According to recent data collected by Warner Bros. Pictures, the production of The Color Purple, featuring a modernized and daring reinterpretation of the popular book and acclaimed Broadway musical, was a huge boost to Georgia’s economy. 

“Toward the end of the film, Celie belts out ‘I’m Here’ to declare her power, resilience, and growth to the world,” explained the CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Charles Rivkin. “The data released today also tells an ‘I’m Here’ story, about how productions in Georgia create local jobs, support local businesses, and drive economic growth. As a direct result of smart policies, the film industry in Georgia has grown powerfully, and everyone in the state benefits because our industry is here.”

The filming, which took place primarily in Atlanta and Savannah, lasted 81 days and generated $74.2 million in spending in the local economy while also employing close to 3000 cast & crew members. On top of that, an additional $3.6 million was spent on transportation, $6 million on location fees and hotels, and north of $1 million for catering expenses.

“The film and television industry is unequivocally valuable for Georgians all across our state,” added the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition’s Executive Director, Kelsey Moore. “The Color Purple is a perfect example of the benefits productions bring to our state. It created high-paying jobs, supported businesses big and small, and generated economic activity from Atlanta to Savannah, and from Macon out to Jekyll Island. Without the production incentive program, Georgia’s workers, businesses, communities, and families would lose out on all these benefits.”

The Color Purple premiered in theaters on Christmas Day. To learn more about the movie-making process and the cast & crew, check out The Credits!