The newest live-action Disney film is the remake of the 1955 classic “Lady and the Tramp” which was shot exclusively in Savannah. The film was released Tuesday, Nov. 12 on the newly launched Disney+ streaming service.
Preparation in Savannah began in June 2018 and wrapped in January 2019, filming a total of 54 days in September through November 2018. More than 50 local vendors, mostly small businesses, were used in Savannah, Pooler, Garden City and Richmond Hill on the film. They were primarily in the construction, food, and lodging industries. The film generated a local economic spend of $51 million.
“The Savannah Entertainment Production Film Incentives were designed to attract projects like Lady and the Tramp,” said Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison. “During the seven months they were in Savannah not only did Disney use local businesses to purchase products such as lumber and antiques for the production but the cast and crew as well made a significant economic impact by living here, dining and shopping, enjoying what our city has to offer.”
Savannah Regional Film Commission Executive Director Beth Nelson, anticipates the economic impact to also include attracting visitors to Savannah. Being entirely filmed in Savannah, the movie features iconic local scenes including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, River Street and Wright Square and showcases the beauty of the town.
“Lady and the Tramp not only employed local crew it also showcases Savannah beautifully and we anticipate that Savannah will see a boost in visitors in relation to the film,” said Nelson.