With 455 movie and television projects in the 2018 fiscal year and over $9.5 billion in economic impact, the Georgia film industry has transformed the Atlanta economy and bolstered the real estate market and employment rate. With so many film projects and new job opportunities, it’s no wonder that Georgia has become known as the Hollywood of the South.

Popular shows such as The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, and the Real Housewives of Atlanta are shot in Georgia, as well as many blockbuster films. With the opening of Pinewood Studios in 2014, many Marvel movies were shot in Georgia including Ant Man, the Avengers movies, Black Panther and Captain America. As actors, producers and other film industry professionals have moved to Georgia, Atlanta and the surrounding areas have enjoyed new employment opportunities for locals provided by the growing number of productions.

What are film tax credits?

A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the income tax owed to the federal and/or state government. Beginning in the 1990’s, many US states have offered film companies incentives to encourage in-state film and television productions. It is estimated that the state of Georgia spent $10.3 million on film incentives in 2005, and that number increased to $140.6 million and $504 million in 2010 and 2015, respectively.

Here is a brief timeline with important events in Georgia’s film industry evolution:

1970: Turner Broadcasting System was founded by Ted Turner in Atlanta, Georgia. The company went on to be comprised of TBS, CNN, Turner Classic Movies, and Cartoon Network.

1972: Successful thriller “Deliverance” was shot in Georgia and put it on the map as a filming destination.

1973: President Jimmy Carter (then Georgia Governor) established a Georgia Film Commission to market the state as a location for future projects. The first of its kind, this commission is now known as the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Office.

1981: Driving Miss Daisy film shot in Atlanta

2001: Georgia General Assembly passed legislation exempting the film industry from sales taxes and use-taxes on expenses related to production.

2005: Georgia General Assembly passed the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act offering income tax credits of 20-30% for filmmakers who worked and shot in Georgia. It is estimated that Georgia spent $10.3 million on this film incentive.

2006: Tyler Perry opened Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta

2008: Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act updated

2010 EUE/Screen Gems Soundstage opened in Lakewood Heights, South Atlanta

2014 Pinewood Studios opened in Fayetteville, Georgia, where blockbusters like Ant Man and Captain America: Civil War were shot.