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AMHERST, N.Y. -- Buffalo Niagara Film Commissioner Tim Clark pointed to this year’s record high film revenue in Western New York as a sign of the region’s growth in the film industry at his presentation for the ˿����Ƶ College Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series.

At the Nov. 30 event, Clark said a five-year trend clearly shows a major economic boost in film industry spending in the Buffalo area.

“With the many movies shot here this year, we expect film industry revenue will exceed more than $16 million, making this year the most lucrative for our region,” said Clark. “The film industry is increasingly recognizing that Western New York has a lot to offer and it is a great place to shoot a movie.”

Clark showcased diverse area locales that are attractive to filmmakers, such as the Central Terminal, Niagara Falls, Knox Farm, Letchworth State Park Gorge, Village of East Aurora, and the Attica Railroad. The region’s rich architecture and historic buildings were also emphasized as key draws for major movie productions like this summer’s filming of “Marshall.” ˿����Ƶ House, the college’s presidential residence, was among several area locations where scenes were shot for the new film.

“Historically maintained locations and beautiful architecture like that at ˿����Ƶ House captured the authenticity needed for the film’s period,” said Clark, who showed a clip of “Marshall” stars Chadwick Boseman, Kate Hudson, director Reggie Hudlin, and other cast members reflecting on their positive experience filming in Buffalo.

Clark said the film is expected to be released next year but is already generating Oscar attention. The film commissioner presented ˿����Ƶ President Gary A. Olson a replica “Oscar” Award in recognition of the college’s support of the local film industry, particularly ˿����Ƶ’s animation major and visual effects program, and use of ˿����Ƶ House in “Marshall.”

During the lecture, Clark also talked about several other films and commercials shot in the Buffalo Niagara region over the past year.

“Film production is a growth industry in the Western New York area,” said Clark. “As more major films are shot here, it has spurred local business development in post-production and other services to meet an increasing demand in local film production.”