Entertainment Weekly
NEWS WIRE: ATLANTA, GA
Encore Film And Music Studio Remains Closed Despite Georgia Re-Opening
Entertainment | April 20, 2020
By James Lovine, EPN Network
Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday that certain businesses can reopen this week in a move that breaks from the majority of state leaders and defies the warnings of many public health officials. But one business owner that won't be opening his doors is Rod Whittaker.
The Atlanta musician and film studio owner informed A&E Encore Film And Music Studio will remain closed. Rod said he's not willing to risk the health and welfare of his creators nor himself. "Our primary concern is for our staff, myself included, and our customers. We've gotten calls over this lock down period from clients wanting to come in and film, and I get it. Creative minds are always firing, and they want to see their vision come to fruition. It hurts to turn them away, because we are passionate about the film industry and our client's projects. And we can use the money, but I think it's best to be responsible and wait."
Rod’s decision echoes the sentiments of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottoms, who voiced her concerns with Governor Kemp’s plan to reopen Georgia in an interview with CNN’s Chris Cuomo.
“My mom owned a hair salon for over 25 years, so I understand the economic pull of this,” she said. “This would have been devastating to my family for her to have to shut down her business for weeks on end. But you have to live to be able to fight another day … If we’re not alive on the other side, then there won’t be a recovery to be had … I don’t know how you get a haircut and keep a safe distance from someone cutting your bangs?”
While speaking to A&E, Rod also addressed the governor's decision to reopen. "Let's face it we have to reopen sometime, but it has to be done responsibly. We need to work diligently to improve the data, and the data determines when we reopen. Any other way is self serving."
