The Decline of Georgia’s Film Industry
In 2017, Rutledge, a 48-year-old digital film engineer, relocated from Indiana to Georgia, attracted by substantial tax incentives and the burgeoning film scene transforming Atlanta into a hub for major productions like “The Hunger Games” and “Stranger Things.” As well as several Marvel films.
Rutledge described his previous work as demanding, often pulling 70-hour weeks, but the $72 hourly pay had a significant impact on his life. He managed to pay off three years of overdue taxes in just one year, thanks to earnings from projects like the Netflix film “Red Notice,” in addition to series such as TBS’s “Miracle Workers” and Starz’s “P-Valley.”
However, those busy days are now behind him, as he has only worked four days on set since May 2024. Currently, he juggles a part-time role at a local tennis center and earns $15 an hour without health benefits. His wife, a cancer survivor, took up cleaning houses to help, and the family downsized their living situation. Yet, with their income at $2,000 monthly, they struggle to cover rent, leaving Rutledge feeling overwhelmed and disheartened.
On Instagram, he shared a heartfelt wish: “All I want for Christmas is to go back to movies.”
Georgia’s Film Boom Fades
After peaking at $4.4 billion in production spending in 2022, investment in Georgia’s film and television sector plunged to just $2.3 billion last year, with production numbers dropping from 412 films in 2022 to 245 the following year. This decline worsened after the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strike halted production for months, exacerbating the industry’s struggles from prior pandemic-related disruptions.
Lee Thomas, deputy director of the Georgia Film Office, noted that many production companies are considering relocating overseas due to uncertainty in the U.S. market. “We anticipated a reset, but it turned out to be a tougher decline than expected,” he admitted.
Marvel has shifted its focus away from Georgia, with its last film shot there being the upcoming “Thunderbolts,” opting instead for the UK, where production expenses are lower. Streaming companies like Netflix are also increasingly looking abroad, producing fewer shows overall. Competing states like California and Texas have ramped up incentives to challenge Georgia’s appealing tax credits, which can offset up to 30% of production costs.
In Atlanta, costume supervisor Monique Younger has found local industry groups filled with complaints about the current lack of opportunities. She expressed feelings of inadequacy as her workload has diminished significantly. Jen Farris, a veteran location scout, revealed she has turned down jobs due to excessive demands and now carefully watches her budget during gaps between projects.
“I just hope they build their nests far enough away that they float a little bit,” she remarked.
Preparing Crews for an Uncertain Future
Amid this challenging environment, Shadowbox Studios, one of the largest soundstage operators in metro Atlanta, remains optimistic about the future. The studio is encouraging local filmmakers and industry leaders to reimagine possibilities.
Shadowbox has opened its expansive facilities to a variety of creators, from indie filmmakers to esports organizers, while ensuring that the local workforce remains robust. COO Mike Mosallam emphasized the need to maintain a talented crew base to prevent further production losses and highlighted Atlanta’s status as a viable alternative to overseas shoots.
In November, the studio accepted around 25 Black college students into its Backlot Academy, which aims to diversify jobs often determined by personal connections in the industry. The program teaches participants essential skills, including interpreting call sheets and navigating the demands of long working hours.
Trainee Julian Williams, a 24-year-old studying digital media, was inspired by seeing his hometown of Atlanta become a center for filmmaking. Having witnessed the production of films like “Alvin and the Chipmunks” nearby, he aspires to enter the industry as a production assistant and eventually achieve the role of assistant director. He values the supportive local film community, noting, “People are really nice and willing to share what they know.”
Joseph Jones, a Backlot alumnus, credited Shadowbox with launching his successful career, stating, “It changed my life.” After years in the hotel industry, he pursued his dream of working in movies.
Still, those connected to Shadowbox acknowledge the somber state of the industry in Atlanta. Sales director Jeremiah Cullen mentioned that on the day of a recent training session, only one of their nine soundstages had a production booked. He remarked on the need for flexible contracts to accommodate filmmakers’ budgets while frequently checking in with previous clients to discuss potential needs.
“Hey, I’ve missed you a lot,” he says to them. “Do you have anything to cook?”
Seeking a Fresh Start
Rutledge, like many, has cherished cinema since childhood, especially after seeing his Indiana hometown featured in “Hoosiers.” While he continues to reach out to connections, he’s prepared to consider other paths forward.
He isn’t searching for a miracle—just a steady job in television that could stabilize his finances and offer clarity on his next steps. With a consistent role lasting several months, he believes he can regain health insurance, file for bankruptcy, and essentially “hit the reset button.”
“I don’t think I’m any different from those who worked in Detroit during the auto industry collapse,” he reflected.
This concern was echoed by former President Trump, who last year proposed tariffs aimed at encouraging domestic film production, though experts deem the plan somewhat vague and impractical. Thomas from the Georgia Film Office noted that business has improved compared to past years, partly due to a new state law allowing tax incentives for more types of productions, including short-form videos and ad-supported streaming channels.
Yet some Atlanta veterans, like location scout Farris, believe in the resilience of the local film community. “Too many talented and creative people have settled here,” she said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the artistic growth that the Georgia film landscape has fostered.
“People moved their families here. They’re raising their children here. This wasn’t just about the movies,” she concluded, expressing hope that Georgia will cultivate a fresh wave of artistic potential.
