These days, when talking about Atlanta, the nickname that often comes up is 'Hollywood of the South'.

 "Could it be that Atlanta is replacing Hollywood?" I wondered, but Atlanta has firmly established itself as a key city in the film and TV industry.

Even now, various films and dramas are being shot simultaneously all over metro Atlanta.

Notably, famous works like Marvel's Avengers series, Black Panther, Captain America, Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, and Ozark were mostly filmed in Georgia.

When watching movies, many scenes that appear to be set in New York or other cities were actually filmed in Atlanta.

The main reason for the growth of the film industry is Georgia's remarkable tax incentives.

Film and drama production companies can receive tax credits of up to 30% of their production costs when filming in Georgia.

This level of incentive is among the best in the U.S., allowing production companies to save millions of dollars.

Additionally, if they include the peach logo symbolizing Georgia in the ending credits, they can receive even more benefits, which is why many production companies are choosing Atlanta.

The filming infrastructure is also substantial. The most famous location is Trillith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta Studios) in Fayetteville.

This place is regarded as one of the largest film production facilities in the world, where many major projects from Marvel Studios have been produced.

In addition, the Atlanta area is home to large studios, filming sets, and post-production facilities, creating a massive film production ecosystem.

As the film industry has grown, significant changes have occurred in the economy. It's not just actors that are needed; lighting, sound, set design, costumes, special effects, makeup, catering, transportation, and security jobs have all expanded.

When filming begins, spending occurs throughout the local economy, including hotels, restaurants, and rental car companies.

The economic impact of Georgia's film industry is estimated to be in the billions of dollars annually, significantly contributing to the local economy.

Positive changes are also happening in the Korean community. More Koreans are working as interpreters or in technical positions on film sets, and the activities of Korean actors and staff have become much more active than before.

The tourism industry has also grown as a result. Tour programs that visit filming locations for Stranger Things and The Walking Dead are consistently popular, and movie fans enjoy traveling to see the actual filming sites. Many tourists come to Atlanta for the fun of saying, "Oh, this scene was filmed here!"

The cultural atmosphere has also changed significantly. Creators such as actors, directors, writers, and designers are gathering from all over the country, making areas like Midtown and Inman Park vibrant cultural spaces.

Galleries, performance venues, and independent theaters have increased, and the annual Atlanta Film Festival has established itself as an influential event in the U.S. independent film scene.

In the past, many people thought of Atlanta as just an industrial city in the South, but it has now become one of the key cities leading the U.S. content industry.

With solid tax support, world-class studios, diverse talent, and ongoing investment, Atlanta's film industry is likely to continue growing in the future.