Why Atlanta Is Being Called “The Next Hollywood”

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting, you’ve probably heard people call the city “The Hollywood of the South” or “the next Hollywood.” That’s not just a catchy nickname. Atlanta has become one of the most active film and television production hubs in the country, and the impact is easy to see all over metro Atlanta.

Here’s what that really means, why it’s happening, and how it affects everyday life in Atlanta.

The Big Picture: How Atlanta Became a Major Film and TV Hub

People call Atlanta “the next Hollywood” because:

• Huge studio projects are regularly filmed in and around the city.
• Major studios and production companies have long-term footprints here.
• Local streets, neighborhoods, and landmarks appear in movies and TV shows all the time.
• The local crew base, acting community, and support businesses have grown to rival traditional film cities.

Atlanta’s rise is driven by a mix of state incentives, diverse locations, infrastructure, and workforce, all layered on top of a major airport and relatively lower costs compared with Los Angeles or New York.

Key Reason #1: Georgia’s Film Tax Incentives

One of the biggest reasons Atlanta is called “the next Hollywood” is Georgia’s film tax credit program. While the rules can change over time, the basic idea has been:

• Productions that spend a qualifying amount in Georgia can earn significant tax credits.
• Those credits make it cheaper to film in the state than in many competing locations.
• To use the credits effectively, productions often set up long-term operations, not just short visits.

Because Atlanta is the state’s economic and logistical center, much of that activity lands in and around the metro area.

What this means for you in Atlanta:

• You’re more likely to see film crews, production trucks, and “no parking—filming” signs on your street.
• Local businesses—restaurants, hotels, hardware stores—often serve as vendors to film productions, bringing more money into the area.
• Some residents pick up work in background acting, security, transportation, or catering tied to productions.

If you’re curious about how the incentives are administered, the Georgia Film Office (part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development) is the main state resource:

• Georgia Department of Economic Development – Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Division
  75 Fifth Street NW, Suite 1200
  Atlanta, GA 30308
  Phone: (404) 962-4000

Key Reason #2: Major Studios and Soundstages in Metro Atlanta

Another reason Atlanta feels like “the next Hollywood” is the scale of physical infrastructure built here for film and TV.

Big Studio Campuses

Around metro Atlanta, you’ll find large studio complexes with multiple soundstages, backlots, and production offices. While individual ownership and branding can change over time, these studio campuses typically include:

• Massive soundstages where entire city blocks, interiors, or fantasy worlds can be built.
• Office space for writers, producers, and post-production teams.
• Workshops and warehouses for sets, props, wardrobe, and equipment.

Even if you never visit a studio lot, you may notice:

• Production vans and crew shuttles moving in and out of nearby neighborhoods.
• Ongoing construction related to studio expansions in the metro area.
• Increased demand for housing and short-term rentals near studio zones.

Smaller Studios and Independent Spaces

Beyond the big, headline-making campuses, Atlanta also has:

• Mid-sized studios in areas like southwest Atlanta, DeKalb County, and surrounding suburbs.
• Flexible warehouse-style spaces converted into soundstages.
• Commercial and music studios that sometimes cross over into TV and film production.

For Atlanta residents working in media or creative fields, this infrastructure means you don’t always have to move to Los Angeles to work on major sets—many key jobs now exist locally.

Key Reason #3: Atlanta Looks Like “Anywhere, USA”

Directors and location scouts like Atlanta because the city and its suburbs can play many different roles on screen.

Diverse Urban and Suburban Looks

Within a short drive, you can find:

• Downtown and Midtown skylines that can double for other major cities.
• Historic neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, and West End with distinct architectural styles.
• Modern suburbs in places like Gwinnett, Cobb, and north Fulton County that look like typical American neighborhoods.
• Industrial areas with warehouses, rail lines, and older factories, often used for action scenes or “gritty” backdrops.

Easy Access to Rural and Natural Settings

Drive just a bit outside the city and productions can film:

• Farmland and small towns that fit rural storylines.
• Forests, lakes, and rivers that work for outdoor sequences.
• Parks and natural areas in and around metro Atlanta that can stand in for many regions of the country.

For locals, this means it’s increasingly common to recognize Atlanta streets and landmarks in movies and shows—even when the story claims to be set somewhere else.

Key Reason #4: A Growing Local Workforce and Talent Pool

To be a true “next Hollywood,” a city needs more than just studios and scenery. It needs people who know how to make movies and TV shows efficiently. Atlanta has developed a large base of:

• Camera and lighting crews
• Grips and electrics
• Set designers and builders
• Costume and makeup teams
• Editors, post-production specialists, and visual effects professionals
• Local actors, extras, and voice talent

Training and Education in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta and want to get into the industry, there are several paths:

• Universities and colleges in metro Atlanta that offer film, media, or theater-related programs.
• Technical programs and workshops that focus on specific crew skills (like grip work, lighting, or production assistance).
• Community classes and local acting studios that help people prepare for auditions and set work.

Over time, many productions prefer to hire locally for at least part of their crew. This reduces travel costs and helps build a more sustainable film economy based in Atlanta rather than just imported from Los Angeles.

Key Reason #5: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Atlanta’s airport is one of the world’s busiest, and that matters a lot in entertainment.

• Cast and directors can fly in and out with frequent connections to major cities.
• Equipment shipments can move quickly by air.
• Studios can coordinate press tours, premieres, and meetings using Atlanta as a convenient hub.

For everyday residents, you might notice:

• More celebrity sightings in airport terminals, hotels, and popular dining spots.
• Increased business travel traffic connected to production schedules and events.

How the “Hollywood of the South” Boom Affects Daily Life in Atlanta

The film and TV surge touches a lot of aspects of local life.

Neighborhood Impacts

If you live in the city, you may occasionally see:

• Street closures for filming, especially in Downtown, Midtown, and historic neighborhoods.
• Temporary no-parking signs, detours, or traffic officers guiding drivers around active sets.
• Crews dressed in black, carts of equipment, generators, and catering tents.

Most productions work with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment to manage permits and community notifications:

• Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment
  City Hall – 55 Trinity Avenue SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Hall Line: (404) 330-6000

Residents often receive door hangers or flyers letting them know when and where filming will occur.

Local Business Opportunities

Businesses across the metro area may benefit from film-related spending:

• Hotels and extended-stay properties hosting cast and crew
• Restaurants and catering companies feeding large production teams
• Hardware, lumber, and rental companies providing materials for sets
• Transportation services, from truck rentals to personal drivers

If you run a small business in Atlanta, it can be worthwhile to:

• Keep a basic vendor profile or capability statement ready.
• Let local film and entertainment offices or business associations know you’re interested in working with productions.

Housing and Real Estate

Film activity can affect housing in several ways:

• Short-term demand for furnished rentals near studio areas
• Occasional use of private homes as filming locations
• Interest from out-of-state crew members and creatives who decide to relocate permanently to Atlanta

If a location scout approaches you about using your home or property, it’s reasonable to:

• Ask for identification and details about the production.
• Request information in writing about payment, insurance, and responsibilities.
• Consider speaking with an attorney or experienced location manager before signing any agreements.

What “The Next Hollywood” Means for Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta, the city’s Hollywood reputation can add some extra fun to your trip.

Seeing Real Filming in Action

You might run into active sets:

• Around Downtown, Midtown, and the Old Fourth Ward
• In historical districts, especially those with distinctive homes and streetscapes
• Near studio-adjacent areas in the metro region

If you encounter filming:

• Follow any posted instructions and respect barriers.
• Avoid taking photos where they’re clearly restricted.
• Remember that sets are workplaces, even when they look glamorous.

Recognizing Atlanta on Screen

Many visitors enjoy watching movies and TV shows that were shot in Atlanta, then spotting:

• Buildings and skyline views they just saw in person
• Familiar parks, bridges, and streets
• Atlanta-area landmarks standing in for fictional cities

Local tours sometimes highlight filming locations, but even without a tour, simply exploring the city with an eye out for recognizable backdrops can make Atlanta feel even more connected to what you see on screen.

Quick Snapshot: Why Atlanta Is Called “The Next Hollywood”

If You Want to Get Involved or Learn More Locally

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about opportunities or just want to understand the system better, a few general starting points include:

• The Georgia Film Office (through the Georgia Department of Economic Development), which provides information on the state’s film industry and incentives.
• The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, which handles local permitting and often shares guidelines for residents and businesses.
• Local acting studios, film schools, and community workshops, which can help you explore whether on-set work or performance is right for you.

As Atlanta continues to host major productions, the nickname “the next Hollywood” reflects more than just hype—it captures a real shift in where and how film and television are made, with Atlanta sitting at the center of that change.