Hollywood Hot Spots in Georgia
Pick a movie, any movie: These days, it's more likely than ever it was filmed in Georgia. Thanks largely to the state's peachy geographical variety (cue the montage of bustling metropolises juxtaposed with verdant mountains), abundant film studios, and entertainment tax credits, Georgia has become a film mecca. Be sure to visit ExploreGeorgia.org/film for more.
Seeing Stars
With all the productions shooting here, Georgia has welcomed its fair share of celebrities. In Madison, Jack Black ate ice cream at Scoops, while Ian Somerhalder enjoyed banana-pudding ice cream from Scoops' Covington location. Meanwhile, Savannah struck a romantic nerve for lovebirds Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, who have a house nearby, as well as for Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who were in town celebrating their anniversary. In Peachtree City, Michael Douglas grabbed a bite at Zoës Kitchen, while Vince Vaughn chowed down at Ted's Montana Grill. In Atlanta, Drew Barrymore feasted at Antico Pizza.
On Location
Keep your eyes peeled for familiar Georgia scenes on the silver screen! The Oprah Winfrey–produced "Selma" was filmed in downtown Marietta and Covington, along with the Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels sequel "Dumb and Dumber To." Jack Black filmed "Goosebumps" in Madison. AMC’s "Halt and Catch Fire" and Stephen King’s "Cell," starring Samuel L. Jackson and John Cusack, were both shot in Madison, as was the star-studded "Triple Nine," starring Aaron Paul, Woody Harrelson, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck. The other Affleck, Ben, filmed portions of his Prohibition-era crime drama "Live by Night" in both Savannah and Brunswick. Super hero flick "Ant-Man," starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, was filmed in Peachtree City. In the North Georgia mountains, legends Robert Redford and Nick Nolte were spotted while filming Bill Bryson's ode to the Appalachian Trail, "A Walk in the Woods."
Movie Mobile
If you live for the movies, be sure to sign up for Georgia's behind-the-scenes tours. Savannah, land of the haunted ghost tour, offers Segway tours to see filming locations with Savannah Segway Tours. View famed scenes from "Forrest Gump" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," among others. Peachtree City has a one-and-a-half-hour Southern Hollywood Film Tour that guides fans through more than 20 locations (think "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "The Walking Dead").
Extra! Extra!
Think you've got what it takes to become an extra on a movie set? Listen in! According to Jen Pommerenke, an actor and stuntwoman who has been an extra in “Middle of Nowhere” and “A Walk in the Woods,” there are a few things to keep in mind as an extra. “Pay attention to directors, and keep your eyes and ears open,” she says. “If you don’t know what’s going on, you not only look unprofessional, but unreliable.”
She also advises bringing multiple outfits. Days on set can range from five to 15 hours or more, so be prepared for a long day of repetitious scenes and extended periods of waiting. Pay is typically minimum wage, and you can expect meals while you're there. Keep up with regular casting calls by following casting companies on social media. Pommerenke recommends thesoutherncastingcall.com and facebook.com/catrettlockecasting. There is also a Help Wanted hotline on Georgia.org/Entertainment.
