Georgia-filmed Productions Generate $3.3 Billion in FY13

ATLANTA, November 22, 2013 — The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced today that Georgia-lensed feature films and television productions generated an economic impact of $3.3 billion in the state during FY13 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). 'Georgia-filmed productions spent $933.9 million in Georgia during fiscal year 2013,' said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. 'The economic impact goes well beyond the productions themselves - with 11 soundstage facilities locating in Georgia, and more than 70 film-related companies locating or expanding here – this industry is creating jobs for Georgians.' Today, marks the release of much-anticipated Georgia-lensed LIONSGATE feature film 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.' 'This is a big day for Georgia – not only did 'Catching Fire' create hundreds of jobs here, but millions of people around the world will see Georgia locations on the big screen,' said Lee Thomas, the Director of the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office.' 'This LIONSGATE franchise has tremendous worldwide appeal and in anticipation of the potential film-induced tourism generated, we created www.ComeTourGeorgia.com, a website devoted to filmed locations in Georgia.' Other Georgia-filmed movies slated to hit theaters in the next few months include Tyler Perry's 'A Madea Christmas' on December 13; 'Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues' on December 20 starring Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd and Steve Carell;  and 'Ride Along' starring John Leguizamo, Ice Cube and Kevin Hart on January 17, 2014. In addition, a record number of television shows were shot in Georgia during FY13, including AMC's 'The Walking Dead,' CW's 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'The Originals,' BET's 'Reed Between the Lines,' 'The Game,' and 'Let's Stay Together'; 'Family Feud'; Lifetime's 'Devious Maids' and 'Drop Dead Diva'; and many more. Additional Georgia-filmed movies that are scheduled to be released in 2014 include 'Endless Love';  'Need for Speed' starring Aaron Paul and Michael Keaton; Tyler Perry's 'Single Moms Club'; 'Million Dollar Arm' starring Jon Hamm; 'The Familymoon' starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore; "Fast & Furious 7"; and  'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay' - Part 1.   About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts events and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. www.georgia.org