Estimated Economic Impact for Virginia is $45 Million for Season One
RICHMOND, Va. When the new TV series “TURN” premieres on Sunday, April 6 at 9 pm ET, Virginians will get their first opportunity to view the Revolutionary War-era saga about America’s first spy ring. They will also see the results of Virginia’s efforts to create jobs and grow our economy by bringing film and television projects to the Commonwealth. The ten episodes that comprise the first season were shot entirely on location in the Richmond and Petersburg areas and feature many area locations, actors and extras.
“’TURN’ is the perfect show to be filmed in Virginia,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “This high-quality show from an outstanding network like AMC will shine a spotlight on Virginia’s exceptional historic sites and attractions. It will also offer the prospect of long-term employment for many Virginians and help develop our workforce by providing hands-on experience for those entering the field of film and television production.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones continued, “Bringing projects like ‘TURN’ to Virginia is an economic development strategy that will absolutely continue in the McAuliffe administration. The film industry in Virginia plays a significant role in the state’s economy. In 2012, the total economic impact of the film and television industry in Virginia was $328.4 million and 3,061 jobs were attributed to the film industry. The Governor and I are dedicated to expanding the successes the Commonwealth has had in this key area.”
Virginia Film Office Director Andy Edmunds remarked, “Landing a major television series is an important milestone for our industry. Long-term job opportunities for cast, crew, and other related businesses will be a major catalyst toward growing a sustainable and thriving production industry in Virginia. AMC produces some of the best content in the business, and we are proud to be partnering with them on this exceptional series.”
“TURN” is a layered, character-driven spy thriller that unravels the untold story of America’s first spy ring. Set during the Revolutionary War, viewers are taken behind the battlefront to a shadow war fought by everyday heroes: men and women who defy king and family to create a new nation while vowing to keep their work a secret.
Based on remarkable new research in the book Washington’s Spies, by Alexander Rose, “TURN” centers around Abraham Woodhull, a farmer living behind enemy lines in British-occupied Long Island. Abraham bands together with a group of childhood friends to form The Culper Ring: an unlikely team of secret agents who help George Washington turn the tide of the war in favor of the Rebels. Their daring efforts revolutionized the art of espionage, giving birth to modern spycraft in all its moral complexity. “TURN” transforms history into suspenseful and resonant entertainment.
The series stars Jamie Bell as Abraham Woodhull, Seth Numrich as Ben Tallmadge, Heather Lind as Anna Strong, Daniel Henshall as Caleb Brewster, Meegan Warner as Mary Woodhull, Kevin McNally as Judge Richard Woodhull, Burn Gorman as Major Hewlett, Angus MacFadyen as Robert Rogers, JJ Feild as Major John Andre, and Samuel Roukin as Captain Simcoe. The series has filmed at numerous locations throughout the area including Shirley, Westover, Tuckahoe, Kittiewan and Scotchtown Plantations. The series has also filmed extensively in Petersburg, including at Center Hill Mansion, the Farmer’s Market, South Side Depot and Cockade Alley.
“TURN” will be eligible for Virginia incentives based on actual expenditures in the Commonwealth, and other added-value deliverables including Virginia Tourism Corporation advertising. The economic impact of “TURN” shooting in Virginia is estimated to be $45 million per season with 600 people involved in filming.
For information about Virginia’s film industry, visit the Virginia Film Office website at FilmVirginia.org.
For information about Virginia travel and tourism, visit Virginia.org
