What does it mean to have four of the top six domestic-grossing movies filmed in Georgia? With big titles like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Panther” as well as television series runs like “Ozark” and “The Walking Dead” on its filmography, the benefits of Georgia’s booming film and TV production industries extend well beyond the box office.

Economic advantages can be felt all over the state. These not only include a new record of $4.1 billion in direct spending during fiscal year 2021 in the form of 366 movie and TV productions, but to industries you might not expect!

Yes, thousands of Georgians are employed through productions annually, but the content demand from the ever-growing entertainment choices also support Georgia’s small businesses and boost our local economies. An arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Film Office is engaged in bringing these high-profile film and television productions to Georgia.

Here is our “Top 10 list” of ways the film industry is benefiting the state! 

1. Jobs: No. 1 concern!

• Tens of thousands are employed in film production in Georgia, with talent filling a diverse array of roles from accounting to animal wrangling.

• Georgians might be surprised to learn how many home improvement and department stores, rental car companies, and hotels now have dedicated entertainment salespeople!

• Resources like the Reel Production Crew database, available through the Georgia Film Office, allow industry professionals a quick search option for Georgia-based crew and support services by category, keyword, or location. 

2. Small businesses: Georgia’s TV and movie business is further fueled by thousands of small businesses – from landscaping and construction companies to caterers and hardware stores.

• The six Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) member companies alone spend an average of $693 million at more than 11,000 vendors annually in Georgia—some of these vendors are film-related businesses, but thousands are not!

3. Local revenue: Permitting fees, which vary by municipality, directly benefit cities and counties where production is occurring.

• Communities in Georgia also indirectly receive additional tax revenue that is generated by small businesses supplying goods and services.

• Behind the scenes, each county in the state has a Camera Ready Liaison who stands ready to assist with getting productions started locally. 

4. “Heads in beds:” That means visitors and hotel nights!

• One movie may account for more than 25,000 room stays, and with an average of 350 projects located in the state every year, that’s a lot of “heads in beds.”

• In March 2021, when “Gasoline Alley” was filmed in Tifton, the group’s stays created over $120,000 in hotel revenue alone. (Incidentally, this also helps local restaurants and other small businesses.) 

5. Real estate: Studio space and filming locations are in high demand – boosting the real estate market.

• It’s not just the industrial market that can get in on the action and take a starring role in a set, either. You, your friend, your neighbor – even your parents – might rent out property for productions, whether that be for on-location filming, production offices, or stage space.

• Georgians can submit their property to be listed in the Reel Scout film and TV location database.

6. Film tourism: When a movie or show is filmed in Georgia, visitors will travel to see the iconic spots their favorite characters inhabit.

• From visiting Forrest Gump’s bench to seeing where Eleven (“Stranger Things,” anyone?) bought her waffles – fans take film tourism pilgrimages to Georgia, and they spend a lot of money while they’re here. (More “heads in beds,” more hospitality, more local retail and charm!)

• Want to visit your favorite projection location for your own first-hand look? Georgia’s tourism office Explore Georgia has ideas to inspire your next trip: Film Tours & Itineraries. 

7. Workforce retention: An active film industry helps Georgia retain its creative workforce.

• With a wide range of film production curriculum offered in the state, including courses at the Georgia Film Academy, new public and private college degrees, and even Georgia high school programs – Georgia’s talented graduates can find jobs in Showbiz up and down the line – right here!

8. Lower income taxes: Anyone who pays Georgia income tax can lower the amount of state taxes they owe by buying film tax credits to use dollar for dollar against their tax liability.

• And of course, the state’s already low taxes continue to make Georgia an attractive place for employees in any industry. 

9. Made in Georgia: Georgia-licensed films put Georgia’s diverse locations in the spotlight.

• That familiar peach logo in the end-roll credits? It promotes Georgia as a film destination and puts Georgia on the map!

• Having our unique and beautiful places on screens large and small helps attract decision-makers, bring visitors, and keep Georgia on minds worldwide!

• At any given time, there may be nearly 80 projects in production or prepping in the state. Want to keep track of some? View our active list of ‘What’s filming in Georgia.’ 

10. Supports the arts: Small businesses and the hospitality industry are not the only groups benefiting from film in Georgia. Having productions in the state creates opportunities for artists in other fields to use their talents, including dancers, musicians, gamers, and more.