Atlanta entertainment veterans express hope for city's film industry

Two people speaking on stage in front of an audience.
Will Packer (right) and Imani Ellis speaking at State Farm Arena during the Hawks HBCU night on February 7, 2026. (Marlon Hyde/WABE News)

Filmmaker and producer Will Packer says he’s hopeful that Atlanta will rise again as a premier film hub.

Currently, 26 movies and TV shows are filming in Georgia, according to state data, with episodic productions accounting for most of the activity.

Packer moved to Atlanta about 30 years ago to start his first production company, which he used to create films for Black audiences and elevate African American actors.