By Cardellia Hunter
Director Cardellia Hunter
Atlanta has firmly established itself as one of the most dynamic and influential cities in the U.S. when it comes to the film and entertainment industry. The transformation of the city into a global filmmaking hub has been a collaborative effort, with significant support from the local government, the state of Georgia, and a network of industry professionals, creatives and organizations.
A key player in this transformation has been the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife, which has played a crucial role in the city’s rise as a major destination for film, television, and media production. Under the leadership of Mayor Andre Dickens and Directors Cardellia Hunter and Phillana Williams, Atlanta has seen not only an influx of Hollywood blockbusters but also a thriving ecosystem for local filmmakers, emerging talent, and a growing number of studios, facilities, and production companies.
“The Mayor's Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlifehas been instrumental in fostering a robust infrastructure for filmmakers.”
The Role of the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife
The Mayor's Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife which was formally established in 2013, works to attract and support the growth of film and television production in the region. This includes everything from helping filmmakers navigate city permitting, zoning, and other logistical aspects to ensuring the industry’s needs are met, such as workforce development, infrastructure, and film incentives.
The office has been instrumental in fostering a robust infrastructure for filmmakers. Whether it's through direct support for production or creating policies that streamline the permitting process, the mayor’s office has ensured that Atlanta remains an attractive place for film production. This has led to an explosion of film-related jobs in the region, from technical crews to actors, writers, and other industry professionals in the past. We hope to see a fresh influx of opportunities in the next two years as we are still recovering from the Writer’s strike that tragically affected many people.
Moreover, the city’s film-friendly reputation has been enhanced by a strong network of creative and business-minded individuals, ranging from local artisans to global executives. This community-building approach has been essential to the success of projects that use Atlanta as a
production hub.
How Atlanta Became a Filmmaking Powerhouse
While Georgia’s film tax incentives were one of the early catalysts for this boom, the City of Atlanta's leadership played a significant role in making the city itself an appealing place to work and live for those in the entertainment industry. The film tax credits, enacted in 2008, provided lucrative incentives for film and television productions that shoot in Georgia. This attracted major productions, from Marvel’s Avengers franchise to Stranger Things, all the way to projects that showcase the city’s diverse and unique culture. The mayor’s office of film, entertainment and nightlife has also supported smaller, independent filmmakers who might not have the same budget as Hollywood blockbusters. By offering support, fostering partnerships, and advocating for creative innovation, the city has become a mecca for independent films and a testing ground for new, exciting storytelling.
Set South Atlanta
Set South Atlanta is the community engagement platform that services the constituents who engage in or are impacted by Atlanta’s entertainment business. The mission of Set South Atlanta is to see the communities that we serve within the illustrious city of Atlanta collaborate with Atlanta’s entertainment community to sustain our worldwide leadership in film, television, and commercial production. Set South acts as the crucial link between the production companies and the constituents of the city of Atlanta which they impact.
Initiatives through Set South Atlanta provide local filmmakers and creatives an opportunity to network, collaborate and hands-on-training while contributing to the growth of the industry. Our initiative, Film Talk, focuses on quarterly activations geared towards creatives.
Under the Set South platform, our office is also responsible for ribbon cutting ceremonies where we highlight and celebrate newly established businesses. Recently, we hosted an information session for the DGA Assistant Director Training Program. This year we presented proclamations to local organizations such as RE:Imagine and Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA) for 50 years of service and commitment to the industry.
Shows and features such as Atlanta, The Walking Dead, Ozark, Black Panther, Megalopolis and Baby Driver reflect how Atlanta has become a cultural capital where stories are being told from a diverse range of voices. These projects have all helped shine a spotlight on the city. Georgia has become a base for production houses and entertainment companies that not only work on major motion pictures but also contribute to the growing diversity of stories being told in the media today. Recent and notable productions like Fight Night, Reasonable Doubt and A Man In Full were also filmed in the great City of Atlanta and the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife played a vital role in helping them make it to the big screen.
Looking Forward: Atlanta’s Future in Film and Entertainment
The future of Atlanta’s film and entertainment industry looks incredibly bright. The Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife continues to look for ways to support and grow the industry. What’s exciting is that Atlanta isn’t just benefiting from Hollywood relocating some of its operations here; the city is becoming a cultural hub for a new wave of filmmaking that embraces a range of genres, formats, and voices. From indie films to major network productions and streaming giants, Atlanta’s film ecosystem offers an innovative environment for storytelling.
Atlanta’s rise as a premier filmmaking destination is a testament to the city's commitment to fostering creativity and supporting its thriving film industry. From the proactive efforts of the Mayor's Office of Film Entertainment and Nightlife, to the growing success of local initiatives like Set South ATL, it’s clear that Atlanta is not just a place where films are made—it’s a city that is shaping the future of storytelling in the U.S. and around the world. The remarkable growth of film and television in Atlanta and Georgia highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and vision in creating a community where stories can truly shine.
