Acting Jobs in Atlanta: How to Find Work in the “Hollywood of the South”

Atlanta has become one of the busiest film and TV production hubs in the country, which means there are real opportunities for actors at all levels—from total beginners to seasoned professionals. If you live in Atlanta, are thinking about moving here, or are visiting and want to work while you’re in town, it helps to understand how acting jobs in Atlanta actually work.

This guide walks you through where roles come from, how to get hired, who to contact, what to expect on set, and how to stay safe and realistic in Atlanta’s entertainment market.

Why Atlanta Is a Major Spot for Acting Jobs

Atlanta is often called “Hollywood of the South” because:

• Many major films and TV series shoot in and around the city.
• Georgia’s production tax incentives continue to attract studios.
• There’s a strong ecosystem of casting directors, agents, studios, and training programs.

For actors, that translates into:

• Background (extra) work on big productions.
• Co-star and guest roles on television series.
• Principal roles in films, commercials, industrials, and web content.
• Voiceover opportunities for animation, games, and corporate work.

The majority of jobs are booked through casting calls, talent agencies, and local casting companies, so knowing how to plug into these systems is essential.

Types of Acting Jobs Available in Atlanta

1. Background and Extra Work

Background work (often called “extras”) is one of the easiest ways to get on set in Atlanta, especially for beginners.

Typical background opportunities:

• Big studio movies filming in Midtown, Buckhead, or around Tyler Perry Studios and Trilith Studios (in nearby Fayetteville).
• TV shows filming in Downtown Atlanta, West Midtown, or neighboring cities like Decatur, Conyers, and Douglasville.
• Commercials and music videos that need crowd scenes.

Pros:

• No experience usually required.
• Good way to learn how sets work.
• You may work multiple days on a single project.

Things to know:

• You’re often hired for your look, age range, and availability.
• Days can be long (10–14 hours), and call times may be very early or very late.
• Pay rates are usually a day rate plus possible overtime.

2. Principal Roles (Film and TV)

Principal roles include speaking parts like co-stars, guest stars, and leads.

These jobs usually come through:

• Atlanta talent agencies.
• Direct submissions to casting offices.
• Occasional open calls for specific roles.

You may audition for:

• Network and streaming TV shows filming in or near Atlanta.
• Studio and independent films.
• Made-for-TV movies.
• Web series and streaming projects based in the city.

Expect:

• Self-taped auditions (very common in Atlanta).
• Occasional in-person callbacks at casting offices, usually in Midtown, Buckhead, or nearby areas.
• Contracts handled through your agent or directly with production for non-union work.

3. Commercials and Industrials

Atlanta’s business scene creates steady demand for:

• Regional and national commercials.
• Corporate training videos (industrials).
• Healthcare, education, and government informational video projects.

These can be well-paying, short-term gigs and may shoot at:

• Local production studios in West Midtown or Chamblee.
• Corporate campuses around Perimeter Center, Alpharetta, or Cumberland.

4. Theatre and Live Performance

While film/TV is big, Atlanta also has a strong theater community, which can help you build your craft and resume.

Common opportunities:

• Equity and non-Equity productions at established theaters.
• Smaller black box theatre shows.
• Staged readings and new work festivals.

Acting in theatre can be a gateway to:

• Meeting local directors and casting professionals.
• Getting referred for on-camera work.

Where Atlanta Acting Jobs Are Posted

Most acting work in Atlanta is not found by walking into a studio. It comes from organized casting channels. You’ll typically see:

• Casting websites and databases that list projects shooting in Atlanta.
• Social media posts from Atlanta-based casting offices/companies.
• Email lists/fan pages specific to Georgia productions.

Look for language like:

• “Casting in the Atlanta area”
• “Local hire only – must work as an Atlanta local”
• “Work date: shooting in Atlanta or surrounding areas”

⚠️ Be cautious of any posting that asks for large upfront fees, unsecured personal info, or seems vague about the project. Reputable Atlanta casting notices usually share at least the project type (TV, film, commercial), pay range/union status, city, and shoot dates.

Working With Atlanta Talent Agencies

For principal film/TV/commercial roles, getting an Atlanta-based agent is often the most effective path.

What Atlanta Talent Agents Typically Do

A legitimate agent will:

• Submit you for film, TV, commercial, and voiceover jobs casting in Atlanta and the Southeast.
• Help you understand contracts, rate quotes, and usage.
• Take a commission from paid bookings (commonly a percentage of your pay), not an upfront enrollment fee.

How to Approach Agencies in Atlanta

To seek representation, you’ll usually need:

• Headshots that look like you and meet industry standards.
• A professional resume (include classes, theater, student films, and special skills).
• One or more acting clips or a demo reel (self-taped scenes can work when starting out).

Then:

• Visit the agency’s official website to check submission instructions.
• Submit via email or online forms, exactly as requested.
• Be patient and realistic: top Atlanta agencies receive many submissions and may only respond if interested.

Red Flags

Be wary if someone in Atlanta:

• Demands large upfront payments to “represent” you.
• Guarantees you roles in specific shows or movies.
• Pressures you to use only their paid photographer or classes as a condition of representation.

Legitimate agencies in Atlanta earn primarily from commissions when you book work, not from charging actors to join.

Casting Directors and Studios in Atlanta: How They Fit In

You’ll often hear about Atlanta-area studios and casting offices. They are usually not places you just walk in and ask for a job.

Common patterns:

• Casting directors in Atlanta work for production companies; they send out breakdowns and review submissions from agents and sometimes direct submissions.
• Studios like big production campuses generally do not directly hire actors; they host productions that do the hiring through casting.

You might:

• Audition at casting offices in Midtown, Buckhead, or nearby neighborhoods.
• Work on sets built at studio facilities in south metro Atlanta or warehouse-style lots around the metro area.

Building Your Acting Resume in Atlanta

If you’re newer and don’t yet have credits, there are realistic ways to start building experience in Atlanta:

1. Student and Independent Films

• Seek out projects connected to Atlanta-area film programs and independent filmmakers.
• These often shoot on weekends or short blocks and can give you material for a reel.

2. Local Theatre and Showcases

Participating in:

• Community or semi-professional theatre.
• Short-run productions, staged readings, and festivals.

This helps with:

• On-your-feet practice.
• Networking with directors, writers, and other actors.

3. Acting Classes and Workshops

Reputable Atlanta studios and acting schools:

• Offer on-camera technique, scene study, improv, and audition classes.
• Sometimes host industry nights, showcases, or taping services.

Look for:

• Instructors with a consistent presence in the Atlanta market.
• Programs that focus on real-world audition and set expectations, not just theory.

Self-Taping and Auditions in Atlanta

Atlanta is known as a self-tape-heavy market. Many auditions never go in person.

What You’ll Commonly Need

• A simple self-tape setup:
  • Neutral background (blank wall works).
  • Reasonable lighting (soft, even, not harsh).
  • Clear audio (phone or camera close enough; quiet room).
• Ability to follow very specific taping instructions from casting.

In-Person Auditions

You may still occasionally have:

• Callbacks at casting offices.
• Chemistry reads or producer sessions in office spaces or small studios.

These are usually scheduled appointments; walking in without one is not standard practice.

Pay, Work Conditions, and Union vs. Non-Union

How Actors Are Paid in Atlanta

Common setups include:

• Day rate or half-day rate for film, TV, and commercial work.
• Overtime if you work past a certain number of hours.
• Buyouts and usage terms for commercials (how long and where your spot will run).

You’ll often be hired as:

• A local hire, meaning you’re responsible for your own travel and lodging, even for bigger productions.

Union (SAG-AFTRA) vs. Non-Union Work

In Atlanta, you’ll see:

• Union projects (SAG-AFTRA) with standardized rates and protections.
• Non-union projects with varied pay and conditions.

If you’re considering joining the union or working on a union project, it’s important to:

• Understand membership rules and how they may affect your ability to work non-union.
• Be clear about the status of every job you accept.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams in Atlanta’s Acting Market

Because Atlanta’s industry is busy, there are also opportunists looking to profit from hopeful actors.

Basic safety guidelines:

• Do not pay large fees to be “cast” in a role.
• Do not share sensitive personal information like full Social Security number or banking details by text or unsecured email at the inquiry stage.
• Be cautious with any “audition” that takes place in a private residence, hotel room, or unmarked location without clear production info.
• For minors, a parent or guardian should be involved in all communication and on set as required.

If something feels off, you can:

• Ask clear questions about the company, project, and pay.
• Decline politely and seek other opportunities.

Practical Steps to Get Started With Acting Jobs in Atlanta

Here’s a simple roadmap if you’re in or near Atlanta and ready to act:

If You’re Visiting Atlanta but Don’t Live Here

If you’re only in Atlanta temporarily but want to work:

• Look for jobs that accept “Atlanta local hire” and that you can realistically attend during your stay.
• Keep in mind that casting and shoot schedules can change quickly, so flexibility matters.
• If you’re from another market, you can still self-tape for Atlanta-based roles if the breakdown allows remote or out-of-town talent, but productions often prefer those already in or near the metro area.

Key Takeaways for Acting Jobs in Atlanta

• There is genuine, ongoing acting work in the Atlanta metro area.
• Background work is often the easiest entry point if you’re new.
• Most principal roles are funneled through Atlanta casting offices and talent agencies, with heavy use of self-taped auditions.
• Building a foundation—training, headshots, reel, resume—makes a real difference in this market.
• Staying realistic, professional, and cautious about scams helps you focus on real opportunities instead of distractions.

If you’re based in Atlanta or planning to be, treating acting as a craft and a business will give you the best chance to tap into the city’s busy production scene and find work that matches your goals.