The Hollywood Work Boycott of Georgia for Heartbeat Abortion Law Has Begun – and the State May Not Have Noticed

Some of the first announcements of work leaving over the new abortion legislation are not exactly impressive.

It was some weeks ago when part-time actress and full time bankrolled activist Alyssa Milano was promoting a list of dozens of actors who pledged to no longer work in the state of Georgia over the potential passage of the so-called heartbeat abortion law. The legislation that toughens the ability of women to choose to get an abortion after a time period really seemed to anger the group of performers — who do not live in Georgia.

Now Milano has begun trumpeting the fact that some work has indeed been pulled from production from within the state. Sort of.

Kristen Wiig New Movie Pulls Out of Georgia because of the heartbeat bill. https://t.co/Qeihwvt3xb

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 22, 2019

This is a rather blatant piece of misrepresentation of Milano’s part. The movie was only announced last month that it was being made and has not begun production yet, so to say the film “pulled out” of Georgia is wildly inaccurate. The story is said to concern two women who travel for the first time from the Midwest to a vacation resort in Florida.

Since the story is not even set in Georgia means that they intended to shoot in the state for one reason: It was for cost purposes. This is slated to be a lower-budgeted comedy, so the likelihood is that wherever they decide to ultimately film this tale is going to end up being costlier for the production. I applaud anyone who makes decisions like this, as they are effectively voting with their wallet.

The question is, will the state of Georgi even notice? The amount of entertainment production in the state is voluminous, and we have yet to hear reports of any significant work — films, or established television shows — pulling up stakes and leaving as a result of the law. Other producers have made overtures to not have future work take place in the state. Mark Duplass, and Christine Vachon made such pronouncements, but as they are regarded mostly as independent film producers their projects usually sport even lower budgets, and have even less of an impact.

Jason Bateman, whose show “Ozark” is shot on location, said he would not work there again, but with a caveat. He said his departure is dependent upon the law being upheld in court. Since this law does not take effect until next January, that allows him a lengthy window of opportunity to continue filming, while appearing to make a stern stand against the legislation.

A number of other big names have made a stance — but these are dubious as well. Jordan Peele, J.J. Abrams, and Peter Chernin are some of the bigger names, but their efforts are not likely to be felt as well. They have pledged to donate their salaries earned while working on site to the Georgia chapter of the ACLU.

This is again a rather hollow gesture that will not move the needle for anyone in Georgia. The productions are still taking place within the state, and therefore all revenue and other financial benefits will continue. And since the donations for the individuals are tax deductible it is not likely they will incur any personal financial sacrifice themselves.

In other words, we will see performers acting out in a dramatic fashion, while posturing in an insincere manner, and giving voice to words that are less than heartfelt. Huh, that is completely out of character for them.

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