Taxpayers of Virginia, you subsidized this movie, take a bow:
Statement of Governor McDonnell on 12 ‘Lincoln’ Oscar Nominations
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell released the following statement today after the Steven Spielberg feature film, “Lincoln”, which was filmed in the Commonwealth, received 12 Oscar nominations….
Since taking office, the Governor has worked with the General Assembly to put in place policies to make Virginia more attractive to the film industry, including the use of targeted incentives. Virginia’s new policies have yielded substantial results…. Shot in the Richmond and Petersburg areas, “Lincoln” had direct expenditures of $32.4 million, for a total economic impact of $64.1 million. The film company hired 1,199 Virginia-based actors and extras and 380 crew members and utilized 23,580 room nights in local hotels and apartments.
“Virginia was indeed fortunate to host the cast and crew of ‘Lincoln’ as they filmed in and around Richmond and Petersburg last year. The production, which was premiered simultaneously in Richmond and Hollywood in November, was breathtaking. We are excited that the film has been recognized in so many categories by the Academy as the recognition will inspire more people to see the film and more interest in visiting the Commonwealth and filming future productions using the scenery and historical sites available in Virginia. Congratulations to Steven Spielberg and the cast and crew of ‘Lincoln’ for their well-deserved nominations. The Commonwealth’s reputation as a great place to make a movie continues to grow, and the economic impact of the industry in the state continues to increase. Best of all, the growth of Virginia’s film industry means more good-paying jobs for Virginians.”
