Georgia's Film and Television Industry Made $9.5 Billion Economic Impact in 2017

Governor Nathan Deal speaking at Film Day at the Georgia Capitol in March 2017.

ATLANTA, July 10, 2017 – Governor Nathan Deal announced earlier today that Georgia’s film and television industry made an economic impact of $9.5 billion in FY 2017.  This number represents 320 feature film and television productions shot in Georgia and $2.7 billion in direct spending in the state. 

 “Georgia’s film industry supports thousands of jobs, boosts small business growth and expands offerings for tourists,” said Deal. “As one of the top places in the world for film, Georgia hosted a remarkable 320 film and television productions during the last fiscal year. These productions mean new economic opportunities and real investments in local communities. We are committed to further establishing Georgia as a top film destination and introducing film companies to the Camera Ready backdrops available across Georgia.”

The economic impact of film and television has touched Georgians across the state, from crew members to those offering support services such as catering, construction, transportation, and post-production.

“This is huge news for the Georgia film industry and for Georgia in general,” said Craig Miller, chair of Governor Deal’s Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Commission.  “9.5 billion represents booming business and more jobs for Georgians - not only for those involved on set, but for the countless industries that are benefitting from the increased business film and television brings to the state.”

2017 has been named the “Year of Georgia Film” by the Georgia Department of Economic Development.  It celebrates the role of film and television in Georgia’s local communities since the 1970s and its growing economic impact on our state today.

11 Reasons Why You Should Be Shooting Your Movie in Georgia

Ever wonder why so many films are shot in Georgia?  After all, Georgia is now #1 in the world for feature film production.  

Craig Miller's recent appearance on the Shofur Podcast inspired their marketing team to make this infographic explaining why Georgia's film scene is on the rise.   

If you’re scouting locations for your next film project, there’s no reason to travel abroad. Right here in Georgia, you’ll find everything you need, from locations to crew to studio space. We believe that what the film industry needs is a healthy dose of southern hospitality - and Georgia is happy to oblige.

More information:

Shofur's blog post about the infographic - https://shofur.com/blog/shooting-your-movie-in-georgia/

Craig’s appearance on the Shofur podcast - https://shofur.com/blog/the-shofur-podcast-craig-miller-interview/

Shofur's homepage - https://shofur.com/

Introducing www.welovethisstate.com

Cypress Trees at George L. Smith Park in Twin City, Georgia.  Photo by Philip Wages.

Over the last three years of production, we've shot hundreds of photos and videos throughout Georgia.  So, we are inspired to share more of the state we love with you.

We created www.welovethisstate.com to do just that.  

From Metro Atlanta to Columbus to the coast, welovethisstate.com showcases our work for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Columbus and Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and more. 

Shortly, we will be adding our work from Cartersville and Sandy Springs.  

Keep up with us at www.welovethisstate.com or on Facebook and Instagram as we continue to produce work in tourism throughout Georgia.  

We love this state, and we know you do too.  We hope you enjoy and share with your friends.

#GAFilmsCreateGAJobs - It Begins!

So what’s this all about?   

In 2008, the Georgia Legislature passed the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, creating a film tax incentive that jumpstarted Georgia’s film industry.  In 2016, the economic impact of film in Georgia was $7 billion, and this number continues to grow at a rapid rate.  The film industry has created thousands of jobs, brought business to local Georgia vendors, boosted the state economy, and provided exciting opportunities for Georgians across the state.  As the United States’ third largest production capital, Georgia’s film industry is transforming our state for the better, and we believe the best is yet to come. 

Therefore, we are incredibly excited to announce the start of #GAFilmsCreateGAJobs, a social media campaign aimed at discussing and celebrating Georgia’s thriving film industry.  Craig Miller, owner of Craig Miller Productions in Atlanta, began Georgia Films Create Georgia Jobs, a Facebook page for Georgians involved in or hoping to learn more about Georgia’s film industry - how it came about and where it’s going.  With the #GAFilmsCreateGAJobs campaign, we hope to keep the conversation going with relevant facts and figures, articles, and, most importantly, stories from you, those benefitting from the industry here in Georgia. 

Share your stories, articles, videos, and thoughts with us using the #GAFilmsCreateGAJobs.  Tell your friends, family members, and bosses about the campaign, and encourage them to contribute!  Write a blog post for us.  We hope this campaign is simply the beginning of a vibrant conversation, and we thank you for being a part of it. 

Craig Miller Interviewed on GPB's "On Second Thought"

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Craig Miller gears up for his interview with host Celeste Headlee on GPB's "On Second Thought."

Craig had a wonderful time discussing Georgia's film tax credits on GPB's radio show "On Second Thought" on December 19th (along with Jennifer Brett of the AJC).  If you missed the conversation, you can listen to it here:

http://gpbnews.org/…/georgia-film-industry-fights-keep-tax-…

Thank you to host Celeste Headlee and to the entire team at "On Second Thought" for a dynamic conversation!

Craig Miller Featured in Dec. 9 Atlanta Business Chronicle

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Craig Miller offered his insight at the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "Focus on Film" event on Dec. 8. 

For those of you who were able to attend the Atlanta Business Chronicle's successful "Focus on Film" event at the Fox Theatre earlier this month, you know that Craig Miller served as a panelist on film industry infrastructure.  Craig discussed and fielded questions related to his extensive production experience in the Atlanta area, as well as Craig Miller Production's most recent project: its very first feature film.  

"Craig Miller, who runs Craig Miller Productions Inc. and is chair of the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Advisory Commission, just shot his first independent feature film after decades of producing commercials and high-end corporate films.  'It was a long time coming but it was realization of something that could never have happened if the film industry had not grown and developed in the state of Georgia," said Miller, who was among industry experts slated to discuss film infrastructure development at Atlanta Business Chronicle's Business of Entertainment: Focus on Film event at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on Dec. 8."

Read the full articles online here: 

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2016/12/09/demand-driving-development-of-studios.html

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2016/12/09/georgia-film-leaders-assemble-for-business-of.html

Or click to download the attached PDF version of the article. 

We are thrilled to watch the film and television industry in Atlanta continue to grow!