While movies can be the stuff of dreams, the film and television industry in Georgia provides more than 25,000 real jobs for real people. And those are just the jobs directly involved in production. Other film-related jobs include hair and makeup stylists, caterers, truck drivers, electricians, painters, construction workers, accountants, security guards and others.

More than 700 feature films, TV movies, TV series, single episodes and pilots have been produced in Georgia since 1972. Included among them are the “Footloose” remake, “The Walking Dead,” “X-Men: First Class,” “Fast Five,” “Drop Dead Diva,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Blind Side,” “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Forrest Gump.”

The direct economic benefits of film production in Georgia came to nearly $2.5 billion in 2011, and positively impacted thousands of businesses, from hotels, restaurants, grocery stores and rental car companies to hardware stores, lumber yards, garden nurseries, heavy equipment rentals and office supply companies.

There are many reasons why Georgia is such a haven for film production in the United States. No matter what shooting locations the script requires, Georgia can fit the bill. The largest state east of the Mississippi River, Georgia offers an astounding variety of landscapes to please almost any production scout.

It’s easy to get anywhere within or outside of Georgia thanks to its vast and convenient transportation network. Along with our extensive rail and highway systems, Georgia also is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport.

The Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office launched the Camera Ready Communities program in 2010 to train and certify Georgia counties to work effectively with production companies and provide local, one-on-one assistance in every aspect of production, from location scouting and film permits to traffic control, catering and lodging. The program now connects film and TV productions with skilled county liaisons all over the state to provide local expertise and support.

Liberty County became Camera Ready certified in 2011, meaning that this area is ready, willing and able to work with film and production companies. There has been a lot of interest so far in the community, and the Liberty County Chamber and CVB are working diligently to make the community attractive to the companies seeking opportunities.

Through Georgia tax incentives such as a state tax credit of up to 30 percent, as well as a sale-and-use tax exemption and encouraging private partners to build sound stages, post-production facilities and additional infrastructure to support large-scale productions, we’re strengthening Georgia’s economy and providing jobs and economic stability for families all over the state.

If you want more information, mail to: the Georgia Department of Economic Development, 75 Fifth Street NW, Suite 1200 Atlanta, GA 30308; or call 404-962-4000.