Georgia Emerges as Hollywood of the South, Boosting Film Industry with $2.6 Billion in Spending

Welcome to Georgia: The Hollywood of the South!

Have you ever walked through Georgia and thought to yourself, “This looks familiar?” If you’ve caught yourself doing this while binge-watching shows like The Walking Dead or Cobra Kai, you’re not alone! Georgia, known as the Peach State, has been rolling out the red carpet for filmmakers for years. And it’s not just on screen—the economy is getting a juicy boost, too!

Lights, Camera, Action!

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the film industry in Georgia is booming, with a whopping $2.6 billion spent on filming during the fiscal year 2024 alone! That’s right—Georgia has become quite the movie-making destination. Over the last three fiscal years, the Peach State has raked in about $11 billion with the camera rolling.

Interestingly, while Georgia’s film scene thrives, the global production landscape is experiencing a bit of a slump. Reports show a 17 percent decrease in film projects compared to last year. The disruption caused by the Hollywood strikes last December also sent ripples through the industry. Nonetheless, Georgia remains a champion, with a staggering 273 productions filmed between July 2023 and June 2024. Talk about resilience!

Star-Studded Productions

Georgia isn’t just about the big numbers—it’s also about big stars! The state has rolled its scenic landscapes into memorable backdrops for many box office hits. Remember Tom Hanks’ unforgettable performance in Forrest Gump? Yep, that was filmed in stunning Savannah! Or how about Jason Bateman hanging out in Ozark? The towns of Braselton and Atlanta set the stage for his gripping tale.

Some of the state’s most recognizable filming locations include the Fox Theatre and the iconic Varsity diner. Want more? Check out the beautiful Sweetwater Creek State Park, vibrant downtown Athens, and coastal charm of Tybee Island. And who could forget the charming Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette, which brought the heartwarming tale of Fried Green Tomatoes to life?

A Winning Streak in the Film Arena

In a sweet victory for the Peach State, Business Facilities Magazine ranked Georgia as the No. 1 state for film and television for the second year in a row in its 2024 report. Right on Georgia’s heels are Louisiana and New Mexico, but it’s clear that Georgia has something special to showcase.

Georgia Film Office Director Lee Thomas said it best: “Georgia has the whole package for productions, including world-class production facilities and a deep local crew base.” The best part? The Georgia Film Academy is preparing locals for exciting careers in the industry, ensuring that the Peach State remains vibrant and connected to Hollywood.

What’s on the Horizon?

Many beloved series continue their journey in Georgia, including Will Trent and Tyler Perry’s All the Queen’s Men. Plus, fans can look forward to new highlights such as NBC’s Grosse Pointe Garden Society. It’s safe to say, whether you’re a film buff or simply appreciate the occasional celebrity sighting, there’s never a dull moment in Georgia!

So, the next time you catch a film or series that feels like home, take a moment to remember that it might just be the magical landscapes of Georgia leading the way. With everything happening in the creative hub, we can safely say that the Peach State is not just sweet—it’s spectacular!