How did Atlanta become the “Hollywood of the South?” Georgia may be known for its agriculture and Southern hospitality, but the state has a new reputation to uphold: film.
Most Georgians probably know the banjo tune in “The Deliverance” that put Atlanta on the map in 1972. One year later, Governor Jimmy Carter created a commission called the Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Office, which marketed Georgia for future projects. Film production grew and television production closely followed. Jumping to 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue signed legislation creating the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, which gave qualifying film and television productions tax credit for filming in the state.
Today, the transferable tax credit is 20% for projects with an annual minimum expenditure threshold of $500,000. According to Georgia Public Broadcasting, film and television productions spent $4.4 billion in Georgia in the 2022 fiscal year. Atlanta is in a primary geographic location for just about any film. One can capture the city scape, mountains, or small town all within the area. The Appalachian region begins just an hour outside of the city. Charming southern towns such as Senoia, where “The Walking Dead” was filmed, are easy to stumble upon.
Atlanta is now home to four major film production studios. Tyler Perry Studios was the first fully Black-owned studio in Atlanta, making Tyler Perry a pioneer behind the Black Atlanta Renaissance of the 90s. Turner Studios is one of the most important sports studios in the game. Marvel films at Trillith Studios and Blackhall Studios have planned soundstage additions which will make it the largest studio in the world.
There are ample opportunities for creatives to work and live here. The cost of living in Atlanta is lower than Los Angeles. Median rent for a two bedroom apartment in Los Angeles is $3,066 compared to $1,476 in Atlanta. A three bedroom two bathroom house in Los Angeles costs an average of $1,037,503 versus an average of $464,157 in Atlanta, according to Nerdwallet. These price differences are enticing for filmmakers and crew members looking to settle down. With so many attractive forces in this city and state, many filmmakers are deciding to make the move.
Among these talented filmmakers is Philadelphia-raised Dale S. Lewis. In 2017, Lewis and his business partner opened a production company in Birmingham, Alabama, strategically within driving distance of Atlanta. As Lewis explained, “because Atlanta is the Hollywood of the South, we figured we can grow young talent in Alabama.” They tapped into crews from Atlanta only an hour and a half away while developing their company, all the while planning a transition to Georgia’s capital.
Lewis started filming consistently in Atlanta in 2021, and he’s been thriving ever since. Among his array of experience in directing is the show “American Ninja Warrior.” This show, as well as other NBC live-to-tape shows, gave Lewis a fast-paced directing style. He can talk and direct quickly, which is perfect on the set of his new project, a crime-thriller feature film titled “Incision.”
Movie scripts aren’t set in stone. During filming, Lewis often adds a line, movement, or detail to enhance the narrative. He is always thinking on his feet in terms of developing the story and character arcs of his film for his audience.
“I never understand when directors or creatives say that they’re doing the art for themselves… I’m creating art to be enjoyed and consumed,” said Lewis. He explained that he’ll continue to do what he does best: create.
As far as the trajectory of the film industry goes, he says the arc in the next five years is very short. Production has been slow lately with the writers’ and actors’ strikes, preventing new studios in the area from bringing in more franchises, but times are changing. The end of the writers’ strike brings new possibilities to the city.
