The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) today celebrated the 40th anniversary of film and television productions in Georgia during Film & Music Day at the Capitol. Gov. Nathan Deal, Speaker David Ralston and Rep. Ron Stephens headlined the celebration, an annual recognition of the film and music industry’s importance to Georgia’s economy.

Georgia-lensed productions generated an economic impact of $3.1 billion in the state during the 2012 fiscal year (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012), a 29% increase from FY11. Fiscal year 2012 saw record investment in the state by the entertainment industry, with more than $879.8 million in direct spending. The music business in Georgia accounts for an estimated additional $3.8 billion in economic output, according to a study commissioned by Georgia Music Partners.

“Communities across Georgia are benefiting from new infrastructure, company expansions and relocations, and ancillary businesses generated by business from the entertainment industry,” said Chris Cummiskey, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “We are pleased that Greene, Ben Hill and Lee counties have now been designated Camera Ready and join hundreds of other communities across the state ready to welcome business from this rapidly-expanding industry.”

The state’s Camera Ready Community Program was created to enhance Georgia’s statewide resources for the growing number of film and television productions. Launched in October 2010, the program now includes 142 counties across the state.

To attract visitors interested in Georgia’s entertainment industry, the state also launched a brand new website today, www.ComeTourGeorgia.com. The new interactive website promotes Georgia’s film and music history, film tours, Georgia-filmed productions, film locations, destinations, festivals and other events. By increasing visitation to entertainment-related destinations across the state, the website will enhance the film industry’s long-term impact on Georgia tourism. The state’s 2013 travel guide also showcases the connections between Georgia’s entertainment and tourism industries with dual covers featuring Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band, and the most-watched television series in basic cable history, “The Walking Dead,” filmed in Senoia.

“ComeTourGeorgia.com is an opportunity to help drive tourism to Georgia by showcasing filming locations across the state,” said Lee Thomas, Director of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment division. “Catching Fire,” the sequel to “The Hunger Games,” opens in theaters on November 22. Not only did this production create hundreds of jobs in Georgia, but it is anticipated that the momentum generated by Lionsgate’s billion dollar franchise will benefit our tourism industry by bringing fans to Georgia.”

Georgia-filed movies to be released in the next few months include Tyler Perry’s “Temptation” on March 29; “42” starring Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman on April 12; and “The Internship” starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson on June 7. Other Georgia projects slated to hit theaters are “Prisoners” starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal on September 20; “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” on November 22; Tyler Perry's “Madea Christmas” on December 13; and “Last Vegas” starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline on December 20.

In addition, a record number of television shows are shot in Georgia including AMC’s “The Walking Dead;” CW’s “The Vampire Diaries;” BET’s “Reed Between the Lines,” “The Game,” and “Let’s Stay Together;” “Family Feud;” USA’s “Necessary Roughness” and “Royal Pains;” Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva” and the new series “Devious Maids.”

Feature films in preproduction or currently in production in Georgia include “Anchorman 2” starring Will Ferrell; “Prisoners” starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal; “Need for Speed” starring Aaron Paul and Michael Keaton; and “The Good Lie” starring Reese Witherspoon.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Visit www.georgia.org.