As the Peach State continues to solidify its status as a global filmmaking powerhouse, Atlanta stands at the epicenter of it all. Dubbed “Y’allywood,” the city boasts over 4 million square feet of soundstage space across Georgia, drawing in blockbuster franchises, independent gems, and everything in between.
With diverse landscapes from urban skylines to lush forests, a robust tax incentive program, and a skilled local crew base, Atlanta’s film industry generated billions in economic impact last year alone.
This year marks another milestone: the full launch of Trilith Studios’ second phase, expanding its already massive footprint. From Marvel’s superhero spectacles to Tyler Perry’s heartfelt dramas, here’s our roundup of the top film studios fueling Atlanta’s cinematic boom.
These facilities aren’t just sets – they’re economic engines, employing thousands and transforming neighborhoods.
1. Trilith Studios: The Marvel Machine
Nestled on a sprawling 700-acre campus in Fayetteville just south of Atlanta, Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta) reigns as Georgia’s largest production facility – and the biggest outside Hollywood.
With 32 state-of-the-art soundstages and a 400-acre backlot featuring everything from New York streets to Wakandan palaces, it’s the go-to for tentpole projects.
Marvel Studios has made it a second home, filming hits like Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: No Way Home here.
Recent productions include James Gunn’s Superman and the sci-fi epic The Electric State. The Prysm Stage, a cutting-edge virtual production volume akin to The Mandalorian’s LED walls, allows for real-time CGI wizardry.
Beyond filming, Trilith doubles as a creative community with shops, restaurants, and even a Samsung Onyx LED cinema. As president Rob Parker told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it’s designed to be an “international attraction” that serves filmmakers and locals alike.
In 2025, expect even more expansions to keep the superhero cape-wearing crew buzzing.
2. Tyler Perry Studios: Empire of Storytelling
No list of Atlanta studios is complete without Tyler Perry’s 330-acre behemoth at the former Fort McPherson site in southwest Atlanta.
Acquired in 2015, this self-contained wonderland includes 12 soundstages, a replica White House, a military compound, and fully built-out neighborhoods – all ready for instant transformation.
Perry’s vision has hosted his own empire of films like Madea’s Family Reunion and series such as House of Payne, plus outsiders like Marvel’s Hawkeye and game shows including Family Feud.
What sets it apart? Perry’s commitment to diverse storytelling and opportunity. The studio employs over 500 locals and offers tours that peel back the curtain on production magic.
As Perry himself says, it’s about “creating a space where dreams can live.” In 2025, with new seasons of The Oval in the works, it’s a testament to Black excellence in Hollywood’s southern outpost.
3. Assembly Studios: Innovation on the Perimeter
Opened in 2021 in Doraville, Assembly Studios Atlanta is the fresh face of the city’s studio scene – a 200-acre complex with 19 soundstages, four filmable building facades, and ample support for base camps and greenrooms.
Owned by Gray Television, it’s engineered for efficiency, cutting down on Atlanta’s infamous traffic woes by keeping productions close to urban exteriors. Recent tenants include Seth MacFarlane’s Ted series and CBS’s Beyond the Gates.
Its one-stop-shop vibe – from superior infrastructure to on-site services – makes it ideal for mid-sized TV and film shoots. As Atlanta’s film boom accelerates, Assembly’s proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport positions it as a logistics dream for international crews.
4. Shadowbox Studios: Blockbuster Backlot Bliss
Just minutes from the airport in Ellenwood, Shadowbox Studios spans 100 acres with nine soundproofed, air-conditioned stages, expansive workshops, and a three-acre backlot perfect for exteriors.
This independent powerhouse has hosted monster-sized hits like Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Jumanji: The Next Level, proving its chops for high-octane action.
With no party walls between stages and flexible power setups for trucks and catering, it’s built for scalability.
Shadowbox’s 850,000 square feet of cutting-edge space emphasize accessibility – private jets land just 20 miles away. In a city where every minute counts, its design ensures productions “flourish” without a hitch.
5. Athena Studios: The New Kid on the Block
Launched in Buford with a sleek, modern aesthetic, Athena Studios is Atlanta’s rising star for versatile shoots. Boasting purpose-built soundstages and backlots, it welcomed its first major production in March 2024 and hasn’t slowed down.
discoveratlanta.com From indie features to franchise extensions, its flexible layout handles big and small with ease.
What makes Athena stand out? Its focus on innovation and community, offering workshops for emerging talent. As Atlanta’s infrastructure grows, expect this studio to snag more high-profile gigs in 2025.
Why Atlanta’s Studios Are Thriving
These top-tier facilities are more than concrete and lights – they’re the backbone of an industry that’s pumped over $10 billion into Georgia’s economy since 2015.
The Georgia Film Office, established in 1973, continues to lure projects with a 30% transferable tax credit, while local crews number in the tens of thousands. Challenges like post-strike slowdowns?
Atlanta’s bounced back stronger, with virtual production tech like Trilith’s Prysm Stage leading the charge.
Final Word
Looking ahead, 2026 promises even more: expansions at Assembly and new indie hubs like Areu Bros. Studios, the nation’s first Latino-owned lot adjacent to Tyler Perry’s.
Whether you’re a filmmaker scouting locations or a fan spotting stars at Lenox Square, Atlanta’s studios remind us: the South is scripting Hollywood’s next chapter.
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