Today the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition (GSEC) announced the recipients of its first-ever “Friends of Film” awards program. These awards recognize a bipartisan group of state legislators for their support of legislation and policies important to Georgia’s $8.6B film, television, and digital entertainment industry.

Honorees this year include House Speaker David Ralston, House Representatives Teri Anulewicz, James Beverly, John Carson, Matt Dollar, Chuck Efstration, Brett Harrell, Beth Moore, Terry Rogers, Richard Smith, Calvin Smyre and Ron Stephens. State Senators include Emanuel Jones, Harold Jones, Jeff Mullis, and Nan Orrock.

“Georgia’s film industry pumps billions of dollars into the state’s economy each year, and has created substantial opportunities for thousands of Georgians, their communities and small businesses across the state,” said GSEC Executive Director Kelsey Moore. “The continued success of this industry and its considerable impact on Georgia’s economy is made possible by the support and vision of key members of the General Assembly. We are grateful for the leadership of each one of this year’s Friends of Film winners and congratulate them on this recognition for their hard work and unwavering support of Georgia’s film, television and digital entertainment industry.”

The 2020 Friends of Film legislators were chosen based on their voting record on industry specific issues, leadership in protecting and advancing the industry and their support of policies and initiatives that recognize Georgia’s film industry as an important economic driver for the state.

Frank Patterson, GSEC Chairman and President & CEO of Pinewood Atlanta Studios, shared, “The entertainment industry brings significant investment into the state, offers a wide range of job opportunities and works in partnership with the state to deliver solid growth in economic development, job creation, workforce training, and technology. We are in the critical next phase of growth for this industry in Georgia, and support from the General Assembly is key to ensuring our state evolves from a production hub to a globally recognized entertainment ecosystem. We applaud and thank this year’s Friends of Film for their leadership and commitment to Georgia and the film industry.”

To learn more about GSEC and the 2020 Friends of Film Awards, visit wwww.gsecoalition.com/Friends.