Panavision Atlanta: Film Production Gear and Support in Georgia’s Busy Capital

Atlanta has become one of the most active film and television hubs in the country, and Panavision Atlanta plays a central role in supplying the cameras, lenses, and support gear that many productions rely on.

If you live in Atlanta, are producing content here, or are coming in from out of town with a crew, understanding how Panavision fits into the local production ecosystem can help you plan your shoot more efficiently.

What Is Panavision Atlanta?

Panavision Atlanta is the regional facility of Panavision that serves productions working in and around metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia. It primarily focuses on:

• Camera rental packages (digital cinema cameras and accessories)
• Cine lenses (spherical, anamorphic, specialty options)
• Camera support gear (follow focus, matte boxes, monitors, etc.)
• Technical and prep support for camera departments

Panavision typically does not sell equipment outright; instead, it rents and custom-packages gear for narrative features, television, streaming series, commercials, music videos, and sometimes larger branded content shoots.

Because Atlanta draws a mix of major studios, independent producers, and local creatives, Panavision Atlanta often works with:

• Studio-backed shows shooting around Midtown, Downtown, and the Westside
• Productions based at or near Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Tyler Perry Studios in southwest Atlanta, and Trillith / EUE Screen Gems
• Local commercial and corporate shoots around Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and the Perimeter

Where Panavision Atlanta Fits in the Local Production Scene

Atlanta’s film infrastructure includes:

• Soundstages and studio complexes (e.g., Trilith, Tyler Perry Studios, Assembly Atlanta)
• Crew bases in neighborhoods like East Atlanta, Grant Park, and West Midtown
• Support vendors (grip/electric houses, prop shops, post facilities)

Panavision Atlanta falls firmly into the camera and lens rental category. Productions will often:

1. Book stages or locations around metro Atlanta
2. Secure crew, often drawing from the local union and nonunion talent pool
3. Source gear from specialized vendors:
   • Panavision for cameras and lenses
   • Separate rental houses for grip, lighting, and sometimes specialty rigs

For larger projects, production teams often start communicating with Panavision months in advance, especially when they need specific high-demand lenses or custom builds.

Typical Services Offered by Panavision Atlanta

Exact offerings can evolve, but Atlanta filmmakers commonly look to Panavision for:

Camera Packages

Panavision Atlanta can usually support:

• Digital cinema cameras (various high-end bodies commonly used in feature and TV work)
• Accessory kits, such as:
  • Viewfinders and monitors
  • Power distribution and batteries
  • Wireless video systems
  • On-board recorders (if separate from the body)

These are typically built into a complete package tailored to the project’s needs rather than simple “off-the-shelf” rentals.

Lens Options

One of Panavision’s main draws is its lens inventory. Productions often look for:

• Spherical lenses for a clean, modern look
• Anamorphic lenses for a wide, cinematic feel
• Specialty and vintage-style lenses for stylized or period visuals

Camera assistants and cinematographers in Atlanta frequently coordinate closely with the Panavision team to:

• Test different sets
• Match lenses to a specific “look”
• Adjust packages for different units (A-camera, B-camera, splinter unit)

Prep Space and Technical Support

Panavision facilities commonly offer:

• Prep bays / prep rooms where camera teams can:

  • Build out camera rigs
  • Test lenses and wireless systems
  • Label and organize accessories

• Technical support staff who:

  • Help troubleshoot issues in prep
  • Offer suggestions on builds or accessory choices
  • Coordinate swaps or replacements if something changes mid-shoot

This can be especially useful if you’re new to shooting in Atlanta and want to confirm everything is dialed in before heading to set.

How to Work with Panavision Atlanta

1. Getting in Touch

Most productions start by contacting the Atlanta office directly:

• Describe your project (feature, series, commercial, etc.)
• Share your shoot dates, expected locations, and format
• Provide any camera and lens preferences from the director or DP

From there, Panavision staff typically create a draft package based on your needs and budget, then refine it with your camera team.

📌 Tip: If your dates overlap with peak shooting seasons in Atlanta (often spring and fall), reaching out early increases the chance of getting your preferred gear.

2. Building a Camera Package

Common steps for Atlanta productions include:

1. Initial specs

   • Resolution / aspect ratio
   • Desired lens family or focal lengths
   • Special requirements (high-speed work, Steadicam, car rigs, etc.)

2. Quote and breakdown

   • Camera bodies, lens sets, accessories
   • Any backups or specialty pieces needed for critical days

3. On-site prep

   • Your 1st AC and team come in to build the camera(s)
   • Confirm everything is working and labeled
   • Flag any changes or additions before you roll camera

4. Pick-up and return logistics

   • Coordinate pick-up day and time
   • Plan for returns, especially if you’re wrapping late or over a weekend

What Types of Productions Use Panavision Atlanta?

In Atlanta, Panavision is commonly associated with:

• Studio and streaming series
• Feature films (both studio and larger independent projects)
• High-end commercials and branded content
• Music videos with bigger crews and budgets

Smaller independent productions sometimes also work through Panavision, especially if:

• A DP has a pre-existing relationship with the company
• The project benefits from a specific Panavision lens look or camera platform
• The production wants access to tech support and more robust prep spaces

How Panavision Atlanta Compares to Other Local Options

Atlanta has multiple camera and gear vendors. While this isn’t a comparison or ranking, it can help to understand where Panavision typically sits:

If you’re a local Atlanta filmmaker, you may choose Panavision when you:

• Are working with a DP who prefers Panavision’s ecosystem
• Need specific lenses that are unique or hard to source elsewhere
• Want deeper technical support and extensive prep time for a complex show

Planning Your Shoot in Atlanta with Panavision

When planning a project in Atlanta that might involve Panavision, consider these practical steps:

Coordinate with Other Vendors

Many productions split gear sources, for example:

• Cameras/lenses from Panavision
• Grip/electric from another local rental house
• Sound, DIT, and specialty rigs from others

Plan load-in and prep schedules so your camera team isn’t waiting on critical items from different locations.

Factor in Atlanta’s Geography and Traffic

Metro Atlanta is spread out, and traffic can be heavy, especially:

• Weekday mornings and late afternoons on I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, and GA‑400
• Around major event days near Downtown, Midtown, and the stadiums

If your gear is based at Panavision Atlanta and your shoot is at:

• Studios in Fayetteville, Union City, or Douglas County
• Intown locations in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown

Build in travel time for:

• Last-minute pickups or swaps
• Early-morning load-outs or late-night returns

Work with Local Crew

Atlanta has a large pool of crew familiar with:

• Panavision-style camera builds
• Common lens families and accessories
• Typical workflows for studio and streamer shows

Hiring local 1st ACs, 2nd ACs, and loaders who know the area and the equipment can reduce setup time and help avoid avoidable issues on set.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for a Production

If you or your production team are flying into Atlanta:

• Coordinate camera tests and prep around your travel dates, ideally with at least a full day of prep before Day 1 of principal photography.
• Ask your line producer or production manager to confirm transportation:
  • From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to your hotel
  • From your hotel to Panavision Atlanta for prep and pickups
• Check with Panavision Atlanta about:
  • Shipping or freight options if your show is traveling between cities
  • Handling returns if your final days are on location outside metro Atlanta

This can help keep your schedule on track, especially if you’re bouncing between Atlanta and another production center.

When Panavision Atlanta Might Be the Right Fit

Panavision Atlanta is often a strong option if:

• You’re shooting a scripted series, feature, or high-end commercial in metro Atlanta or greater Georgia.
• Your DP wants specific Panavision lenses or has an established workflow with the company.
• You value robust prep spaces, technical support, and custom camera builds tailored to your show.
• You’re working in or around the major studio campuses that commonly collaborate with Panavision-equipped shows.

If you’re planning a project, the most direct next step is to:

1. Clarify your project’s schedule, format, and gear needs.
2. Have your producer, line producer, or DP reach out to the Panavision Atlanta office with that information.
3. Schedule a prep session so your camera team can build, test, and sign off on all equipment before your first day on set in Atlanta.