Summerville Depot named to the Explore Georgia Selfie Spot Tour

Explore Georgia has rolled out their campaign for the Year of Film in the form of a “selfie spot” tour of Georgia featuring key film locations from Georgia productions. While 2016 was the Year of Music, the booming film industry has made 2017 the Year of Film. Tax incentives have drawn in production companies by the hundreds and Georgia has risen to the top spot in Big Budget feature films, generating $2.7 billion dollars in direct spending on film productions last year. Governor Nathan Deal recently lauded the entertainment industry and the economic impact of the film industry which has become a major part of the Georgia economy.

Explore Georgia promotes tourism across the state and Chattooga County has become a key spot on this year’s tour. Summerville Main Street manager Susan Locklear worked with Explore Georgia to ensure that the Summerville Depot is a “selfie spot” on the tour as a film location in the award winning HBO movie, Warm Springs. The 2005 film highlighted President Franklin Roosevelt’s time in Warm Springs and the Summerville Depot served as Roosevelt’s landing spot. Memorabilia from the shoot include the Warm Springs signage as well as the wheel chair used in the filming and several photographs.

Locklear worked to make sure that Explore Georgia knew of current events going on at the Depot to maximize a tourist’s experience while visiting. Seasonal train rides, downtown fairs, concerts and Paradise Gardens can all be enjoyed at various times of the year.

Senator Jeff Mullis was on hand for the grand unveiling of the “Selfie Spot” logo on the sidewalk outside of the Depot and also discussed the impact of the film industry on local communities. “Chattooga County locations were submitted for 25 different film productions last year…” said Mullis. “And the windfall of those productions can be felt all across a community as people [from the film industry] shop in your stores and eat in your restaurants.”

Swing by the Summerville Depot to snap your selfie and make sure you include #ExploreGeorgia #GeorgiaFilms and #AllOnGeorgia.