Sixteen Georgia counties are ready for their close-up. They’re being called camera-ready.The new designation could mean economic benefits for several communities.

The camera ready program was put in place by the state to link production companies with local resources. Cities include Gainesville, Macon, Albany and Savannah and most parts of Atlanta.

Film maker Elliott Dunwody serves on the Macon Film Commission. He says the distinction sets them apart from other places.

“That means not only are we camera ready but we’re crew ready, we are costume ready, and we have everything here in the City of Macon for a film of any size to come in and start production right away.”

The Georgia film and television industry is having a record year. Tax incentives have been the driving force behind television and movies being shot here. State officials say last year the economic impact last year was 1.3 billion dollars.

Tags: Macon Film Commission, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Elliott Dunwody, Georgia tax breaks, Georgia film and television production, camera ready