Takeaways:
- Georgia maintains its top-tier status with robust tax incentives and cutting-edge studios.
- Local crew base, weather, and infrastructure give the state an edge over competitors.
- Recent legislative updates aim to keep production spend strong amid global shifts.
- Trilith and SCAD provide high-end facilities that rival Hollywood’s best.
- Despite a production slowdown, experts still consider Georgia a premier destination.
Why Georgia Is Still the Go-To Filming Location in 2025
Georgia continues to shine as a leading production hub, even as the entertainment industry grapples with slowdowns. With state-of-the-art studios, a deep pool of local talent, and unbeatable tax incentives, the Peach State remains a preferred choice for film and television professionals.
Let’s break down why Georgia is still thriving — and what’s helping it weather industry-wide challenges.
A Production Legacy Rooted in Innovation
Film producer Robert A. Halmi first came to Georgia nearly 45 years ago for a TV movie titled When the Circus Came to Town. Shot inside a literal circus tent, the production mirrored the scrappy, resourceful nature of early Georgia filmmaking.
Today, Georgia is anything but makeshift.
Thanks to a 2008 tax incentive offering up to 30% uncapped credit, Georgia has transformed into a full-scale, top-tier production environment. Major projects like By Any Means (starring Mark Wahlberg), Amazon’s Madden (with Nicolas Cage), and Apple TV+’s Cape Fear reboot (starring Javier Bardem and Amy Adams) are just a few examples of recent productions choosing Georgia.
Hollywood-Grade Studios — Without the Hollywood Price Tag
Six months ago, Halmi launched Lionsgate Studios Atlanta, a $200 million, 40-acre production campus operated by Great Point Studios. It’s part of a growing network that includes Tyler Perry Studios, Shadowbox, Three Ring, and Assembly Studios, totaling more than 4.4 million square feet of soundstage space.
Georgia also boasts cutting-edge academic partners like the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Its Savannah Film Studios offer:
- 5,500 sq. ft. of virtual production space
- Two LED volume stages
- Over 40 street facades with fully dressed interiors
According to D.W. Moffett, chair of SCAD’s Film & TV department and a veteran of Friday Night Lights, working alongside industry pros in real studio environments dramatically accelerates student growth.
Infrastructure That Supports Both Work and Life
One of Georgia’s standout advantages is Trilith Studios, a 1,000-acre production complex with built-in residential and lifestyle components. Located just 25 miles south of Atlanta, The Town at Trilith offers:
- Living spaces for cast and crew
- On-site film financing teams
- Access to top-tier VFX consulting
Trilith has hosted blockbusters like Megalopolis and Marvel titles such as Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World.
Producer Richard Suckle, who relocated from Los Angeles, describes Trilith as “a true creative ecosystem” where everything — from soundstages to support services — is seamlessly integrated.
Cost Efficiency Without Compromise
Beyond infrastructure, Georgia provides a major financial edge:
- Lower crew costs than California
- Fewer weather delays compared to New York
- A seasoned local crew base that eliminates the need for imports
“You don’t really need to bring in anybody to work on a film in Georgia,” says Halmi. “It’s all here — and it costs less.”
Adapting to Industry Contractions
While Georgia remains strong, it’s not immune to broader industry trends. After peaking at $4.4 billion in production spending in FY 2022, the figure dipped to $2.6 billion in FY 2024. The pandemic, WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and a general slowdown — dubbed the “Great Contraction” — hit hard.
Additionally, new union contracts have unintentionally pushed more productions to countries offering cheaper labor and robust incentives, such as Canada and the UK.
Yet Georgia remains optimistic.
Smart Policy Updates Keep Georgia Competitive
According to Kelsey Moore, Executive Director of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition, the state is staying ahead by fine-tuning its policies. Notable updates include:
- A streamlined tax credit audit process via the Department of Revenue
- Modernized definitions for qualifying distribution platforms (bye, LaserDiscs; hello, FAST channels)
- An extension of the post-production tax credit to 2031
“These aren’t revolutionary changes,” says entertainment attorney Stephen Weizenecker, “but they reflect smart modernization that producers appreciate.”
The Bottom Line: Georgia Isn’t Going Anywhere
Even as productions temporarily shift overseas, industry veterans like Michael Clark of Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta remain bullish:
“Georgia is still the best place for productions to be.”
Whether you’re a producer looking for cost-effective yet premium facilities, or a crew member eager to work in a vibrant, ever-growing industry hub, Georgia continues to deliver.
