Georgia's Entertainment Industry Empowers Excitement

Industry Leaders Outline Successes in Georgia G8 Summit Panel Discussion 

SAVANNAH , GA – Leaders from Georgia 's entertainment industry met today at the G8 Summit International Media Center for a panel discussion focused on the state's entertainment assets and upcoming project and plans for growing this vibrant industry.

Participants included Joel Katz, general counsel for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Science (NARAS); Dallas Austin, GRAMMY award-winning music producer and filmmaker; Alex Cooley, co-president of Concert/Southern Promotions; Stratton Leopold, major motion picture executive producer; and Travis Tritt, award-winning country music artist.

“ Georgia has a long tradition of developing and nurturing entertainment talent,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “From great films such as “We Were Soldiers” and “ Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” to classic music like Otis Redding and newer artists like our own ‘American Idol' Diana DeGarmo, Georgia is home to the best in entertainment.”

For more than 30 years, Georgia has worked to secure motion picture, television, commercial and music productions to the state. In addition to recent box office hits like “ Sweet Home Alabama ” and “Remember the Titans,” Georgia also had nearly 30 GRAMMY award nominees last year and the state ranks third in the U.S. in music production.

The film, video, and music industries in Georgia have generated more than $3 billion in revenue for the state's economy since 1973 and currently employ more than 3,000 Georgians. In addition to feature film and television production, hundreds of commercials and music videos are produced in the state each year. The state's music industry generates nearly $386 million annually, creating approximately 3,500 jobs, and generating more than $16 million in tax revenue.

“With homegrown talent, rich resources, and technical expertise, Georgia is one of only a handful of production centers in the country that stays on the short list for film, video, and music productions,” said Governor Perdue.

**Audio of the briefing will be available at http://www.georgia.org/G8/news/multimedia.html