Hollywood of the South: Atlanta
Written By Darragh Dandurand for LE BOOK
Boasting of countless soundstages, a talented local roster of crew and performers and significant tax incentives for on-location work, Atlanta has cemented its reputation as a major production destination of the East Coast,
Its famous nickname, “Hollywood of the South,” was coined by proud Georgian himself, Jimmy Carter. The former president saw the potential of the region to become a prolific mainstay for and in entertainment. In response, Carter went on to form the state’s first film commission in 1973, bolstering Atlanta as a marketable destination for film, television, commercial content and creativity to this day.
Atlanta, Georgia shines as a significant metropolis in the United States’ entertainment ecosystem for many reasons, among them being the fertile creative ground for supporting and inspiring both local and out-of-town projects.
As penned by Empire Communities, “Rather than recreate the charm that makes the south unique, Hollywood producers would simply go right to the source,” seeking out Atlanta for both its unique place in Southern culture, as well as its ability to seamlessly shapeshift and be mocked up for cities such as New York, Chicago, Lagos, museums in London and event fictional locations, as seen in The Hunger Games.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development tracks all productions currently filming across the state, with most creative efforts happening in Atlanta. The GDED notes that film and television alone has brought “$4 billion a year to the Georgia economy and created countless jobs in the process,” such as Netflix’s Stranger Things, the popular show Ozark, Avengers: Infinity War, and The Vampire Diaries, among countless other titles being shot around the state.
While Georgia attracts the likes of major studios and directors across the continent and abroad, it also nurtures its own, supporting homegrown and independent creatives and their work. The Atlanta Film Society “brings meaning to the moving image by championing the shared community experience, fostering the free exchange of ideas, and nurturing the development of a thriving industry,” as detailed online.
In its 47 years, the institution has created a residency for directors and an international film festival annually now invites 28,000 attendees to celebrate creativity and collaboration.
On December 3rd, LE BOOK comes to Atlanta’s Loews Hotel to present CONNECTIONS, an intimate curated showcase presenting the best of production and creativity the city has to share.