About Atlanta
Atlanta is a city that blends Southern hospitality, progressive urban culture, and a thriving business economy. Beyond its lifestyle appeal, it also has another side that makes it an attractive destination for creative activity: its industrial history. In addition to being the birthplace of huge companies like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, steel mills, power plants, warehouses, and other industrial properties dot its landscape.
This unique character provides content creators with access to diverse industrial architecture. Retrofitted warehouses offer unique filming locations, while industrial parks are perfect for large-scale productions. These sites have been integral to Atlanta's culture since its inception in 1837.
Atlanta is also known for its beautiful scenery, ranging from rolling hills to lush forests. Because of its convenient location in the Southeast United States, Atlanta provides easy access to any number of nearby cities and states, all within manageable driving distances, which makes it ideal for coordinators looking to spread their filming locations around a region.
Industrial Production Options in Atlanta
- Lighting Equipment
Specialized lighting equipment makes the most out of any given location. Using different types of light, such as spotlights or bounced light sources, filmmakers can shape their unique atmosphere while creating shadows and highlights in the right areas.
- Drone Photography/Videography
Drones provide production crews with a unique perspective that may be difficult or impossible to achieve from the ground level. They also grant access to hard-to-reach places, which could otherwise be too dangerous or expensive. Additionally, drones provide aerial views that add depth and dynamics when producing content with an industrial theme.
- Set Designers
An experienced set designer creates the aesthetic required for any shoot while keeping things efficient and cost-effective. With their help, the production crew will have access to experienced professionals who know how to bring their vision alive within any given setting by crafting custom pieces of furniture, props, and decorative elements that fit perfectly into the frame while still providing a feeling of realism.
- Vehicles
Access to standby vehicles is necessary when producing content in an industrial location. It could be anything from cars, trucks, or vans used as the set dressing or driven around for specific scenes. These add another level of detail while providing transportation solutions for crew members who need to get from one place to another.
Industrial Production Vendors in Atlanta
- PC&E
PC&E is a full-service camera, lighting, grip, and expendable rental company based in Atlanta. They are renowned for their extensive inventory of high-end camera equipment, including Sony, ARRI, Red Phantom, Canon cameras, and a wide selection of lenses serviced in-house by their experienced lens technician. PC&E also offers an expansive fleet of Grip Trucks ranging from 1 Ton to 10 Ton, making them the perfect solution for productions of any size.
- Jeffrey Ginn
Jeffrey Ginn is an experienced and accomplished Art Director and set Designer with over sixty motion pictures and television productions. Working for some of the largest studios in Hollywood, he has provided visionary art direction to the stories told on the big screen. His expertise also extends to projects in real-time concept sketching, 3D modeling, storyboards, Photoshop, graphic design, period signage design, and more.
- Colin Babcock
Colin Babcock is an experienced and talented freelance filmmaker specializing in narrative, documentary, and commercial work. His high-energy productions and stylized post-production techniques help bring unique and memorable experiences to target audiences. Additionally, Colin is a Part 107 Certified and Insured Commercial Drone Pilot for aerial filming projects. Colin has the knowledge to provide clients with top-notch cinematic imagery that meets their needs.
Pros and Cons of Industrial Locations in Atlanta
Industrial locations in Atlanta offer a unique opportunity to film or produce content with an industrial vibe. However, like all other elements of production, certain advantages and disadvantages come along with the location choice. Here is a list of the pros and cons of shooting in an industrial setting in Atlanta.
Advantages
- Many industrial settings have wide-open spaces with few distractions, making them ideal for shooting films or videos without worrying about interfering with everyday life.
- Industrial locations offer a unique aesthetic, from their stark backdrops to abandoned warehouses and rusty machinery to create powerful visuals.
- Industrial settings also often have more flexible set-up times as they don't usually require permits or have time restrictions, making them perfect for last-minute shoots.
Disadvantages
- Industrial locations pose safety risks due to the age and condition of many buildings.
- Many industrial areas also come with loud noises from machines running or construction happening nearby, which can interfere with audio quality on productions if not controlled.
- Industrial locations may also lack basic amenities such as electricity and water, limiting the scope of potential content.
Tips on How to Organize Industrial Locations in Atlanta
When working in industrial settings, various factors can impact content production, including soundproofing and proper lighting. The following tips will help you enhance the filming location while ensuring you have all the necessary resources,
- Obtain a Permit: Before filming or shooting in Atlanta, it is essential to obtain a permit. It ensures compliance with regulations and prevents potential legal issues. Depending on the activity, get the paperwork required from local government offices or entities like the Georgia Film Commission or the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
- Consider Soundproofing: Industrial locations often house large machinery and equipment that generate loud noises. Prevent sound disruption by investing in quality soundproofing materials like acoustic foam panels. It helps create an optimal recording environment and maintains acceptable sound levels during filming.
- Check Electrical Connections: Industrial locations often require substantial electrical power for operating heavy machinery and equipment. Check connections before the shooting/filming day to prevent safety hazards and production disruptions due to inadequate electricity supply. Also, investing in portable generators is wise in case of power outages during production.
- Secure Insurance Coverage: Insurance coverage helps protect against potential liability issues. It is also essential to understand the specific damages that insurance policies cover. Some policies may not cover certain kinds of damage caused by machinery or equipment malfunction, so it is crucial to understand these details when dealing with industrial locations.
- Invest in Specialty Lighting Equipment: Industrial locations often lack proper lighting, which can significantly impact the quality of camera footage. Therefore, investing in specialty lighting equipment designed for this environment is crucial. HMI (High-Intensity Discharge) lights provide powerful yet soft illumination, ideal for capturing footage in industrial settings without excessive glare or shadows on objects.
Famous Locations in Atlanta
- Atlanta BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is a 22-mile-long multi-use path that connects the city of Atlanta and its surrounding areas. This formerly unused railway corridor has transformed into an enjoyable recreational experience, offering trails for running, walking, and biking, in addition to art installations from local artists. Notably, the Northside Trail takes visitors through Tanyard Creek Park in the Buckhead area, while the Eastside Trail's Northern Hiking Extension begins at Piedmont Park with stunning skyline views.
- College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a 94,000 sq ft, three-story shrine to the sport that has become a beloved part of American culture. Located downtown between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, the building's design takes after two-thirds of a football. Upon entry, guests indicate their favorite college team, and their interactive experience is immediately customized. Inside, visitors play on an indoor 45-yard field as quarterback or kicker, explore augmented reality exhibits honoring Hall of Fame members, and encounter iconic trophies such as the Heisman.
- Delta Flight Museum
Delta Flight Museum, located next to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, is a Historic Aerospace Site dedicated to celebrating Atlanta's hometown airline. Featuring restored passenger and biplanes as well as rare cutaway models of DC-7s and antiques such as Virgin Atlantic hot air balloons, the museum offers a dynamic exploration of aviation for aspiring pilots of all ages. Visitors can enter the first 747 ever built, explore a Boeing 747-400 wing, or try their hand at a flight simulator. Found inside the historic 1940s-era aircraft hangar, the Delta Flight Museum is an immersive experience that celebrates the history and innovation of aviation.