Maryland, Virginia and the District are locked in battle for big Hollywood dollars as they search for projects that could bring cash infusions for strapped local budgets as the economy continues to falter.

A Hollywood production brings more to town than just the excitement of spotting faces usually seen only on the TV or movie screen. In one day, a feature film crew can spend as much as $500,000 on catering, hotel rooms and local workers. In just one week last year, the producers of “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” spent $2.5 million in the District, city officials said. Washington has a natural pull with its unique backdrop of national monuments.