Netflix Takes a Stand Against Georgia’s Passage of Anti-Abortion Laws

Ted Sarandos, the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of Netflix, is the only major studio head to take a vocal stand against the new passage of anti-abortion laws in Georgia.

Laws restricting or even the outright banning of abortions have been passed in several states this past year, including Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, and several others.

The laws have not yet taken effect, but they have already given rise to a firestorm of protests from women’s rights advocates and those in favor of personal freedoms.

When it comes to Hollywood, special scrutiny has been placed on Georgia, as due to tax incentives many film and television productions take place in the state.

The trade periodical “Variety” reported that with the exception of Netflix, not one major studio head responded to a request for comment regarding the continuation of filming in Georgia. Several smaller production companies and independent actors have already voiced their objections to working in Georgia in the future should the law be implemented.

Ted Sarandos, however, took a very definitive stand. As the innovative CCO of Netflix told “Variety”: “We have many women working on productions in Georgia, whose rights, along with millions of others, will be severely restricted by this law.

“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,” he added.

Should more major production companies and studios decide to shut down filming in Georgia, it could have a major impact on the local economy. Just in 2018, Georgia reported 92,000 jobs created and a positive economic impact of $9 billion thanks to film and TV production.