Georgia is currently playing host to 26 films and television shows, such as “The Walking Dead” and the “Divergent” sequel “Insurgent.” This industry has provided Georgians with thousands of jobs including: highly-skilled, technical positions, caterers, production assistants, painters, hair dressers, accountants, carpenters, drivers, extras, etc. In addition to the jobs that have come from the rise in Georgia’s film industry, there are more than 90 new companies that have planted stakes in Georgia to support the industry. The film industry has impacted the economy of Georgia in more beneficial ways as well. For instance, in 2007, the economic impact in Georgia was $244 million. Then, during Fiscal Year 2013, the number increased to $3.3 billion.

Governor Nathan Deal is supporting the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, a tax credit incentive for qualified Georgia-lensed projects. The High Demand Career Initiative was announced earlier this year by the Governor. The HDCI brings together the heads of Economic Development, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and key leaders from private-sector industries. The next HDCI meeting will be dedicated to the film, television, and interactive entertainment industries in Georgia. It will address the issue of insuring that Georgians have the skill sets to be competitive to get the high-paying jobs created by these industries.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, July 1 at Georgia State University from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. For more info: Click here

Image from Team Georgia website.