Oscar-nominated “Selma” spent more than three months working in Georgia and generated a $10.3 million economic impact here, according to the Motion Picture Association of America.
“’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, 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.”
Dodd is no stranger to Georgia and a huge proponent of the state’s booming film industry. Last year he and his former Capitol Hill colleague, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, attended a red carpet screening of “Million Dollar Arm” at Atlantic Station to tout the economic impact of that film ($13 million) and to salute Gov. Nathan Deal and legislators for supporting the industry with tax incentives.
“I am grateful to Gov. Deal and the state legislature for their leadership on this issue,” Dodd said.
“Selma,” 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, contracted $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 more than 77,000 jobs and pays $1.6 billion in wages, according to state data.
“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.”
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