5 Underrated Georgia Film Locations

This month Georgia governor Brian Kemp announced another big year for Georgia film, the governor’s office said: "... productions spent $4.4 billion in Georgia during the fiscal year for 2022". They reached that staggering $4 billion figure with 32 films and 269 tv productions. Georgia has become a filmmaker's destination, but why? Different people will give you various reasons, from tax incentives to Tyler Perry and warm weather. I've spent just under a year as a filmmaker in Georgia and in my opinion, it's a state brimming at the seams with unique filming opportunities in unpretentious towns with beautiful people. Here are 5 of my favorite underrated Georgia film locations:

#1 - Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island, GA

From Chris Pratt's "Tomorrow War" to "X-Men: First Class" Driftwood Beach is a go-to beach in the industry. The natural beauty isn't the only attraction either, the ease of working with the island's authorities is well known in Hollywood circles. This is one I recommend to both filmmakers and tourists alike!

#2 - Swan House at Atlanta History Center - Atlanta, GA

Often described as "eclectic," The Swan House features an amalgamation of several different architectural styles. You may have seen this location in both The Hunger Game's Catching Fire & Mockingjay part 2. When asked why it was chosen, they mentioned: "We wanted something that looked like it had been there forever". One of many architectural marvels in the state of Georgia.

#3 - Biblical History Center - LaGrange, GA

Head south from downtown Atlanta and if you know what you're looking for, you'll find yourself in a jaw-dropping replica of Jerusalem and its biblical landmarks. It's 1 of only 4 in the World with the Largest Artifact Collection on Loan from the Israeli Government. I'm honestly still surprised we get to film in such a beautiful place! The upcoming Biblical epic "The Twelve" starring Kevin Sorbo will be filming here next year and it's only a matter of time before the secret is out about this portal to the old world.

#4 - Westview Cemetery - Atlanta, GA

Probably the most impressive of the various Ozark filming locations, Omar Navarro's Mexican estate is actually the Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. This remains Southeast America's largest cemetery and one of America's largest non-profit cemeteries. Just look at the image it looks like it's pulled straight out of a painting or a tv show! ;)

#5 - Town of Savannah - Savannah, GA

Last but not least, Savannah, Georgia! Did you know that there are actually many famous movies filmed in Savannah? Yep, this pretty part of Georgia has been the setting for lots of top films, including?Forrest Gump, and the Oscar-winning film Glory. Savannah?is a charming Southern escape?where art and period architecture are all set under a veil of Spanish moss. It's a real treat to film and stay here!

Well, there you have my 5 most underrated Georgia filming locations. From a hauntingly beautiful cemetery to an unbelievable homage to Jerusalem and the old world; Georgia truly is covered in hidden gems. To many, the growth in the film industry is attributed to politicians and incentives but to this film producer, it's the state and its beauty that has become the backdrop to the world's next generation of stories.