” says Anders, executive director of Explore Gwinnett. “We’ve had the Gas South District used as an airport, and no one knew the difference on TV.”
Now in her 29th year at Gwinnett’s official destination marketing organization, Anders has helped shape Georgia’s largest county into a major player in the film industry, an undertaking the state tasked her with a decade ago. Since then, the Gwinnett’s Film Office has grown substantially, earning official film commission status in 2024, and becoming involved in everything from locations assistance and permitting to partnerships.
Hit shows such as Stranger Things and Tulsa King are among the productions filmed in the county, but the value goes beyond seeing stars. “It aligns with everything we do because not only is it bringing that economic development into Gwinnett, but it’s also bringing film crews into our hotels on a very regular basis,” says Anders. The influx of crews also benefits local restaurants, and there are other ancillary revenue streams like tours of on-screen locations.
Beyond film, Anders helps locals fall in love with their own county. Initiatives like Burger Week, in which chefs around the county make a signature burger for $10, and Artober, a month-long fete of arts and culture events, encourage residents to explore beyond their bubbles. “There’s so much opportunity because we’ve got so many cities, and they’ve got so many different personalities,” says Anders. And when people come for conventions, the locals know where to send them, turning everyday residents into ambassadors for Gwinnett.”
– LIA PICARD
