On Sunday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp remembered the remarkable legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away that afternoon. During his remarks, Gov. Kemp celebrated Carter’s numerous accomplishments, emphasizing his pioneering role in establishing the Georgia Film Commission during his tenure as governor. Carter’s foresight in creating the film commission has proven to be a turning point for the Peach State, transforming it into a major player in the entertainment industry.

Today, the commission oversees a multi-billion-dollar industry that has brought jobs and economic growth to Georgia. “Deliverance,” released in 1972, was one of the first films shot in Georgia, marking the beginning of the state’s cinematic journey. Based on James Dickey’s debut novel, the film starred Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox, and Jon Voight, and was filmed in the picturesque northeast Georgia communities of Clayton and Rabun counties. It not only became a significant commercial success but also showcased the natural beauty of the state.

“Gov. Jimmy Carter started our office in 1973 because of ‘Deliverance,’” said Lee Thomas, deputy commissioner of the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Office. “He realized this is money coming from outside the state and bringing money to a very poor part of the state, and he wanted to figure out how to get more.”

As the state continues to thrive as a prime location for film and television productions, Governor Kemp’s tribute serves as a reminder of Carter’s lasting impact on Georgia’s economy and cultural landscape. In honoring Carter, he recognized not just a former president but a visionary leader whose initiatives laid the groundwork for a thriving industry that continues to flourish today.