Georgia’s film industry is one of the largest and most economically significant in the United States, often dubbed the “Hollywood of the South.”
The state’s largest city is a who’s who of what’s filming in Atlanta day in and day out.
As of the latest comprehensive data leading into 2025, here’s a breakdown of its size and impact:
Economic Impact
In fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024), film and television productions spent $2.6 billion directly in Georgia, contributing to a three-year total of $11 billion (FY 2022–2024). Historically, the industry hit a peak of $4.4 billion in direct spending in FY 2022, reflecting its capacity for massive economic influence. A 2023 study by Georgia State University estimated that from 2012 to 2023, production spending grew over 17% annually, generating a cumulative $29.65 billion economic impact and supporting $12.2 billion in wages over the past five years.
Production Volume
Georgia consistently hosts a high number of projects. In FY 2024, the state saw 273 productions, down from 390 in FY 2023 (31 feature films, 55 independent films, 241 TV/episodic productions, 40 commercials, 23 music videos) due to industry strikes in 2023. Even so, at any given time in early 2025, Georgia typically has 20 to 30 TV and film productions active, showcasing its ongoing role as a production hub.
Infrastructure
The state boasts over 5.6 million square feet of soundstage space as of 2024, up from 45,000 square feet in 2010, making it second only to California in the U.S. An additional 800,000 square feet came online since January 2023, with projections to reach 7 million by the end of 2025—potentially the most nationwide. Major studios like Trilith, Tyler Perry Studios, and Assembly Atlanta anchor this growth, supported by $1.28 billion in studio construction investment from 2012–2022, with nearly $3 billion more planned for 2024–2027.
Workforce
The industry employs thousands, with over 5,000 technicians and workers in Atlanta alone. A medium-budget feature film employs 150–175 locals, while larger productions hire 200–250. A 2023 study pegged total industry-related jobs at nearly 60,000 Georgians, including indirect roles like construction and hospitality, with an additional 15,400 jobs projected from planned investments by 2025.
Tax Incentives
The Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, offering up to 30% transferable tax credits, drives this scale. Without it, over 92% of productions would reportedly film elsewhere, per a 2023 study, underlining its role in attracting projects like Avengers: Endgame and Stranger Things.
In context, Georgia’s film industry outpaces most states, rivaling New York and trailing only California in production volume and infrastructure. Its $2.6 billion FY 2024 spend, while lower than the $4.4 billion peak, reflects a post-strike recovery, with experts anticipating a return to higher levels by late 2025 as new studios and projects ramp up. This blend of economic clout, infrastructure, and workforce makes Georgia a global leader in film production.
Final Word
Atlanta has become a movie mecca in recent years and Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the latter part of the year and the foreseeable future.
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.
Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
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