Today, Atlanta is known for locals and visitors alike as the Hollywood of the South, or even Y’allywood. But there was a time before Georgia’s film tax credit and all the major film industry success in the area. And before Atlanta was the south’s film town, there was… Braselton?
Hold up. What? Braselton was the South’s film hub?
No. Not exactly. But that was the plan, at least, for successful actress Kim Basinger, who was born and raised in the rural Georgia town.
Basinger, along with a group of investors, bought the approximately 1,700 acres of Braselton for a whopping $20 million in 1989, hoping to transform the farming town into a star’s dream.
According to a report by the GlobalGrind,
For Basinger, the vision was seamless. She wanted to transform Braselton into a bustling film hub and tourist destination, complete with movie studios, a film festival, and a cultural scene to rival anything in California. It was an ambitious plan that aimed to bring jobs, infrastructure, and glamour to the quiet town.
And in hindsight, the actress actually had the right idea. As we know now, Atlanta would rise to stardom just a couple decades later–filming hit TV shows and movies alike–but unfortunealty her timing was just a bit too soon. Braselton didn’t take off as the film hub she’d dreamed of.
So what happened? Does Basinger still own Braselton?
No. The actress actually fell on a bit of hard times, and was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1993 and sell her land for just a tiny fraction of what she paid for it.
But something film-related did come of her misadventures in Braselton… the show ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ In the show, the wealthy Rose family buys the small town of Schitt’s Creek, and hilarity ensues. Basinger’s experience allegedly inspired the plot.
What is Braselton like now?
Now, Braselton is an adorable small town full of cute shops, delicious restaurants and fun events. Just 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta, many city residents go for a day trip or a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can almost always find some fun theatre show, art event or crafter’s market in Braselton! Learn more about the city on their website, here!
Check out Braselton, y’all! You’ll love it there!