Georgia’s Film Industry Boosts Economy

In 2014, Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office announced that all 159 Georgia counties were Camera Ready – meaning the state of Georgia would offer film productions with the following: financial incentives, location diversity, production resources, and professional support. The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office offers production incentives that provide up to 30% of Georgia production expenditures in transferable tax credits. Their programs are available for qualifying projects like feature films, television series, commercials, music videos, animation and game development. With one of the industry’s most competitive production incentive programs, they can help production companies dramatically cut costs without sacrificing quality.

In 2013, Georgia tied at number three in worldwide film production. In fiscal year 2015, Georgia feature films and television productions generated an economic impact of $6 billion (GDECD). In fiscal year 2016, Georgia’s film industry had an economic impact of $7 billion (BizJournal.com). Earlier this year, Gov. Deal named 2017 the “Year of Georgia Film,” highlighting Georgia’s film tourism sites, including local communities that have served as backdrops for movies and television productions since the 1970s. The state even released a travel guide to help tourists find film hot spots. Then on July 10, 2017, Gov. Deal announced that Georgia-lensed feature film and television productions generated an economic impact of $9.5 billion during fiscal year 2017!

Gov. Deal stated, “Georgia’s film industry supports thousands of jobs, boosts small business growth and expands offerings for tourists. 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.”

One of the most recent movies filmed right here in Henry County was “Logan Lucky,” starring Daniel Craig, Channing Tatum and Sebastian Stan. This movie filmed in Downtown Hampton and surrounding areas opens this August.

For more information on Georgia’s Film Industry, visit the Georgia Department of Economic Development website.