New MPAA Data Shows the Extensive Economic Contributions of America’s Film and Television Industry
In age of rapid digital transformation, industry expands to support 2.1 million jobs and 400,000 local businesses across all 50 states
WASHINGTON – The American film and television industry continues to be a key driver of the U.S. economy, adding high quality domestic jobs and paying out $49 billion to local businesses across the country, according to the most recent economic figures released today by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).*
The U.S. film and television industry supports 2.1 million jobs – up from two million the previous year. The total wages paid out by the industry also rose by $4 billion to reach $139 billion, with an average salary 42 percent higher than the national average. Jobs directly related to the production and distribution of films and television shows also increased by 24,000 over the prior year – nearly reaching 700,000 jobs.
“While the awards season often focuses on glitz and glamour, it’s important to recognize that the impact of America’s film and television industry extends far beyond the red carpet,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the MPAA. “This industry is one of the nation’s most powerful cultural and economic resources, supporting 2.1 million hard-working Americans in all 50 states and hundreds of thousands of local – mostly small – businesses.”
The rapid growth of creative content development and the industry’s digital transformation has bolstered the economic contributions. An estimated 454 original series aired in 2016, helping drive job creation and supporting local vendors.
Across the country, the number of businesses that make up the film and television industry rose by 5,000 to hit 93,000 – 87 percent of which are small businesses that employ fewer than 10 people. In all, film and television supports 400,000 local businesses, with the industry making $49 billion in payments to these enterprises.
The U.S. film and television industry is also a key player in markets around the world, with demand for creative content continuing to grow. The industry registers a positive balance of trade in nearly every country with $16.5 billion in exports worldwide.
For a more detailed analysis of the industry’s economic impact, please click here.
*This report is based on an analysis of 2016 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which was made available in late 2017.
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; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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For more information, contact:
MPAA Washington, D.C.
Chris Ortman
(202) 293-1966
Chris_Ortman@motionpictures.org