Atlanta has been making a huge splash in the film industry over the years, leading to its newly coined “Y’allywood” status. Production companies have been increasingly coming to the Greater Atlanta area and the whole state of Georgia to shoot Hollywood films and television series. This may not come as a shock to GA residents who are well aware that our cityscape is just as cool and versatile as New York or LA, if not more.
So, what does this mean for industry members in Georgia?
Atlanta has exploded in growth on the movie scene. Even the number of music, TV, and movie stars who live in the area has increased significantly in recent years. Georgia’s newfound status as a US film and television production capital was even explored in a CNBC article released in 2021.
In 2020 alone, Georgia produced 242 films, and that was during the pandemic! There are an estimated 1950+ productions in the state, earning Georgia over $2.2 billion. These productions have employed over 96,000 people, which is huge for the state.
In 2015, Georgia was investing in its long-term growth, so they launched the Georgia Film Academy. The academy offers training for aspiring industry members and funnels its graduates into local productions.
The benefits of shooting in GA
Films shooting in Georgia have saved production companies thousands, if not millions, of dollars. This is because Georgia has awesome tax incentives for production companies. These incentives have attracted some huge projects, including Baby driver, Stranger Things, Hunger Games, and Ozark.
The Entertainment Investment Industry Act of 2008 was the catalyst for Georgia's entertainment industry. Before the Act was implemented, the GA economy grew by approximately $241 million per year from the entertainment industry. This has since skyrocketed to an annual $9.5 billion.
The Entertainment Investment Industry Act offers a 20% tax incentive for productions that cost over $500,000 and then 10% if they include the little Georgia peach logo in the end credits.
The growth post-2008 has attracted and grown roots in studios like Blackhall and Tyler Perry Studios. Another big dog is Pinewood Studios, now known as Trilith Studios. They have over 18 sound stages and the site covers 700 acres in Fayette County, making them the largest multi-purpose studio outside Hollywood.
They are building a huge master community that will have over 1300 employees across the street from Trilith Studios. Right behind California and New York, Georgia is the third biggest film destination in the country. And for this skyrocketing industry, Georgia is becoming a desirable spot to live, work, and play.
