{"id":3716873,"date":"2017-10-04T14:23:19","date_gmt":"2017-10-04T18:23:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newwebdev.wordpress-developer.us\/hauteresidence\/?p=3716873"},"modified":"2017-10-10T16:37:21","modified_gmt":"2017-10-10T20:37:21","slug":"debra-johnston-how-georgias-entertainment-industry-influenced-real-estate-own-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newwebdev.wordpress-developer.us\/hauteresidence\/debra-johnston-how-georgias-entertainment-industry-influenced-real-estate-own-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Debra Johnston: How Georgia\u2019s Entertainment Industry Influenced Real Estate And Her Own Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Often extoled as the new cultural capital of the American South, Atlanta has fast turned into an entertainment mecca \u2013 the epicenter of a booming industry that has taken over Georgia. Between July 2015 and June 2016, the state has served as the backdrop for over 200 movies and series. Georgia\u2019s versatile scenery peeks from recent blockbusters such as Captain America: Civil War<\/em> and Guardians of the Galaxy 2<\/em> as well as hit shows in the ranks of The Walking Dead<\/em> and Stranger Things<\/em>. In a little over a decade, Georgia\u2019s entertainment industry has climbed to the third largest in the country, raking in the remarkable $7 billion a year, Adweek reported<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The influx of hundreds of production crews has exerted quite a demand on Georgia\u2019s \u2013 and in particularly Atlanta\u2019s \u2013 real estate market; and the change barely even starts with scouting for film locations. From A-listers to directors, they all search for properties to call home while shooting. Haute Residence Atlanta partner, Debra Johnston<\/a> has helped many find their temporary adobes in the city\u2019s luxury housing scene.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are working most of the time so they like to find homes that are private, calming, gated and secure,\u201d Johnston said. \u201cThey are design sensitive and appreciate good design, green space, a pool and\/or a tennis court and of course the creature comforts of a well- designed home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Fortunately for actors and film professionals, whose families often trek along and seek privacy, Atlanta, a city sprawling over 134 square miles, offers the perfect blend of seclusion and amenities, said Johnston.<\/p>\n

She, herself, epitomizes the hospitality and discretion Atlantans pride themselves on. Johnston often rents out her mid-century modern residence, The Ridgewood House to actors, making sure her home becomes theirs. Whenever she expects a high-profile guest, she replaces her belongings with a selection of luxurious items \u2013 fresh flowers, special soaps and deluxe pool towels.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWorking with the film industry has become a part of my business that I really enjoy,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

It all started at the dawn of the century, when she revamped her house, which architect Jerry Cooper designed in 1959. The renovation allowed for a contemporary way of life but still reflected a historical sensitivity. Eager to showcase \u201cincredible mid-century modern architecture for today’s lifestyle,\u201d Johnston entered her upgraded home in the Metropolitan Home of the Year contest \u2013 and won. The press flocked in and Johnston\u2019s home found a spot on the Georgia film registry as a location for print, video and film.<\/p>\n