Georgia Film Stories
Georgia is one of the top film-production centers in the world, thanks to the Georgians, small businesses and engaged communities that work together to create the best climate for storytellers to succeed.
In fact, the best stories in the business are the personal stories of the Georgians who work behind the scenes — whether it’s the production that has spurred new investment in a local community, the small business that has expanded to serve the industry, or the Georgian who has obtained professional training to become a crewmember on a set. Collaborating with industry partners and Georgia’s “camera ready” contacts, the Georgia Film Office is cataloging stories in Georgia’s film industry from across the state to tell the story of how “Georgia Film Works!” Submit your own Georgia Film success story.
Small Business Stories
Small business stories spotlight the local small businesses that serve Georgia’s film industry.
Production Stories
Production stories spotlight the impact specific movie productions have had in local Georgia communities.
Georgian Stories
Georgian stories spotlight individuals working in Georgia’s film industry.
Georgia Film Academy
The Georgia Film Academy is a collaborative effort between the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia to support the workforce in Georgia’s film industry. It is affiliated with more than 25 campuses across the state and connects Georgia students with production employment.
Local talent agencies supply actors to productions large and small, but first you’ve got to get your foot in the door.
When 9-year-old Lila Jane Meadows of Roswell heard an agency, the one that gave Chandler Riggs of...
Atlanta Eats has been filming Atlanta's most delicious, interesting and one-of- a-kind restaurants for a decade. We take the approach that just because content is local, doesn't mean it can't be high quality and gorgeous...
Working in sports TV production, Rachel Fry found it difficult to raise a child and continue with extensive travel affiliated with her job. The Georgia film industry provided her with the stability to settle down and...
Before Beth Castro created a Marvel wrap-party cake that sparked international rumors she was a home-baker who wowed friends and family for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. For years, they had a delicious preview...
Navy veteran and Snellville resident, Kent Roland, always had an interest in film. He had various jobs in Atlanta after leaving the service. But it wasn’t until he took advantage of the resources with VGIFT (Veterans of...
It was a rough time for C&C Draperies, a decades-old family business in Tucker.
About a decade ago, the housing market and changing times had crumbled the old business model.
“Nobody does residential draperies anymore...
Daniel Minchew opened Studio Space Atlanta in 2008 and Atlanta Filmworks Studio in 2013, and he has been growing his infrastructure ever since. Recently, Studio Space Atlanta opened a warehouse space in Smyrna, featuring...
“I've really seen the market boom in the past few years thanks to Georgia’s film industry.” Chad Casey founded Casey Corporate Transportation in 2003, and he now employs five drivers that fulfill the transportation needs...
Dallas becomes the hometown setting for CW’s “Stargirl.” See where else the series was shot, and why a tax incentiative is just one of the many reasons “Stargirl” calls Georgia home.
After moving to Georgia from Puerto Rico to work in production rigging, Manny Rivera saw an opportunity to start his own business. Grip It Good was founded in 2015, and it supplies rigging equipment to TV and film...
After being laid off from his surveying job in 2010, Sharpsburg native John Privett started to getting work in Georgia’s film industry. One of his friends in the survey industry suggested he start working in craft...
After the recession of 2008, Luke Welden was searching for work after his family’s construction business slowed down. He found an opportunity in the film industry as a location manager for an independent film. Luke...
Terri Morales-Davis became a background actor out of curiosity. Now it's a longtime avocation that stretches the family budget.
"It pays for the little extras," says the stay-at-home mother. "It's like a paid hobby."
...
St. Simons native Sara Alread always had a dream to be a film producer, but work seemed to be scarce. After forging a career in graphic design, she found more film producing opportunities as more productions came to...
Family-owned Lightin’ Production Rentals has been serving Georgia’s film industry for nearly 40 years. However, it doubled its product line and grew to 70 employees ever since the film tax credits were passed. The...
After losing her job in special education, Jessica Lowry capitalized on the popularity of productions filming right in her backyard of Covington. She created Hollywood of the South Tours to take “Vampire Diary” fans...
For Decatur resident Nikki Dillard, following her dream to enter the film industry meant moving to a new state that has become a global leader for movie and TV production, according to officials.
Originally from Chicago...
Catering by Chef Rob was started by Robert Smith and is based in Doraville. His company handles all the catering for many productions throughout Atlanta. Since relocating to DeKalb County, Robert has created four...
Filming under the Gold Dome! "The Walking Dead" transformed the Georgia State Capitol into a dystopian museum, making it the first production set of its kind. Governor Nathan Deal even dropped by the set.
Atlanta realtor, Mary Louise Freeman, used her intimate knowledge of neighborhoods in the city to become a location scout and assistant location manager during the recession. After working on many major film productions...
Location Manager Matt Chamberlin knows firsthand the economic impact a film production can have on a local economy.
"Most people are happy to have us in town," he says. "We can have a serious financial impact on a...
John Howington prides himself on bringing Southern hospitality to film and TV productions where he provides craft services - meals and snacks to cast and crew.
"I try to operate my department like it's my Grandmother's...
Brandon Marsh was determined to develop his passion for film into a career path in his hometown of Columbus. But it wasn’t until the newly opened Georgia Film Academy began offering classes through Columbus State that he...
Myles-Anthony Johnson, age 17, asked all the right questions, and that’s exactly the point:
• How do I get involved?
• What degrees would help me get into the entertainment industry?
• What are some of the jobs that...
