"Selma" made a $10.3 million economic impact in Georgia

"Selma" spent more than three months working in Georgia and generated a $10.3 million economic impact, according to the Motion Picture Association of America.

Left to right: David Oyelowo (as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) discusses a scene with Director/Executive Producer Ava DuVernay on the set of SELMA, from Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films. David Oyelowo, who played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. discusses a scene with Director/Executive Producer Ava DuVernay on the set of "Selma." Photo: Paramount Pictures

Credit: Jennifer Brett

icon to expand image

Credit: Jennifer Brett

"'Selma' tells an incredibly powerful story about a turning point in our nation's history, and the process of bringing that important story to life has meant an economic boost for Georgia," said former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd, now the chairman and CEO of the MPAA. "The state's competitive film incentive program continues to encourage filmmakers to choose Georgia as the place to film, hiring local workers and prompting economic growth. I am grateful to Gov. Deal and the state legislature for their leadership on this issue."

The movie, nominated for a best-picture and best-song Academy Award, paid more than $5 million in wages to more than 400 Georgia crew members, hired close to 1,500 cast and extras, spent $375,000 on 3,000 hotel room nights, spent $470,000 on wardrobe purchases and maintenance, contract4d $180,000 worth of lumber, hardware and supplies and spent more than $200,000 on catering and food and more than $130,000 on car rentals, the MPAA said.

Overall, the state's filming industry employs 23,000 workers, supports over 77,000 jobs and pays $1.6 billion in wages.

"The fact that we have become one of the fastest growing entertainment production centers in the U.S. is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Gov. Deal and the Georgia legislature to creating a pro-business environment, investing in our highly-skilled existing crew base and support for the state's diverse locations," said Georgia Department of Economic Development commissioner Chris Carr. "Not only is Georgia's entertainment industry creating thousands of jobs, but it has been a catalyst for long-term infrastructure growth, new tourism opportunities and increased brand awareness."