Governor Deal announces record breaking FY18 for Film and Global Commerce

The Georgia Department of Economic Development is proud to share that the state of Georgia enjoyed another record breaking fiscal year for the Film and Global Commerce Divisions. Gov. Nathan Deal recently announced that Georgia-lensed feature film and television productions generated a total economic impact of $9.5 billion during FY 2018. The record 455 film and television productions shot in Georgia represent $2.7 billion in direct spending in the state. According to the Motion

Picture Association of America, the motion picture and television industry is responsible for more than 92,100 jobs and nearly $4.6 billion in total wages in Georgia, including indirect jobs and wages. Since 2010, more than 300 new businesses have relocated or expanded in Georgia to support the industry. 'We are very fortunate to have state leadership that understands the vital role that the entertainment industry plays in Georgia's economic prosperity,' said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. 'The film industry creates jobs across almost every profession, in addition to camera, lighting and audio, film companies hire Georgians with skills in a myriad of support services including construction, catering, transportation, accounting and payroll and post-production. Thank you to all our friends in the industry for helping to make Georgia the top filming location in the country.' Gov. Nathan Deal also recently announced that our Global Commerce Division helped create a total of 27,373 new jobs during FY 18, generating $5.56 billion in investments. This growth is the result of a record-breaking 419 expansion or relocation projects throughout the state. GDEcD's Global Commerce Division is responsible for helping companies from around the world locate or expand in Georgia. The division partners with state agencies and local communities throughout the state to facilitate job growth and investment. 'Industry leaders and companies from around the world continue to choose Georgia thanks to the world-class, business-friendly environment we have built over the last eight years,' said Gov. Nathan Deal. 'Georgia's unparalleled resources, including our highly skilled workforce and our physical and digital infrastructure, continue to attract international companies that are planning to expand or relocate. These numbers reflect Georgia's appeal to global job creators and translate to real economic growth in our communities and new job opportunities for families across the state. Nearly 80 percent of these projects brought investments to communities outside of the metro Atlanta area, demonstrating the depth of talent, investment and connectivity available in every corner of the state.' Deal continued, 'With the support of the General Assembly and local officials, Georgia has established a worldwide reputation as a reliable and innovative place for businesses of all sizes to plan for future growth. I commend Commissioner Pat Wilson for his leadership, as well as the dedicated GDEcD team that works to keep Georgia on the minds of business executives around the world. As we head further into this century of promise and work to maintain Georgia's position of leadership on the international stage, we are creating opportunities today and for generations to come. While we have cemented our reputation as the No. 1 state in which to do business, we are also making Georgia the best place to live, work and raise a family.' These incredible successes are the result of collaboration from communities throughout the state. As we look forward to the future, we are positive that Georgia will remain the No. 1 state for business for years to come.