Exploring Pullman Yards: Atlanta’s Historic Filming Complex and Creative Playground

Pullman Yards has quickly become one of Atlanta’s most recognizable filming locations and a major hub for arts, culture, and entertainment. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or just want to understand how the film and TV scene works here, Pullman Yards is a great example of how old industrial spaces are being transformed into creative powerhouses.

What Is Pullman Yards?

Pullman Yards (officially known as the Pullman Yards / Pratt-Pullman District) is a historic industrial complex in the Kirkwood/Edgewood area on Atlanta’s east side.

Originally built in the early 1900s as a rail car assembly and repair facility, the site has evolved into:

  • A working film and TV production complex
  • A venue for immersive art experiences and exhibitions
  • A live event and concert space
  • A location with restaurants, bars, and seasonal attractions

For Atlanta, it’s both a film-friendly backlot and a public destination, which sets it apart from many closed studio lots around the metro area.

Where Is Pullman Yards and How Do You Get There?

Location:

  • Pullman Yards
  • 225 Rogers Street NE
  • Atlanta, GA 30317

It’s situated on the Eastside, near Kirkwood, Edgewood, and Candler Park, not far from the East Lake and Inman Park neighborhoods.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

  • By car:

    • Accessible from I-20 (exit toward Moreland Ave) and local surface streets.
    • Street parking and on-site parking options may vary by event; it’s smart to check event details in advance.
  • By MARTA:

    • The closest MARTA rail stations are typically Edgewood/Candler Park or East Lake, then a short rideshare or bike/scooter ride away.
    • Several bus routes in the area may drop you within walking distance depending on your starting point.
  • By bike/scooter:

    • The eastside is relatively bike-friendly, and Pullman Yards is not far from popular intown corridors.

Why Pullman Yards Is a Big Deal for Film and TV in Atlanta

Atlanta is known as the “Hollywood of the South,” and Pullman Yards is one of the most visually distinctive complexes used in that industry.

A Unique Look for Productions

The site offers:

  • Historic brick buildings and industrial warehouses
  • Open lots and rail tracks that can stand in for factories, train depots, or gritty urban backdrops
  • Large interior spaces that can be dressed for many time periods and genres

Because of this, you may see Pullman Yards in:

  • Feature films
  • Streaming series
  • Music videos and commercials
  • Photo shoots

The exact list of productions changes regularly, but locals often recognize shots from Pullman Yards in thrillers, sci-fi, period pieces, and action scenes.

A Hybrid Role: Production Hub and Public Venue

Unlike closed studio campuses, Pullman Yards aims to be:

  • A functioning set location for Atlanta’s professional film and TV industry
  • A public cultural venue with events, art installations, and food options

For residents and visitors, this means you can walk through parts of the same complex where professional crews film, while still respecting restricted areas and production schedules.

Visiting Pullman Yards as a Film & TV Fan

If you’re in Atlanta and interested in the film scene, Pullman Yards is one of the more accessible ways to see a filming environment up close without being on a private lot.

What You Can Typically Do On-Site

Experiences may change over time, but visitors often find:

  • Immersive exhibitions and art shows
    • Rotating, themed installations (sometimes tied loosely to pop culture, history, or art)
  • Live concerts and performances
    • Indoor and outdoor shows, often featuring touring acts and local talent
  • Film-inspired events
    • Occasional screenings, themed nights, or seasonal experiences
  • Food and drink
    • Bars, food stands, or pop-up concepts depending on what’s currently active

While not every activity is film-related, the overall environment leans heavily into creative, cinematic, and experiential themes.

Can You See Filming Happening?

You may occasionally spot:

  • Production trucks and trailers
  • Crew members moving equipment
  • Areas temporarily blocked off for shooting

However:

  • Active sets are closed to the public for safety and confidentiality.
  • You usually cannot walk onto a working set or interact with cast/crew unless you’re officially hired or invited.
  • Certain walkways or buildings may be off-limits during production days.

If your goal is to catch filming from a distance, your best bet is to:

  • Visit on busy filming days (weekdays are often more active)
  • Respect all posted signs, barricades, and staff instructions

Pullman Yards vs. Other Atlanta Film Locations

Atlanta has many filming sites, but Pullman Yards stands out in a few ways:

FeaturePullman YardsTypical Studio Lot (e.g., in Metro ATL)
Public accessOften open for events and activitiesUsually closed to general public
Historic characterEarly 1900s rail complex, industrialVaries; many newer or more generic
Location in cityIntown, Eastside AtlantaOften in suburbs or industrial zones
Type of experience for visitorsEvents, art, food, seasonal offeringsUsually only accessible for work/tours

For someone who lives in or is visiting Atlanta, Pullman Yards offers a blend of film history, live culture, and neighborhood vibe that’s easier to experience than many other working sets.

How to Explore the Film Side of Pullman Yards

If you’re specifically interested in the film and TV aspect, here are practical ways to make the most of a visit:

1. Look for Film-Themed Events or Experiences

Occasionally, Pullman Yards or partner organizers may host:

  • Screenings or special showings
  • Behind-the-scenes talks featuring local filmmakers or crew
  • Immersive experiences loosely inspired by film genres or storytelling

These offerings change often, so it helps to check current schedules before you go.

2. Combine Your Visit with Other Atlanta Film Activities

To get a better sense of the city’s broader film scene, consider pairing Pullman Yards with:

  • Downtown and Midtown filming spot walks
    Many superhero, action, and TV scenes are shot near Peachtree Street, Five Points, and around major office towers.

  • Guided film location tours
    Some Atlanta-based tour operators run “movie and TV tours” that showcase filming sites used in high-profile productions.
    While they might not always include Pullman Yards, they help you spot familiar locations across the city.

  • Self-guided exploration of filming-heavy neighborhoods
    Areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and select neighborhoods around the BeltLine often show up on screen.

Practical Tips If You’re Planning a Visit

To make your trip smoother, especially if you’re coming from another part of Atlanta or out of town:

Check Current Events and Hours

Pullman Yards is event-driven. Before you go, it’s helpful to:

  • Confirm what’s happening that day (exhibits, concerts, special events)
  • Note any ticketing requirements, time slots, or age restrictions
  • Plan for crowds and parking if a large event is scheduled

Dress and Plan for the Setting

The complex includes both indoor and outdoor spaces:

  • Wear comfortable shoes; you may walk on gravel, concrete, and uneven surfaces.
  • Be prepared for weather changes if you’ll be outside for long periods.
  • For nighttime events, consider light layers; large industrial spaces can feel cooler.

Respect Production Areas

If you see signs of filming:

  • Stay behind barriers and respect all signage.
  • Avoid photographing cast and crew in restricted zones.
  • Follow directions from on-site staff or security.

This keeps you safe and helps maintain Atlanta’s strong reputation as a film-friendly city.

How Pullman Yards Fits into Atlanta’s Arts, Culture, and History

For locals, Pullman Yards symbolizes more than just film shoots:

  • It reflects Atlanta’s industrial past, especially its role in rail and manufacturing.
  • It showcases how historic preservation and creative reuse can work together.
  • It supports the city’s growing arts and entertainment economy, from filming to live events and experiential art.

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s cultural landscape, Pullman Yards sits at the intersection of:

  • Film and TV production
  • Historic architecture
  • Neighborhood revitalization
  • Contemporary arts and nightlife

Nearby Atlanta Spots to Round Out Your Day

To turn a Pullman Yards visit into a full Atlanta arts-and-film outing, consider nearby areas:

  • Kirkwood & Edgewood

    • Local restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
    • Walkable streets and neighborhood character
  • Little Five Points & Candler Park

    • Vintage shops, record stores, and indie boutiques
    • Street art, murals, and an alternative arts scene
  • Eastside BeltLine Trail (Inman Park/Reynoldstown access)

    • Public art installations
    • Additional food and drink options
    • A sense of how Atlanta blends outdoor space, development, and creativity

These intown neighborhoods give you a broader feel for the creative energy that supports Atlanta’s film and TV ecosystem.

If You’re Interested in Working in Film at Places Like Pullman Yards

For Atlanta residents curious about entering the industry and possibly working on sets that use Pullman Yards:

  • Look into Georgia film job boards, local crew listings, and training programs.

  • The Georgia Film Office, part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (located in Downtown Atlanta), provides information about production activity and industry resources.

    • Georgia Film Office
      75 5th Street NW, Suite 1200
      Atlanta, GA 30308
      Main phone line information is usually available through the state’s central directory.

While Pullman Yards itself does not typically function as a “walk-in hiring center,” productions that film there may hire through local casting agencies and crew networks based in Atlanta.

Pullman Yards is one of the clearest examples of how Atlanta blends history, film production, and public culture in one place. Whether you’re a film buff, a curious local, or a visitor trying to understand why so many shows and movies are made here, spending time at this filming complex gives you a very Atlanta-specific window into the city’s creative engine.