Film Production Jobs in Georgia: How to Break into Atlanta’s Booming Industry

Atlanta has become one of the busiest production hubs in the country, earning nicknames like the “Hollywood of the South.” If you’re searching for film production jobs in Georgia, most of the real action is in and around Atlanta—on soundstages, in office buildings turned production headquarters, and on location in neighborhoods all across the metro area.

Whether you already live in Atlanta, are considering relocating, or are just trying to understand how the local film job market works, this guide walks through where the jobs are, what roles exist, how to get started, and who to contact locally.

Why Atlanta Is a Major Film Production Hub

Several factors make Atlanta, Georgia a magnet for film and TV projects:

• State tax incentives draw major studios and streaming companies to film here.
• Diverse locations: city skylines, historic neighborhoods, small towns, forests, and rural areas all within driving distance.
• Established infrastructure: soundstages, production offices, equipment rental houses, and post-production facilities.
• Growing crew base: more local professionals mean productions can staff up quickly without importing entire crews.

For people living in Atlanta, this means a steady flow of film, TV, commercial, and streaming projects—and a wide range of production jobs at all levels.

Types of Film Production Jobs in Atlanta

Film production in Atlanta covers much more than just directors and actors. If you’re exploring film production jobs in Georgia centered in Atlanta, it helps to understand the main categories of work.

On-Set Production Jobs

These are the roles you’ll see on a film set, often working long hours but closely involved in the creative and logistical core of a show or movie.

Common on-set departments in Atlanta include:

• Production Department

  • Production Assistant (PA)
  • Assistant Director (AD) team (1st AD, 2nd AD, 2nd 2nd AD)
  • Production Coordinator / Assistant Coordinator

• Camera Department

  • Director of Photography (DP)
  • Camera Operator
  • 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC)
  • 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC)
  • Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)

• Grip & Electric (G&E)

  • Gaffer (chief electrician)
  • Best Boy Electric
  • Electricians
  • Key Grip
  • Best Boy Grip
  • Grips and Rigging Grips

• Sound Department

  • Production Sound Mixer
  • Boom Operator
  • Sound Utilities

• Art Department

  • Production Designer
  • Art Director
  • Set Decorator
  • Prop Master
  • Set Dressers
  • Scenic Painters

• Costume & Wardrobe

  • Costume Designer
  • Wardrobe Supervisor
  • Set Costumers

• Hair & Makeup

  • Department Head of Makeup
  • Department Head of Hair
  • Key and Additional Artists

Many Atlantans start as Production Assistants (PAs) to get experience, build contacts, and learn how a set operates.

Office and Pre-Production Jobs

Not all production work is on set. Many jobs are based in offices across Atlanta, especially in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, and surrounding studio complexes.

Examples include:

• Production Office Assistant
• Production Coordinator
• Line Producer’s Assistant
• Location Coordinator or Assistant
• Casting Assistant (often local casting offices)
• Accounting Clerk / Payroll Assistant

These roles are good fits for people with administrative, organizational, or customer service backgrounds who want to move into film.

Post-Production and Digital Media Jobs

While some post-production still happens in Los Angeles or New York, Atlanta has growing post-production and digital media work, especially for local commercials, indie films, and certain series.

Typical roles:

• Assistant Editor / Editor
• Post-Production Coordinator
• Colorist
• Sound Editor / Sound Designer
• Visual Effects (VFX) and Motion Graphics Artists

Many of these jobs can be hybrid or remote-friendly, but being in Atlanta still helps you network with local production companies and studios.

Commercial, Corporate, and Indie Work

Beyond big studio films and streaming shows, Atlanta has a large ecosystem of:

• Commercial and advertising production
• Corporate video and training content
• Music videos
• Independent films and web series

These smaller gigs often provide entry points for beginners, more creative control, and chances to build reels and resumes, even if the budgets are lower than studio shows.

Major Atlanta Studios and Production Hubs

You don’t apply “to the studio” for most jobs, but it’s useful to know where film work physically happens in metro Atlanta.

Here are some of the major production hubs where projects are regularly based:

Most crew jobs are hired per project through production companies and department heads, not through the studio’s front desk. But these hubs show where much of the production traffic is focused.

How to Find Film Production Jobs in Atlanta

1. Monitor Local Production Job Boards & Calls

In Atlanta, entry-level and day-player roles (especially PAs and background support) are often posted in:

• Local film job boards and production listings
• Casting and crew call newsletters
• Social media groups focused on Georgia film jobs

Look for posts that mention “shooting in Atlanta”, “Georgia locals only,” or specific studios or neighborhoods.

🚩 Tip: Many legitimate crew calls list:

• The production type (feature, TV series, commercial)
• Location (e.g., “Atlanta area,” “Fayetteville,” “Norcross”)
• Department or role
• Rate or “to be discussed”
  Be cautious of vague postings that request sensitive personal information upfront.

2. Work with Atlanta-Based Casting and Staffing Offices

While cast hiring is separate from crew, some Atlanta-area casting and staffing offices also circulate info about non-union PA or support roles.

You’ll also see background (extra) casting calls that are specific to Atlanta-area shoots. While background work is not the same as a crew job, it can help you:

• Get familiar with how a set functions
• Meet some crew and learn what different departments do
• Decide if set life fits your lifestyle and schedule

3. Connect with the Georgia Film Office

The Georgia Film Office, part of the state’s Department of Economic Development, is an important official resource if you live in Atlanta and want to work in film.

They maintain:

• A crew and vendor directory for professionals
• Information on training programs and career pathways
• Lists of productions filming in Georgia

Georgia Film Office – Atlanta Location
Georgia Department of Economic Development
75 5th Street NW, Suite 1200
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 962-4000

You can explore how to register as crew, see what types of skills are in demand, and learn about upcoming industry events or workshops in the Atlanta area.

4. Leverage Local Film Schools and Training Programs

If you’re new to production, Atlanta-area schools and training centers can be a bridge into the industry. Many have relationships with local productions and may help students or recent grads find:

• Set internships
• Production assistant roles
• Entry-level department jobs

Programs to look into around Atlanta include:

• Film or media programs at Georgia State University (downtown campus)
• Film and digital media offerings at Clark Atlanta University and other Atlanta University Center institutions
• Technical and continuing education programs focusing on grip, electric, production office, or post-production skills

These programs often host panels, guest lectures, and job fairs with local producers, crew members, and studio representatives.

Union vs. Non-Union Film Jobs in Atlanta

Many mid- to large-scale productions in Atlanta are union shows, especially when backed by major studios or networks. Understanding the difference between union and non-union work is important.

Union Film Work

Unions and guilds represent specific departments. In Atlanta, commonly involved unions include:

• IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) for most crew departments
• SAG-AFTRA for performers and certain stunt roles
• DGA (Directors Guild of America) for assistant directors and some production managers

Union jobs usually have:

• Standardized wage scales and overtime rules
• Health and retirement benefits through the union
• Clear job classifications and seniority systems

Getting into a union often requires a certain number of qualifying workdays on recognized productions or sponsorship from existing members. Early in your career, you may work on non-union or lower-budget Atlanta projects while you build hours and experience.

Non-Union Jobs

Smaller independent films, commercials, corporate videos, and some streaming or digital projects in Atlanta may be non-union.

Pros for beginners:

• Easier to get a first opportunity
• Less strict about prior credits or union status

Trade-offs:

• Less standardized pay and hours
• Fewer protections around overtime, turnaround, and benefits

If you live in Atlanta and are just starting out, non-union work is often where you build your resume and connections before joining a union show.

Entry-Level Atlanta Film Jobs and How to Get Them

Production Assistant (PA)

For many Atlantans, the Production Assistant role is the first paid step into film. PAs can work:

• On set (locking up areas, handling paperwork, runs)
• In the office (copies, phones, filing, scheduling)
• For specific departments (camera, art, locations, wardrobe)

To get hired as a PA in Atlanta, you typically need:

• A reliable car (many shoots are outside MARTA rail zones)
• Flexible schedule and willingness to work long days
• Basic understanding of set etiquette (being quiet, following chain of command, punctuality)

Resumes do not need to be film-heavy at first. Highlight:

• Customer service or hospitality jobs
• Event coordination or logistics
• Office admin or tech skills

Internships and Trainee Programs

Some Atlanta-area production companies, studios, or training organizations occasionally offer:

• On-set trainee positions
• Department-specific mentorships (e.g., grip, camera)
• Office internships for production or development

These are more common during busy production periods and may be advertised through:

• School career centers
• Local film organizations
• Industry networking events around the city

Networking and Building Relationships in Atlanta’s Film Community

In Atlanta, who knows your work ethic can matter as much as what’s on your resume.

Ways to build genuine connections:

• Attend local film meetups, screenings, and festivals around the city (Midtown, Downtown, West Midtown, and Decatur often host industry events).
• Volunteer or work at Atlanta film festivals or community film events, where you’ll meet filmmakers, producers, and crew.
• Join local film and media associations that host panels and workshops.

When you’re on a job:

• Show up early, stay focused, and be courteous.
• Learn names and departments; stay professional on and off set.
• Ask for permission before observing or helping in other departments; don’t overstep.

In the Atlanta market, word-of-mouth is extremely powerful. A strong first impression can lead to your next call.

Typical Work Conditions and Lifestyle in Atlanta Film Jobs

If you’re planning to build a career in film production while living in Atlanta, it helps to know what the day-to-day can look like.

Common realities:

• Long days: 12+ hour shifts are common on set.
• Early call times: You may need to drive to Fayetteville, Norcross, or other suburbs before sunrise.
• Freelance pattern: Many crew members go from project to project, with busy stretches and slow periods.
• Travel within the metro area: A reliable vehicle is often crucial; some locations are not easily reachable by public transit.

On the positive side:

• There is steady volume of production activity in metro Atlanta.
• Once established, many crew members get referred from show to show.
• You can build a solid career without relocating to Los Angeles or New York.

Using Atlanta’s Official and Community Resources

To navigate film production jobs in Georgia focused on Atlanta, it’s smart to combine official and community-level resources.

Key Official Resource: Georgia Film Office

As noted earlier:

Georgia Film Office – Atlanta Location
Georgia Department of Economic Development
75 5th Street NW, Suite 1200
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 962-4000

The office can help you understand:

• The overall film job landscape in Georgia
• Where training and workforce initiatives are concentrated
• How to list yourself in the state’s crew resources once you have experience

Community and Education Resources

Around Atlanta, look for:

• Local colleges and universities with film, media, or digital arts programs
• Continuing education and technical colleges that offer hands-on training in lighting, grip, and production
• Workshops and bootcamps held at or near studio complexes, focusing on safety, set etiquette, and specific crafts

These resources are especially valuable if you’re changing careers, new to the city, or wanting to turn a hobby into full-time work.

Is Atlanta a Good Place to Relocate for Film Work?

If you’re considering moving to Atlanta for film production jobs, here are key points to weigh:

Advantages:

• High volume of TV, film, and commercial projects shooting in and around the city
• Lower cost of living than some other major film hubs
• Range of entry points: from PA roles to office jobs, commercials, and indie projects
• Active network of local professionals who live full-time in the metro area

Challenges:

• Competition for the most desirable roles or departments
• Freelance nature of work—income can fluctuate
• Transportation demands if you don’t have a car
• Long-hour culture on many sets

Many people successfully build sustainable careers in Atlanta’s film industry, but it often takes:

• 1–3 years of steady networking and experience
• Flexibility about initial roles and projects
• A financial cushion or side income during slower periods

Practical Next Steps If You’re in Atlanta and Want Film Production Work

If you’re ready to take action in Atlanta:

1. Clarify your first target role

   • Entry-level on-set: aim for PA roles.
   • Office-inclined: aim for production office assistant or coordinator support.

2. Learn basic set etiquette and terminology

   • Understand roles, call sheets, walkie-talkie etiquette, and safety basics.

3. Prepare a film-focused resume

   • Highlight relevant non-film experience (events, logistics, office work, hospitality).
   • Add any student films, shorts, or volunteer projects you’ve supported in Atlanta.

4. Use local resources

   • Contact or review information from the Georgia Film Office in Atlanta.
   • Explore Atlanta-area training programs or workshops that connect directly to local productions.

5. Stay flexible and open

   • Be willing to take day-player or short-term jobs.
   • Consider work on commercials, corporate shoots, and indie projects as you build your network.

By focusing specifically on Atlanta’s production hubs, local resources, and common hiring paths, you can position yourself for real opportunities in Georgia’s film industry without leaving the metro area.