Breaking Into Video Production Jobs in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Atlanta has become one of the busiest production hubs in the country, and that growth has opened the door to a wide range of video production jobs. Whether you want to work on big-budget shows shooting in Midtown, corporate videos in Buckhead, or social media content for local brands, Atlanta offers real opportunities if you know where to look and how to get started.

This guide focuses specifically on video production jobs in Atlanta, Georgia—what roles exist, where the work is, how to meet people in the industry, and practical steps you can take right here in the city.

Why Atlanta Is a Hot Spot for Video Production Work

Atlanta’s nickname, “Y’allywood,” reflects how busy production has become. The city and broader metro area host:

• Major film and TV productions
• Streaming series and documentaries
• Corporate and commercial shoots
• Music videos, live events, and branded content
• Nonprofit and educational video projects

For someone based in Atlanta, this means:

• More entry-level positions (production assistants, office PAs, runners, set assistants)
• Ongoing crew needs for long-running shows and studios
• Freelance opportunities with local production companies and agencies
• In-house jobs with Atlanta-based corporations, schools, hospitals, and media outlets

Common Video Production Jobs in Atlanta

Here are some of the most common roles people in Atlanta pursue in video production. Titles can vary a bit from project to project, but these are widely recognized.

Entry-Level & On-Set Roles

These are often the best starting points if you’re new to the industry.

• Production Assistant (PA) – The most common entry role. PAs support the crew, handle paperwork and runs, help with lockups, and keep things moving. You’ll see PAs on sets all over metro Atlanta, from downtown to Fayette County studio lots.
• Office PA – Similar to a PA, but based in the production office: answering phones, organizing documents, scheduling, and supporting production managers.
• Runner – Helps transport people, gear, and documents between locations (common on larger productions).
• Set PA / Location PA – Focused on managing the set or location, working with the Assistant Directors and Locations team.

Camera & Lighting Departments

These jobs typically require some experience, training, or a strong assistant background.

• Camera Assistant (1st AC, 2nd AC) – Supports the director of photography (DP), pulls focus, manages camera gear, and handles media.
• Camera Operator – Operates the camera under the DP or director’s direction.
• Gaffer – Head of the lighting department.
• Best Boy Electric / Grip – Second-in-command in lighting (electric) or rigging (grip).
• Grip / Electrician – Sets up lights, rigs stands and gear, manages power.

Creative & Post-Production Roles

These roles are common across both entertainment and corporate video in Atlanta.

• Video Editor – Cuts footage, adds graphics and sound, and prepares final deliverables. Many editors in Atlanta work remotely or hybrid.
• Assistant Editor – Organizes footage, syncs audio, preps timelines, and supports editors.
• Motion Graphics Designer – Creates titles, animations, lower thirds, and visual effects.
• Colorist – Adjusts color and exposure to give footage a consistent, stylized look.

Production, Planning & Corporate Roles

Atlanta’s large corporate sector also supports a steady stream of video work.

• Producer / Associate Producer – Manages schedules, budgets, and communication between clients and crew.
• Production Coordinator / Manager – Handles logistics, gear rentals, crew bookings, and call sheets.
• Content Producer / Videographer – Common in corporate, nonprofit, and agency settings; often a “one-person band” handling shooting, editing, and sometimes strategy.
• Social Video Producer – Focused on short-form content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for Atlanta-based brands.

Where Video Production Work Actually Happens in Atlanta

Video production jobs in Atlanta aren’t limited to big movie sets. Work is spread across several types of employers and areas.

1. Film & TV Studios and Production Facilities

The Atlanta area has multiple large studio complexes and smaller stages. While these studios don’t always hire directly for every role (many crew are hired by individual productions), they’re important hubs.

Examples of major studio areas include:

• Fayette County / Trilith area – A major base for large productions south of the city.
• Union City & South Fulton – Growing studio presence with multiple soundstages.
• Downtown / Midtown / Westside – Home to production offices, smaller stages, and post-production facilities.

Checking studio job boards, contacting front desks, or watching for casting/crew calls related to shows based there can help you find entry points.

2. Atlanta-Based Production Companies

Many production companies in Atlanta focus on:

• Commercials and branded content
• Corporate training and internal communications
• Live events, conferences, and streaming
• Music videos and promos

These companies often hire:

• In-house editors, producers, and videographers
• Freelance camera, audio, and grip crew
• Interns or entry-level coordinators

Searches for “Atlanta production company,” “Atlanta video production,” or specific neighborhood names (like Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur) combined with “video production” can help you build a list of companies to contact.

3. Corporate, Higher Education, and Healthcare In-House Teams

A lot of video work in Atlanta happens inside large organizations that maintain their own media or communications departments. Common local employers include:

• Universities – For example, institutions in the Atlanta University Center area or midtown campuses often have communications or marketing departments that use video producers and editors.
• Healthcare Systems – Large hospital networks in Atlanta regularly produce training and outreach videos.
• Fortune 500 & major corporations headquartered or with major offices in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter Center often have in-house video or creative services teams.

These jobs are frequently posted under titles like “Multimedia Specialist,” “Digital Content Producer,” “Creative Video Specialist,” or “Video Editor” on general job boards and the company’s own careers page.

4. News, Broadcast, and Local Media

Atlanta’s TV news and sports scene can also be a path into video work:

• Local news stations hire photographers (camera operators), editors, producers, and control room staff.
• Sports broadcasting associated with local professional and college teams can involve camera, replay, and editing work.

Search for open roles at Atlanta-based stations and media organizations and look for titles like “News Photographer,” “Editor,” “Studio Tech,” or “Production Assistant.”

Typical Job Paths for Atlanta Video Professionals

Careers in video production in Atlanta often follow a few common paths.

Path 1: Set-Based Film & TV Crew

1. Start as a PA (production assistant) on local shoots.
2. Network with a department (camera, grip, art, locations) that interests you.
3. Move into a department-specific assistant role, like 2nd AC or grip.
4. Over time, work your way up to operator, department head, or coordinator.

This path usually involves long hours, freelance work, and moving from show to show around metro Atlanta.

Path 2: Corporate / Agency Video Producer

1. Build skills in shooting and editing (often starting with personal or freelance projects).
2. Land a role as a junior editor, videographer, or digital content specialist with a company or agency.
3. Grow into producer or creative lead roles, overseeing full projects and campaigns.

This path often offers more stable hours, benefits, and a traditional office or hybrid environment.

Path 3: Freelancer / Small Business Owner

1. Start with smaller shoots for local businesses, musicians, nonprofits, or events.
2. Build a portfolio and repeat clients across metro Atlanta neighborhoods.
3. Expand into a small team, offering full-service video production.

This approach requires a mix of creative and business skills: sales, client management, and budgeting, along with production work.

Skills and Tools Commonly Expected in Atlanta Video Jobs

In Atlanta’s market, employers and clients often look for:

• Technical skills

  • Camera operation (mirrorless/DSLR, cinema cameras, or ENG)
  • Editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve
  • Basic audio recording and mixing
  • Lighting for interviews and small sets

• Soft skills

  • Reliability with early call times and long days
  • Clear communication and ability to take direction
  • Problem-solving on fast-moving sets
  • Professional behavior around talent and clients

• Local awareness

  • Understanding of Atlanta traffic patterns and travel times between key areas (e.g., Downtown to Fayette County)
  • Familiarity with common filming neighborhoods and permitting considerations

Training, Schools, and Workshops in Atlanta

You don’t necessarily need a formal degree to work in video production, but Atlanta offers several training options if you want structured learning.

Film & Media Programs

Some Atlanta-area colleges and universities offer:

• Film, media, or communication degrees that include production coursework
• Access to equipment, edit labs, and student productions
• Guest speakers and connections to local industry events

Check catalogs and course lists for programs that emphasize hands-on production experience and real-world projects.

Local Workshops and Community Resources

Atlanta also has:

• Workshops and short courses focused on camera, lighting, editing, and producing
• Community film collectives and meetup groups that host screenings, table reads, and networking events
• Equipment rental houses that sometimes host demo days or training sessions on cameras and lighting gear

These can be especially helpful if you’re trying to switch careers or build a portfolio without going back to school full time.

How to Find Video Production Jobs in Atlanta

You’ll usually use a mix of online search and local networking.

Online Job Boards and Search Terms

Look at:

• General job boards with filters for “Atlanta, GA” and terms like:

  • “Video Producer”
  • “Video Editor”
  • “Videographer”
  • “Production Assistant”
  • “Multimedia Specialist”
  • “Digital Content Producer”

• Industry-focused boards that list crew calls for Atlanta or the broader Georgia region

Use metro-area specific keywords like “Atlanta,” “Midtown,” “Buckhead,” “Decatur,” or “Fayetteville GA” (near studio complexes), depending on where you’re willing to commute.

Networking in Atlanta’s Production Community

In Atlanta, a lot of gigs—especially PA and crew jobs—are filled through networking. Helpful approaches include:

• Attending local film festivals and screenings – Many Atlanta festivals attract local directors, producers, and crew.
• Joining local film and video groups – Online community groups, meetups, and professional organizations often share crew calls and job leads.
• Connecting with classmates and instructors – If you study in Atlanta, your peers and teachers can be strong local contacts.
• Volunteering on small indie shoots – Local independent projects can be a way to gain set experience and build connections that lead to paid work.

Reaching Out to Atlanta Production Companies Directly

Instead of waiting for a public job post, many people:

1. Make a list of Atlanta production companies that match their interests (commercial, music videos, corporate, etc.).
2. Prepare a short, clear email with a link to their portfolio or resume.
3. Ask to be considered for future freelance or entry-level opportunities.

Even if nothing is available right away, your information may be kept on file for crew calls or busy seasons.

Sample Overview of Atlanta Video Job Types

Below is a simple snapshot of how some common video production roles show up in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Getting Hired in Atlanta’s Video Market

A few Atlanta-specific tips can make your search more effective:

• Be realistic about travel 🚗
  Many shoots are spread between Downtown, Midtown, the Westside, and farther south near studio complexes. Showing you understand commute times and are willing to travel can make you more attractive to hiring managers.

• Have a “set-ready” kit for PA/crew roles
  Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a small notebook, pen, phone charger, and basic tools (if appropriate for your department) are often expected on Atlanta sets.

• Build a portfolio with local work
  Even simple projects with local small businesses, nonprofits, or student groups in Atlanta help demonstrate you can manage real-world shoots.

• Respect NDAs and confidentiality
  Many bigger shoots in Atlanta require confidentiality agreements. Showing professionalism about what you share on social media can help your reputation.

• Answer your phone and check email frequently
  Crew calls often move quickly, and Atlanta productions may need last-minute replacements or additional PAs with just a day’s notice.

When You’re Just Getting Started in Atlanta

If you’re new to Atlanta or just beginning to explore video production:

1. Learn the basics – Use free or low-cost resources to get familiar with cameras, editing, and basic set etiquette.
2. Create a few sample projects – Short films, music videos for local artists, or simple branded pieces for a neighborhood business.
3. Show up where video people gather – Local meetups, screenings, and workshops give you a chance to make direct connections.
4. Apply widely, but stay organized – Track where you’ve applied and follow up politely if appropriate.

By focusing your efforts on Atlanta’s specific production landscape—from studios south of the city to corporate offices in Buckhead and Perimeter—you can find a path into video production that fits your skills, interests, and preferred work style.