Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Georgia-lensed feature film and television productions generated an economic impact of $9.5 billion during FY 2017. The 320 feature film and television productions shot in Georgia represent $2.7 billion in direct spending in the state.

You read that right. The Georgia Film Boom we’ve discussed in this space before is real and it’s spectacular. Direct spending—local crews, caterers, set builders, etc.—topped $2.7 billion in Georgia.

“Georgia’s film industry supports thousands of jobs, boosts small business growth and expands offerings for tourists,” said Deal. “As one of the top places in the world for film, Georgia hosted a remarkable 320 film and television productions during the last fiscal year. These productions mean new economic opportunities and real investments in local communities. We are committed to further establishing Georgia as a top film destination and introducing film companies to the Camera Ready backdrops available across Georgia.”

One of the more unique ways Georgia is building for the long haul in the film industry is with the Georgia Film Academy. The purpose of the GFA is for workforce development within the film industry.

Before the tax incentives were put in place to bring more film productions to the state there wasn’t much of a local crew base. That means productions were bringing in people from outside of the state to work due to a lack of a local workforce.

The Georgia Film Academy, which has outposts at several state technical colleges, is one of the many ways the state is ensuring the film and television industry thrives in the long run.