At a community screening of Black Panther hosted by Marvel Studios to thank the local crew and businesses that supported the film’s production, MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin highlighted the film’s significant contributions to Georgia’s economy. Black Panther generated more than $83.9 million in local economic activity and contributed over $26.5 million in wages to more than 3,100 workers across Georgia.

The event was emceed by Georgia Attorney General and former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development Chris Carr and featured a surprise appearance by Samuel L. Jackson, who played Nick Fury in other films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Special guests Congressman John Lewis, Tyler Perry, Ludacris, Big Boi from OutKast, Jason Mitchell, Tyrese, Kim Fields, Theo Ratliff, and John Amos were also in attendance.

“Tonight, we are here to celebrate the talented individuals and vendors who help make Georgia the third largest production center in the nation, and who help bring to life stories, like Black Panther, that make a difference,” MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said during the event. “Black Panther has smashed records for advance ticket sales thanks to the hard work of local crew and vendors, and because the film reflects the breadth and diversity of our global communities.”

“Every time we come back to make a movie here in Georgia, the experience gets better,” said David Grant, VP, Physical Production, Marvel Studios. “The infrastructure for film production continues to improve and the bench of creative professionals we can draw on gets deeper – and that’s because as a community you have committed to making Georgia a great place to make films and television shows.”

The production spent time shooting in the Atlanta area, including Midtown, Piedmont Park, Castleberry Hill, Mechanicsville, West End, Vine City, Decatur, Alpharetta, Marietta, and Cartersville. A significant portion of the production’s investment supported a wide array of in-state vendors, including numerous small businesses, such as:

• More than $29.9 million spent on local rentals and purchases for set decoration, production, and other supplies.

• More than $9.4 million spent on hardware, lumber, and supplies.

• More than $5.6 million spent on lodging.

• More than $3.9 million spent on transportation, including truck and car rentals.

• More than $1.8 million spent on local catering and other food items for the cast and crew.

• More than $740,000 on local wardrobe, including dry cleaning.

Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film Office Lee Thomas said: “While hosting Marvel films, Georgia has doubled for New York, San Francisco, and even other galaxies! Now, with Black Panther, we can add the African nation of Wakanda to our resume. Black Panther employed thousands of Georgians, supported hundreds of local vendors, and created opportunities for film tourism. Creating each world in the Marvel universe requires high-tech sound stages, skilled crew, diverse locations, and numerous support companies – we’re proud that they are able to find all of that here in Georgia.”