Atlanta Film Industry Decline: Jobs Down, Side Hustles Up

The “Hollywood of the South” Faces a New Reality

Once celebrated as the Hollywood of the South, Atlanta’s film industry is now facing notable turbulence. The region’s previous boom—characterized by a surge of big-budget productions, bustling film sets, and abundant jobs—has slowed dramatically over the past two years, leaving many workers scrambling to adapt.

Fewer Productions, Fewer Permits

The slowdown is quantifiable. In 2023, the City of Atlanta issued nearly 900 film permits for productions; by 2025, that number has dropped to around 500—a stark indicator of declining big-project activity (11 Alive). Industry professionals attribute this dip to several converging forces: the aftermath of pandemic disruptions, lingering effects of the Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strikes, new labor contracts driving up production costs in the U.S., and the growing appeal of international locations for cost-conscious studios (NBC News).

Worker Realities: Side Hustles Become the Norm

While Atlanta remains a top-three city for film and television production due to its generous tax incentives and studio spaces (Georgia Department of Economic Development), steady work is much harder to find. Many professionals and long-time crew members—like costumers, actors, and soundstage managers—now rely on side jobs to make ends meet. For actors, even those with extensive credits, annual days on set can be as few as 30 to 40, making a dependable salary elusive.

“Sometimes the work’s not there and you just have to have a side hustle. I’ve been doing commercials, which isn’t what I normally do, but it’s necessary,” shared one Atlanta actor (11 Alive).

Why the Decline? Competition and Cost

After the post-pandemic production surge, labor strikes and higher production costs caused studios to explore more budget-friendly overseas alternatives (Variety). Simultaneously, industry mergers and tighter budgets continue to apply pressure, delaying or downsizing projects.

Glimmers of Hope

Despite the decline, many remain optimistic about Atlanta’s enduring film infrastructure and incentives. Industry leaders believe the city still holds an edge and could rebound as the global market adjusts. Currently, four feature films and eighteen TV series are in production across Georgia, highlighting that opportunities—though fewer—do persist (Georgia Film Office).

How Local Talent Is Adapting

As the landscape shifts, professionals emphasize adaptability:

• Taking on commercial gigs, teaching, or freelance projects.
• Leveraging Atlanta’s thriving TV market while film production remains slow.
• Networking and skill-building to stay competitive in a tightening job market.

Until major studios and investors return at pre-2023 levels, Atlanta’s film workforce is embracing side hustles and creative solutions as the new normal—demonstrating the adaptability and resilience at the heart of this industry hub.