Top Atlanta Film Locations
Eight places that are making Atlanta famous.
Atlanta has given Los Angeles a run for its money when it comes to television and film projects produced in the city. The skyline has both stepped in for international locations and played itself in "The Walking Dead," the FX television series "Atlanta" and more. You never know when you might see those familiar yellow production signs around town, signaling yet another project to add to the list. Here are a few of the most well-known Atlanta filming locations.
Must-see spots for any film fan
The Swan House at The Atlanta History Center
Atlanta’s most famous home was the former residence of the Inman family, built in 1928 by architect Philip Trammell Shutze. Located on the campus of the Atlanta History Center, the home was used in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay: Part 1" as President Snow’s mansion. The history center runs themed tours of the home, and visitors can visit the campus, which has an extensive museum on the city’s history, historic gardens and a farm.
Piedmont Park
Atlanta’s largest green space was first built in 1887 for the Piedmont Exposition. The sons of Frederick Law Olmsted later worked on the design of Piedmont Park. It is home to a swimming pool, sports fields and countless festivals. It also has been used in films, including "What to Expect When You’re Expecting" and "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues."
The Georgian Terrace
Built in 1910 in the Beaux-Arts style, The Georgian Terrace hotel has a long legacy of film connections. The Grand Ballroom was used for a gala that coincided with the premiere of "Gone with the Wind." Walt Disney stayed at the hotel during the premiere of "Song of the South." More recently, 1974’s "Cockfighter," "Identity Thief," "The Change-Up" and "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" all used the hotel as a filming location.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
The John Portman-designed downtown icon has been a favorite hotel since its opening in 1985. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis has the largest atrium in the world, which makes it a unique filming location. In "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the hotel stands in as the Victor’s Capital Housing. In a memorable scene, Johanna Mason undresses in the hotel elevator. In "Flight," Denzel Washington’s character, Whip Whitaker, gets drunk in the hotel lobby the night before his hearing. The unique atrium was also used recently in "Spider-Man: Homecoming."
Georgia Aquarium
The world’s largest aquarium has served as a backdrop for dozens of films in recent years for its high-volume tanks and species of beluga whales, whale sharks and manta rays. The seven interactive galleries in the Georgia Aquarium are centered around the ecosystems the creatures inhabit. Among the movies filmed here are "What to Expect When You’re Expecting," "The Last Song," "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip," and "Miracles from Heaven."
Jackson Street Bridge
Fans of "The Walking Dead" immediately recognize the view from the Jackson Street Bridge from the season 1 promotional posters. It showcases the downtown Atlanta skyline where Rick rides into the city on a horse.
Clark Atlanta University/Atlanta University Center
Atlanta’s historically black colleges and universities have been used in a number of films, especially sports and college films. "Stomp the Yard" was filmed at Clark Atlanta University, along with Morris Brown College, Morehouse College and Georgia Tech. "We Are Marshall" was filmed partially at neighboring Morris Brown College. "Drumline" used Clark Atlanta and Morris Brown, as well.
Porsche Experience Center
Porsche’s first North American headquarters chose Hapeville for its drivers’ experience center, complete with a visitor’s center, test track and restaurant. "Captain America: Civil War" used the site as a filming location. In the movie, the Avengers are pitted against one another when Captain America chooses an old friend over his hero gang. “The Gulch” near State Farm Arena and Fayetteville’s Trilith Studios also were used as filming locations.