Visual, Theater and Film...
You can't visit this region without noticing the tremendous talent all around. Artisans range from visual to theatrical, traditional to unique. Round the Mountain links you to art and craft studios, wineries, galleries, agritourism sites, and other points of interest in Southwest Virginia. Barter Theater in Abington has a reputation as a theatre where many famous actors first performed before they went on to achieve fame and fortune.
Garth Brooks Sings Virginia's Praises in New Video
RICHMOND — Country music legend Garth Brooks stars along side Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell in a new public service announcement released by the the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Film Office. Brooks visited Virginia because of his role as Executive Producer for the Sony Pictures Television movie Unanswered Prayers, airing on the Lifetime Network. The film, shot entirely in Virginia, stars Samantha Mathis (The American President) and Eric Close (Without a Trace) in the lead roles. The film is based on the Garth Brooks song of the same name.
In the public service announcement Governor McDonnell commends the tourism and film industries for bringing jobs to the Commonwealth, while Brooks praises Virginia's beautiful landscapes and people, stating "even though I'm an Oakie, I know why now, they still say, Virginia is for Lovers."
The PSA, filmed on the steps of the Virginia State Capitol, will run 935 times in January and February on PBS in four Virginia markets generating a potential 65 million impressions. Virginia Tourism President and CEO Alisa Bailey commented, "It was an honor to have the Governor and Garth Brooks working together to help us promote Virginia as a travel and film destination.”
Virginia Film Office Director Rita McClenny stated, "Garth and his production team were excellent partners and produced a high quality inspirational film set in Virginia. We are proud to have had the opportunity to work with Garth, Sony Pictures Television and the Lifetime Network on the film and the public service announcement, which added value to the production."
According to the Virginia Film Office, tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries generating $17.7 billion in revenue and employing more than 204,000 Virginians.
Story by WDBJ7 - view the video here
