Why Hollywood is Old News—Georgia Rises as the New Creative Capital.
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Mar 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 8
By Sahndra Fon Dufe
Mayor Andre’s Georgia Film Day 2025 Reveals How Georgia’s Production Partnership Fuels USD $2B Local Boom.
If you still think Hollywood is the heartbeat of film and television, you should update your script. Because let’s be real, Georgia is where steady magic is happening, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
“In 2023, Georgia surpassed New York in square footage of film stage space and remains #2 in the country behind California. 2023 also marked the 50th anniversary of the Georgia Film Office and ushered in $4.1 billion spent on production in the state.”
At the Georgia Production Partnership’s (GPP) Georgia Film Day Celebration, held at Atlanta City Hall and hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens, the energy was electric. One thing was clear to both industry veterans and local business owners: the film industry isn’t just a flashy trend here; it’s a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, culture, and identity.
“There’s so much in this diverse ecosystem of the film and entertainment industry… and at the heart of that is the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment and Nightlife, managing the city's role in this industry.”
- Mayor Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta
He highlighted the city's commitment to streamlining the permitting process, facilitating employment opportunities, and fostering education and training programs for young people. The next generation is poised to set sail in this vibrant industry. “As we look to the future, we’re really excited about all the advancements coming for this industry,” he continued. “Whatever it takes, wherever it’s going to come, Atlanta is committed to being a place where creativity can truly thrive, businesses can flourish and develop, and opportunities can grow right here.”
Spotted in the crowd were several notable figures from the creative industry. Atlanta-based actors Rolonda Rochelle, Anisa Nyell Johnson, and Dwayne Boyd, along with acclaimed director Coke Daniels, brought local star power to the event. Also in attendance were Miss Teen Georgia, Carrington Manous, and Nollywood superstar Jide Kene Achufusi, joined by a dynamic mix of rising talents and established names in film and television.
Images: SHOOTWORKS | Red Carpet pictures from Georgia Film Day 2025
The Unveiling
In good company, Mayor Andre Dickens and Cardella Hunter unveiled the Set South Atlanta Locations Booklet yearbook cover. Available digitally, this comprehensive guide showcases the diverse filming locations Atlanta has to offer. Covering everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the booklet serves as a valuable resource for independent filmmakers and major film productions alike.
From Underdog to Industry Powerhouse
Thirty years ago, Georgia was hardly the cinematic hotspot it is today. Sure, we had Gone with the Wind, but beyond that, the Peach State wasn’t exactly on Hollywood’s radar. Fast forward to today, and Georgia is home to blockbuster franchises (Black Panther, Stranger Things, The Walking Dead—ever heard of them?). The state’s film industry has grown into a billion-dollar behemoth, pumping over $4.4 billion in direct spending into the economy in 2022 alone. Yes, billion. With a ‘B’.
For over 50 years, the Georgia Film Office has been the backbone of the state’s booming entertainment industry, and Deputy Commissioner Shannon Lee Thomas made it clear just how pivotal its role has been. "Our office was started in 1973 by Ben Gubler and Jimmy Carter," she shared, noting that Georgia was among the first states to actively market itself as a film destination. From location scouting to tax credit certification, the office has helped shape the state into a production powerhouse. The numbers don’t lie—before Georgia introduced its enhanced film tax incentives in 2008, the industry’s direct spend was just $135 million. Fast forward to 2022, and that number skyrocketed to $4.4 billion in a single year. While the industry experienced a slowdown in 2023, Thomas reassured the crowd that Georgia remains well-positioned for success, thanks to its diverse locations, infrastructure, and unmatched quality of life. With major projects like The Good Doctor, Judgment Day, (with Zac Efron and Will Farell) and Regretting You ((with Dave Franco, Willa Fitzgerald) currently in production, the state’s film slate is picking up once again. "Let’s keep this program going," Thomas urged, reinforcing Georgia’s commitment to staying at the top of the film game.
Thomas has contributed to hundreds of Georgia-based film and television productions, with credits including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ozark, The Staircase, Hidden Figures, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Blind Side, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, among many others. Georgia continues to be a powerhouse for blockbuster hits beloved by global audiences, with standout titles like Cobra Kai, Will Trent, and Stranger Things filmed right here in the state.
We’re Not Household Names, But We’re Heads of Households
One of the most striking statements from last night’s event came from Eric Goins, actor, director, writer and SAG-AFTRA Atlanta local President, representing 4,000 members across the Southeast.
“We are not household names, but we are heads of households.”
- Eric Goins, SAG-AFTRA Local President, Atlanta
He drove home the point that the film industry isn’t just about A-list actors. It’s about the thousands of people—makeup artists, set designers, caterers, transport workers, accountants—who find stability, purpose, and a paycheck in this ever-growing sector.
While addressing the crowd, local actress Anisa Nyell Johnson—known for her work on Black Lightning, The Resident, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Reasonable Doubt, and Echoes—shared her journey in Georgia’s thriving film industry.
“Over the years, I've had the privilege of working on numerous projects and watching the industry evolve, seeing how vital our state infrastructure and talent pool have become to productions of all sizes.”
- Anisa Nyell Johnson
Johnson, who currently stars in Found on NBC, expressed gratitude for being part of a show that sheds light on a critical issue: the more than 600,000 people reported missing in the U.S. each year, particularly within underserved communities. “Being part of this show and telling these important stories here in Georgia has truly been a dream of mine,” she added.
The Ripple Effect—When Film Thrives, Georgia Thrives
Think film is just for movie buffs? Think again. When a production comes to town, local businesses boom. The ripple effect extends beyond the studios—restaurants, hotels, mom-and-pop shops, and even car rental services see a surge in revenue. As Darius Evans put it, “This industry doesn’t just create jobs; it sustains entire communities.”
The Black Film Wire caught up with Darius Evans, Co-President of the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), who emphasized the importance of community for artists moving to Georgia. "The unique thing about the state of Georgia is that we have this really large and really robust but close-knit community of creators," he shared. Whether newcomers or seasoned professionals, there are always connections to be made, with organizations like GPP, WIFTA, and the Black Entertainment Economic Coalition providing vital support.
“We just love on each other as a community,” Evans added. “And that’s what sets us apart from anywhere else.”
- Darius Evans
Georgia’s Secret Sauce—Tax Incentives & Talent Development
So what’s the secret behind Georgia’s meteoric rise? Two words: tax incentives. The state’s competitive tax breaks have made it irresistible for major studios, but it doesn’t stop there. Organizations like the Georgia Film Academy are investing in capacity-building—training locals to step into crew roles, fostering homegrown talent, and ensuring that Georgia isn’t just a filming location but a film powerhouse.
The Hero & The Villain? The Writer Decides.
One entertainment attorney and industry expert summed it up best: “At the end of the day, the difference between the hero and the villain is the writer.” And Georgia is writing its own success story—one that proves the creative industry here isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving.
With leadership from Mayor Dickens, the support of organizations like GPP, SAG-AFTRA, and Fulton County’s ongoing commitment to the arts, Georgia’s film industry isn’t just an alternative to Hollywood—it’s becoming the standard. And if you’re not paying attention, you’re missing out on the next big blockbuster.
So, Hollywood, take a seat-- Georgia is rolling the credits on the old way of doing things and scripting a future where creativity, opportunity, and economic growth take center stage.
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