Bill Thompson named director of Georgias Film, Video and Music Office
ATLANTA, November 1, 2006 –Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Craig Lesser announced today that Bill Thompson has been named the director of its Georgia Film, Video and Music division. The Film, Video & Music Division is responsible for promoting Georgia as an entertainment industry destination by increasing the awareness of Georgia's multimedia business opportunities, resources and infrastructure through the building of relationships between GDEcD staff and prospective global clients. Thompson will be responsible for developing marketing and sales strategies that will grow and enhance Georgia's entertainment industry. 'Bill's background and experience will greatly enhance Georgia's role within the entertainment industry as a preferred location for film, video and music projects,' said GDEcD Commissioner Craig Lesser. 'Interest is very high in Georgia right now, with our favorable tax structure, a growing base of talent and crew, and some high-profile projects that have located here recently such as 'We Are Marshall' and 'ATL.'' For the past 20 years, Thompson has worked with many facets of the entertainment industry including Hollywood studios, broadcast and cable television networks, game development companies, independent filmmakers, production companies, record labels, advertising and interactive agencies, animation companies and individual artists. Most recently, he has worked as an independent producer for local production companies on projects for Coca-Cola, Brand Atlanta, Earthlink and General Electric. His many accolades include an MTV Music Video Award, a Southeastern Emmy Award nomination, Gold and Silver Telly Awards, Award of Merit from the International Television Association and the Georgia State University Outstanding Alumni Award. Thompson earned his Bachelor and Master degrees in Communications from Georgia State University. The Georgia Film, Video & Music Office is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Since the inception of the office in 1973, more than 500 major motion pictures and television movies have filmed on location in the state. As a result, more than $3 billion has been generated for the state's economy. In 2005, 261 productions including movies, TV series, commercials and music videos accounted for an economic impact of $145.6 million in Georgia. Thompson replaces Greg Torre, who became GDEcD's Division Director for Small Business and Innovation in April. Lee Thomas has served as the Office's interim director since then. 'I want to thank Lee and the entire staff of the Film, Video and Music Office for their continued hard work and success during this transitional period,' Commissioner Lesser added. For more information, visit www.georgia.org or call (404) 962-4075