Universal’s Lunar Drama First Man Blasts Off With Major Payload for Georgia Economy

WASHINGTON— Universal’s moon landing drama, First Man, which retraces Neil Armstrong’s first small step for man, was one giant leap for the Georgia economy.

The production, which opens today and stars Ryan Gosling, injected $33 million into the Peach State economy, delivering jobs to more than 3,600 men and women from Marietta to Midtown. Businesses across Georgia also benefitted from more than $20 million spent in various in-state expenses.

“We love bringing Hollywood into the communities where we film,” said MPAA Chairman and CEO Charles H. Rivkin. “But more importantly, we love bringing jobs and other economic opportunities. When the people of Georgia see their state listed in the credits for First Man, they’ll know with pride that they were more than just a great location. They were a partner too.”

Over five months on location, shooting for 64 days, First Man took advantage of Georgia’s many talented men and women. The state also became something of a star – figuratively and literally.

“We were lucky enough that Atlanta happens to have gray quarries,” said First Man Production Design Nathan Crowley. “Thanks to the friendliness of the industries that work here, we found our moon at the Vulcan Rock Quarry in Stockbridge, just south of the city. They let us sculpt the landscape to our direction.”

Creative Rights Caucus Co-Chair Representative Doug Collins (GA-9) said, “The State of Georgia continues to be an ideal place from which filmmakers can tell their stories, and that expands strategic jobs and business opportunities for my fellow Georgians. I’ve worked to protect intellectual property and promote this industry, and I welcome news of further investment in a state that leads in creating opportunity for America’s creative community.”

Based on James R. Hansen’s book “First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong,” the movie traces the astronaut’s life and career that led him to becoming the first man on the moon. The production reteams Ryan Gosling with his LaLa Land Director Damien Chazelle, and also features Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Ciaran Hinds, Christopher Abbott, Patrick Fugit, and Lukas Haas, among others.

By the numbers, First Man local economic activity included:

• More than $13 million in wages to over 3,600 local workers.
• More than $7.1 million spent on local rentals and purchases for set decoration, production, and other supplies.
• More than $770,000 spent on lodging.
• More than $1.9 million spent on transportation, including truck and car rentals.
• More than $2.9 million on hardware and lumber supplies.
• More than $792,000 spent on local catering and other food items for the cast and crew.

First Man touches down in theaters October 12, nationwide. Check here for a behind-the-scenes look.

About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; 20th Century Fox Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Sony Entertainment Inc.

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For more information, contact:

MPAA Washington, D.C.
Chris Ortman
(202) 293-1966
Chris_Ortman@motionpictures.org