The following Article is from Your GPB Digital Magazine. Click here to download the iPad App.

GEORGIA MAY NOT HAVE THE WELL-KNOWN “HOLLYWOOD” SIGN, BUT IT HAS THE STAR POWER TO GIVE THE FAMOUS TOWN A RUN FOR ITS MONEY.

The television/movie scene has become a common staple in our state, along with major celebrity sightings, and we’ve been lucky enough to experience the action right here at GPB! Usher, Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Harrison Ford, Steve Harvey, Jennifer Lopez, and Cameron Diaz are just a few of the celebrities that have been in house filming their latest movies in our very own studios. Since it is a media company, we are used to cameras and such, but it does make the day a little more exciting when there are big-time movie trailers out front.

Not only is this great for the creative residents of Georgia who want to get involved in the entertainment field, it’s also a boost for our economy statewide. According to the Department of Economic Development, Georgia was home to 333 feature films; television movies and series; commercials; and music videos that were shot across the state during fiscal year 2012. Georgia-lensed productions generated an economic impact of $3.1 billion in the state during FY12 (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012), a 29% increase from FY11. If that isn’t enough, moviemaker.com named Atlanta one of the top 10 cities to be a filmmaker in 2013. It seems to be a positive impact for everybody – so remember that when the streets are blocked off for filming and traffic is backed up!

Another fun perk to the growing industry in Georgia is that residents get to participate in the productions.  The films and television shows are known for having open casting calls and hiring paid local extras to be a part of the cast. No experience necessary! Be sure to like the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Facebook page to learn about the latest entertainment projects coming to Georgia and find information about casting calls that may interest you. Coming from personal experience, being an extra for a movie is a lot of fun and great way to make some extra cash when you have a free day. 

As always, GPB wants to keep you up to date with all of the exciting things going on under our roof so make sure you like our Facebook page as well.  It’s an exciting time to be a Georgian and we are thrilled to follow all the action.