Industry Insider: Hollywood Of The South: How Georgia Became A Film Industry Powerhouse

Tyler perry studios

Over the past twenty years, Georgia has transformed into a Production powerhouse. While in the entertainment industry it was only known as quiet and quaint, the Southern state has blossomed into a high-functioning epicenter of film and television production. Georgia’s skyline, streets, and studios have taken center stage in global entertainment. You can find Georgia in the background of Marvel blockbusters to hit TV series. Georgia has become a booming epicenter; this article goes through the key reasons behind Georgia’s meteoric rise in the film industry and the cultural impacts that have followed.

Tax Incentives: The Catalyst Behind Georgia’s Film Boom

At the core of Georgia’s film success story is one of the most attractive tax incentive programs in the U.S. Production companies spending $500,000 or more in-state on qualified production and post-production can earn a 20% transferable tax credit. What makes this deal even better is that there is an additional 10% credit if the production includes a promotional Georgia logo—often spotted at the end of popular shows and movies like  Captain America: Civil War (2016), Creed (2015), I, Tonya (2018)

These incentives have made Georgia an easy yet gorgeous setting for studios looking to maximize budgets without compromising production value. Unlike other states, Georgia’s program has no sunset clause, no expenditure limits or pay caps on spending, and no salary caps, ensuring sustainable long-term interest for the industry.

Infrastructure and Iconic Studios

Without Georgia's splendid infrastructure, the tax incentives would not be nearly as effective. Among the most notable studios and players in Georgia's backyard is Tyler Perry Studios. The compound is almost 330 acres in the heart of Atlanta,Georgia. It was purposely put there as it has become a symbol of everything Tyler Perry stands for. Black excellence and entrepreneurship in entertainment. Tyler Perry was relatively early to build the studio; built in 2006, it was the first African American-owned studio of its kind and has 12 sound stages,one of which held scenes from the iconic Black Panther film.

Beyond Tyler Perry Studios, Georgia is home to Pinewood Atlanta Studios, which has now transformed into Trilith Studios, along with Blackhall Studios and EUE/Screen Gems—all of which play host to both significant Hollywood productions and major independent projects.

A State of Endless Backdrops

Georgia offers an abundance of different terrains, from the historic streets of Savannah to the undulating Appalachian hills and dense pine forests. Georgia offers a diverse palette of filming settings. This geographic assortment allows the state to double for virtually anything the director could want—from bustling cities to rural countrysides.

One of the most famous examples is AMC’s The Walking Dead, which transformed a small town just south of Atlanta called Senoia. It was the perfect post-apocalyptic backdrop. Today, fans from all over the world visit filming locations across the town, which is helpful for Georgia’s tourism economy.

Black Excellence On Screen and Behind the Camera

In 2024, the daytime drama series Beyond the Gates received headlines not just for its subject matter but also the tale behind its production. The series, which follows the lives of rich Black families in Atlanta, was the first of its type to be wholly written, produced, and directed by Black people, all filmed at Assembly Studios. The daytime drama series has been praised for Black cast and behind the scenes  workers, as well as flipping the daytime drama industry on its head.

This is representative of a larger trend in Georgia's entertainment industry: the state has emerged as a hotspot for varied narrative and inclusive representation, providing opportunities for creators who had previously been overlooked in Hollywood.

A Constant Stream of Productions

According to the Georgia Film Office, the state continuously hosts a variety of productions at any given time, from major network shows to independent indie films and even commercials. Recent projects include Netflix hits like Uglies, superhero franchises, and daytime staples like Divorce Court, which invites the public to pay and become part of the series as audience members in tapings in Atlanta.

This consistent influx of production significantly helps to fuel the local economy while also creating thousands of jobs for Georgians—jobs vary from construction for production to makeup artists and set designers, both creative and technical. According to state officials, the film and television industry alone generated over $4.5 billion in direct spending in a single year, which goes to show the industry's economic importance.

Local Impact and Community Involvement

What’s extraordinary about Georgia’s leap into the film industry is how deeply woven it has become into the state’s economy and the day-to-day culture. Towns and communities all over Georgia have truly embraced the film industry, with many small towns actively marketing themselves as film-friendly locations. Films and television shows love "camera ready communities" and it's helpful to both sides. Local governments and residents often enjoy having film crews and always help navigate the film process, from permitting to hospitality.

In return, productions often invest in the communities they film in. It’s not uncommon for sets to use local vendors, caterers, and small businesses, many productions even hire extras from the local community, it is often cheaper, practical and brings authenticity. Overall production stimulates regional economies and creates a sense of pride among residents.

Obstacles and the Path Forward

Despite its growth, Georgia's film industry is not without a few obstacles. Political conflicts, particularly those involving voting rules and other state-level legislation, have historically spurred demands for boycotts. While no broad sector withdrawal has happened, such disputes highlight the fragile connection between business and politics.

Additionally, workforce development is still a focus. As demand rises, so does the need for a professional and qualified workforce. Georgia has responded by expanding film academies, technical college programs, and collaborations with institutions to train the next generation of filmmakers and technicians.

The Spotlight’s here to  stay

Georgia’s rise in the entertainment world is not without reason—it’s the result of intentional policy, a unique cultural landscape, and infrastructure investment that embraces creativity and diversity. As more productions make their way to the southern state, it’s obvious that Georgia is not just a temporary stand-in for Hollywood; the state has evolved into— a permanent fixture in the global film industry.

With iconic studios like Tyler Perry paving the way and a steady flow of new narratives being told across its diverse landscapes, Georgia continues to rise. Whether you are a filmmaker, an actor, a tourist, or even just a fan, Georgia has a front-row seat to the next chapter in entertainment.