For Immediate Release
Date: March 21, 2013

Savannah set records for the number of media projects shot within the City last year, according to the recently released Savannah Film Commission 2012 Annual Report.

The City of Savannah Film Office worked with 242 separate projects in 2012, which spanned 715 shoot days. Total economic impact to Savannah was $26 million, which includes $12.2 million in direct spending. All were new records.

This included everything from major feature films such as “CBGB” and “Killing Winston Jones” to television shows such as “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America” and “Royal Pains” (which has returned to shoot again in Savannah this week) to national advertising campaigns from the Express and Louis Vuitton.

“2012 was the best year Savannah has ever had for media production in all measurement categories,” said Savannah Film Office Director Jay Self. “This was made possible through the hard work and professionalism of our local crew, the support of the Mayor and Council and the Film Commission, the cooperation of many community partners, and the hospitality of our citizens.”

“There is no better indicator of client satisfaction than a repeat customer. The return of Royal Pains for another two weeks of filming this year is an excellent example of this. Media production is a growing segment of our local economy and continues to provide opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.”

The report recognizes a trend in the industry toward lower-budgeted productions that employ local crew both in greater numbers and at elevated positions.

“We believe film, television and advertising productions remains a vital and increasingly significant component of our local economy,” said Film Commission Chairman Michael Jarema. “This industry benefits our community on so many levels.”