The economic bang Georgia is getting from film and TV productions continues to grow.
The industry generated an economic impact of more than $7 billion in the Peach State during the last fiscal year, Gov. Nathan Deal announced Tuesday. Just more than $2 billion of that represented direct spending from 245 feature film and TV productions shot in Georgia during fiscal 2016.
“The film industry has created a home in Georgia ... employing thousands of Georgians while developing infrastructure and boosting small businesses,” Deal said. “I am committed to retaining this relationship by constructing a strong, film-ready workforce that will continue to help the industry thrive.”
The governor cited the creation of the Georgia Film Academy last year as a key component of the state’s effort to grow the industry. By the end of this year, 610 students are expected to have completed Course One at eight university and technical college campuses, and 274 will complete on-set production internships leading to workforce certification.
The growth of the film and TV production industry also has spurred the relocation or expansion of 130 businesses in Georgia.
Dave Williams covers Government
