RICHMOND, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a musical inspired by Pharrell Williams' life will be filmed throughout Central and Coastal Virginia this spring and summer.
The governor's announcement comes after news website Deadline first reported the production of the movie, which is inspired by Williams' childhood at Atlantis Apartments in Virginia Beach.
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Youngkin expressed his belief this film will highlight Virginia as a place to visit while contributing to the Commonwealth's economy.
“This high-profile project will place a global spotlight on Virginia as both an incomparable place to visit and as a preferred destination for investment from this growing industry,” Youngkin wrote. “The project will provide high-wage jobs, help retain our trained production workforce, and deliver an immediate economic impact shared across a variety of sectors, from construction to hospitality. We warmly welcome Pharrell and the team behind this groundbreaking project to Virginia.”
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick also praised the project, calling it a "a feature-length, visual love letter to the Commonwealth."
“This film puts our iconic landmarks, landscapes, arts, and culture offerings on display, and shares what makes Virginia such a special place to visit, live, work, and raise a family – to an audience of millions," Merrick wrote.
The musical will be able to receive a Virginia film tax credit or grant. The exact amount will be based on the number of Virginia workers hired, Virginia goods and services purchased and deliverables including Virginia tourism promotions, according to a news release from Youngkin's office.
