Netflix’s “A Man in Full” among productions that depend on Georgia’s network of experienced vendors
When the construction buyer for Netflix’s “A Man in Full” placed an order for lumber and construction materials with Cofer Studio Supply, the Cofer team launched into action. They triple-checked the order and loaded it onto a truck, ready to be picked up by the production crew within hours.
“We understand the challenges of our film clients and the need for speed has reshaped our entire operation,” says Chip Cofer, President & CEO of Cofer Brothers, the parent company of Cofer Studio Supply. “Embracing this mentality has not only enhanced our efficiency but also transformed our company in ways we deeply appreciate.”
It is Georgia’s thousands of established businesses, network of state-of-the-art studio space, and deep pool of talented crew members that make the state a premier destination for film and television productions.
The “A Man in Full” production relied on hundreds of Georgia vendors like Cofer Studio Supply, based in Tucker. In addition to purchasing goods and services from vendors across the state, the production hired more than 1,200 Georgia crew members, paying more than $40 million in wages.
Since 2009, family owned Cofer Studio Supply has fine-tuned its services to meet the needs of the entertainment business in Georgia, building a vast inventory of studio-related materials. The company has worked on hundreds of productions including “The Color Purple,” “Ozark,” and a host of Marvel movies like “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Now run by the family’s third and fourth generations, Cofer Brothers was founded in 1919 as a dry goods store. Over the years, the company has changed with the times and market needs, all while retaining its mom-and-pop feel. Since the 1950s the company has focused on building materials.
In 2009, facing the housing recession, Chip made a decision: Rather than laying off employees, he embraced the burgeoning Georgia film industry. It was a move that paid off. The company created Cofer Studio Supply and instead of firing people, they eventually had to purchase additional forklifts and hire more employees as the film-focused part of their business grew.
Employees wear shirts that say “No is not an option” and embrace problem solving for their clients. Recently a production needed to recreate historically accurate parquet flooring. The out-of-style flooring was difficult to find but the Cofer Brothers team finally found a batch in Alabama. They were proud to find the needle in a haystack and take care of their customer.
"We take pride in being one of the first businesses to support the Georgia film industry,” says Chip. “Our commitment stems from shared values with the film community: Integrity, agility, and swift action.”
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