As we look ahead to 2020, take a minute and reflect on the impact film TV production has on those of us working in the industry:
The Georgia Department of Economic Development reports that the film industry had a $9.5 billion impact on the state’s economy in 2018, the latest figures available.
The Motion Picture Association of America reports that the motion picture and television industry is responsible for more than 92,000 jobs in Georgia.
And, according to MPAA, that’s $4.6 billion in wages generated.
That’s great news around the state, where 29 shows are currently in production.
The industry creates jobs in Madison, where entrepreneur Ben Patel helps support his community and the film/TV industry through his transportation company B.I. Production Works.
“We’re bringing dreams to families who couldn’t ever envision this type of success,” says Ben, a 33-year-old father of two. “There are certainly jobs in Madison, but many of those jobs have been taken for years. We’re creating new opportunities that make dreams come true.”
Across metro Atlanta, Georgians like prop master Ariel Kaplan are building careers in the industry — and helping small businesses profit, too.
“When the film industry first started in Georgia, we got everything from New York and California. Now we’re getting so much from local businesses,” says Ariel. “We gave these companies a chance to meet our needs and they’ve met the challenge wholeheartedly.”
Allen Cheney is leading industry influencers to his hometown of Thomasville, and the film “Tiger Rising,” starring Queen Latifah, Dennis Quaid and Katherine McPhee, is expected to have an economic impact of more than $1 million in the community.
Across the state, the future looks bright.
“The tremendous opportunities and people here make me truly feel that I’ve come home,” says Samone Lett, who relocated to Georgia to build Wishful Concepts, a catering and event-management business. “I was just overwhelmed by the warm and helpful reception I got here.”