The Georgia Film Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, celebrated Film Day at the Capitol to recognize the state’s past, present and future in the film industry.

“No other film production center has seen more growth in infrastructure than Georgia has over the last eight years,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Governor Deal’s leadership and unwavering support has ensured Georgia’s place as a top destination for film and television activity.”

Georgia-lensed productions generated an economic impact of more than $9.5 billion during fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017). According to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the film and television industry is responsible for more than 92,100 jobs and $4.6 billion in wages, directly employing more than 28,700 Georgians.

The film industry not only creates jobs, but also a large amount of investment with a growing list of purpose built soundstages and support companies that add to Georgia’s immense pool of production offerings. Over the last several years, hundreds of companies have located in Georgia to provide support to the burgeoning film industry.  These service companies — soundstages, lighting companies, caterers, camera houses — are not eligible to take advantage of the film tax credit, however, they have made substantial financial commitments in the state due to the level of film and television business here. The new support business as well as the many film and television studio facilities that are locating or expanding in Georgia create permanent jobs for costume and set designers, electricians, camera operators, actors and other industry skilled professionals.

“Georgia continues to attract productions and filmmakers due to our skilled crew base, state-of-the-art facilities, overwhelming local support in our communities and our exceptional quality of life,” said Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film Office. “Each new company that locates to Georgia to support the booming film industry provides jobs for Georgians as well as an increased tax base and investment opportunities for communities and small businesses across the state.”

In January 2018, MovieMaker Magazine named Atlanta the No. 1 large city for filmmakers to live and work, and they named Savannah the No. 2 small city for filmmakers to live and work.

During fiscal year 2017, Georgia was home to 320 feature films; television movies and series; commercials; and music videos that were shot across the state. Georgia-filmed movies to be released in the next few weeks include “Game Night” starring Rachel McAdams and Jason Bateman on Feb. 23; “Beast of Burden” starring Daniel Radcliffe, Grace Gummer and Pablo Schrieber on Feb. 23; “Love, Simon” starring Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel on March 16; “Come Sunday” starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jason Segel, Lakeith Stanfield, Danny Glover and Martin Sheen on April 13 on Netflix; and “Life of the Party” starring Melissa McCarthy on April 20.

A few other Georgia projects in theaters this year include box-office hit “Black Panther” starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira on Feb. 16; “Rampage” starring Dwayne Johnson on April 20; “Avengers: Infinity War” starring an ensemble cast with many actors from previous Marvel films on May 4; “Ant-Man and the Wasp” starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas and Evangeline Lilly on July 6; and “Venom” starring Tom Hardy and Michelle Williams on Oct. 5.

In addition, a record number of television series are shot in Georgia including AMC’s “The Walking Dead;” Netflix’s “Queer Eye”; NBC’s “Good Girls”; Fox’s “The Gifted”; CW’s “Dynasty”; CW’s “Valor”; CW’s “Black Lightning”; AMC’s “Halt and Catch Fire”; and FX’s “Atlanta” returning March 1.

Feature films in preproduction or currently in production in Georgia include “Jungle Cruise” starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson; “Instant Family” starring Rose Byrne and Mark Wahlberg; “Goosebumps: Slappy’s Revenge” starring Jack Black; “First Man” starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy; and “Shaft” starring Samuel L. Jackson.