The Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Film Office released a new public service announcement featuring Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and country music legend Garth Brooks. Garth 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 popular Garth Brooks song of the same name.
Garth Brooks is the number one solo recording artist in U.S. history. He retired from the music industry in 2000 but recently returned to the Las Vegas stage to sold out audiences and his December benefit concerts in Nashville, Tennessee raised more than $3.5 million for flood relief.
During the public service announcement, the Governor 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.”
Tourism is one of Virginia’s most powerful industries generating $17.7 billion in revenue and employing more than 204,000 Virginians.To learn more visit www.Virginia.org.
