Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ Wrapped at Georgia Hotel, Opening Soon

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. (AP) — Two years ago, legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola visited Georgia Film Academy in search of apprentices for his film, “Megalopolis.”

One of those apprentices, Jordan Holifield, was surprised by one of the application questions: could he disassemble IKEA furniture? Fast forward a few months, Holifield found himself at Coppola’s hotel, a former Days Inn motel now transformed into the All-Movie Hotel. Gone was the IKEA furniture, replaced with facilities tailored for film production.

The All-Movie Hotel now features post-production facilities, editing suites, recording rooms, and screening spaces. It is poised to serve both film enthusiasts and production companies. Coppola had purchased the property in 2022 for $4.35 million to support the production of “Megalopolis,” a $120 million self-funded film set in a futuristic New York City and starring Adam Driver. Despite high hopes, the movie received harsh reviews at its Cannes debut, with some critics labeling it a “disaster.”

Part of Coppola’s hotel collection, The Family Coppola Hideaways, the All-Movie Hotel marks his first property in the United States. Located in Peachtree City, approximately an hour south of downtown Atlanta, the hotel opened on July 25.

Featuring 27 rooms, the accommodation prices range from $170 to $470 per night. While the exterior retains its motel architecture, the interior boasts unique touches from Coppola’s films. For example, the lobby showcases old school “Godfather” pinball machines, and an impressive golden hawk figurine from “Megalopolis” adorns the pool area.

Even Coppola and Driver stayed in rooms that will soon be available for booking. Coppola’s room features a round gray couch, spherical pillows, a king-sized bed, and leather director-style chairs. The bathrooms are modeled after those in a lodge Coppola once stayed at in Guatemala, joined by a shower.

Coppola envisions the hotel as a space for filmmakers to immerse themselves in creativity and collaborative work, fostering innovation. Potted succulents imported from Italy line the outdoor walkway, and textured walls add to the aesthetic. Each room has unique features, such as one equipped with bunk beds for interns and staff children, and another Japan-themed room decorated with photos of notable Japanese filmmakers. Many rooms are interconnected, a feature Adam Driver appreciated during his stay.

Since 2005, Georgia has become a top destination for film production, thanks to tax breaks. Tax credits expanded significantly in 2008 and this year they are expected to hit $1.35 billion. According to the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition, tax incentives supported $5.54 billion in economic activity in 2022.

Kelly Moore, the executive director of Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition, noted that filmmakers already have a well-established network of rental properties, hotels, and house crews in Georgia. However, she sees the All-Movie Hotel as a unique addition catering to a niche need for an all-in-one post-production communal facility.

While the industry’s growth in Georgia has slowed, with an estimated 40% fewer productions compared to last year, Moore remains hopeful. She believes that Coppola’s choice to use Georgia’s infrastructure underscores the state’s continuing importance as a creative hub.

According to Moore, the hotel indicates there is a strong desire to have a complete production ecosystem in Georgia.

Holifield recalled the final day of filming “Megalopolis” when the crew gathered for their last meal in the farmhouse-style kitchen. Coppola had rearranged some bookshelves to fit a horizontal poster from “Apocalypse Now,” another of his iconic films.

The crew, actors, interns, and Coppola shared a meal that included shrimp, pasta, pizza, sausage, steak, sandwiches, and whatever else was available. Now, when the space isn’t rented out entirely by production companies, tourists can visit suburban Atlanta and even use Coppola’s own stove.

Source: Associated Press, Report for America Statehouse News Initiative