Two of Atlanta’s most respected independent production companies are joining forces with one of the state’s largest studio campuses in a move that leaders say will supercharge Georgia’s TV and film industry.

Autumn Bailey Entertainment (ABE) and Ty Walker’s Braveheart Entertainment announced Wednesday a long-term production partnership with Assembly Studios, the 135-acre film campus in Doraville managed by Universal Production Services and owned by Gray Media.

New Venture Positions Assembly Studios for Future Film Projects

Film and TV production facility Assembly Studios in Doraville, Georgia was built on the site of the former General Motors Doraville Assembly Plant (built in 1947 and closed in 2008).

Construction of the studio started in May 2022, and Phase I—with 19 sound stages across 43 acres—opened on this date, as announced in Gray Television’s official press release and covered by ARTS ATL.

The project was fully completed in the second half of 2023, with NBCUniversal as the anchor tenant.

The alliance with ABE and Braveheart brings together producers behind acclaimed projects like the Dennis Quaid-starred On a Wing and a Prayer and the award-winning documentary The First Noelle: The Maynard Jackson Documentary with a facility that boasts 22 soundstages, on-site mills, lighting & grip, costume shops, and more — all just 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta and 30 minutes from the world’s busiest airport.

“Both of our companies have always focused on stories that feel real,” said Autumn Bailey-Ford, founder of Autumn Bailey Entertainment. “Independent filmmaking is about truth, emotion, and community—building stories that matter and giving them space to thrive.

Ty Walker, founder of Braveheart Entertainment, called the partnership “a creative and strategic evolution” for the local industry.

“Braveheart was founded on a commitment to bold, elevated storytelling — work that challenges convention while remaining deeply human at its core,” Walker said. “Assembly Studios offers not only the infrastructure but the creative synergy to expand that vision on a larger scale, without ever compromising the authenticity that defines our films. This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how stories are told, how opportunities are created for the next generation of filmmakers, and how the independent film movement continues to redefine itself. We’re proud to help lead that transformation together.”

Dan Biersdorf, Vice President of Universal Production Services at Assembly, said the deal reflects the campus’s original mission.

“Autumn Bailey Entertainment and Ty Walker’s Braveheart Entertainment partnership with Assembly leverages the Southeast’s most advanced production ecosystem — combining world-class stages, cutting-edge technology, and a full-service infrastructure that supports everything from large-scale tent-poles to independent filmmakers,” said Biersdorf. “Together, we’re building opportunity, amplifying new voices, and redefining what TV and filmmaking can achieve in the South.”

Justin Campbell, Vice President of Studio Operations at Assembly Atlanta, added that the partnership will focus on mentorship, emerging technology, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices.Key elements of the collaboration include:

  • Multiple new film and television projects greenlit annually
  • Integration of virtual production and other cutting-edge tools
  • Mentorship and training programs for Georgia crew and creatives
  • Streamlined costs and logistics for independent budgets

Operations under the new partnership officially begin January 1, 2026, with the first slate of productions scheduled to roll cameras in the second quarter of 2026.A public kickoff celebration introducing the partnership to Atlanta’s creative community is planned for later this month.With Georgia’s film industry already generating billions in economic impact each year, industry watchers say partnerships like this one could help independent producers compete on a global stage while keeping more dollars and decision-making in the Peach State.

Final Word

For Autumn Bailey-Ford and Ty Walker, the goal is simple: prove that big dreams and big stages can coexist — and that Atlanta remains the best place on earth to make them real stories real.

Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.

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