Georgia Film Academy Celebrates Grand Opening

The Georgia Film Academy (GFA) celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art instructional facility at Assembly Studios yesterday. The grand opening marked a significant milestone in Georgia’s film industry, showcasing the state’s commitment to workforce development and innovation. The 32,000-square-foot facility, adjacent to the Assembly Atlanta campus, is now providing hands-on training and real-world experience for students preparing to power Georgia’s thriving film and television industry.

The grand opening featured remarks from key leaders, including Dr. Sonny Perdue, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia; Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film Office, Hilton H. Howell Jr., Executive Chairman and CEO of Gray Media and Scott Votaw, Assistant Vice Chancellor of the Georgia Film Academy. Guests toured the facility, which includes purpose-built soundstages and instructional spaces offering an unparalleled learning environment for students.

“This facility is more than just a building, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of Georgia’s creative talent,” said Scott Votaw, Assistant Vice Chancellor of the Georgia Film Academy. “It’s incredible to see how this vision has come to life. From the equipment, equal to any you’d find on a professional set to the immersive learning spaces, this is where students will gain the skills and confidence to step directly into the industry. The energy at today’s event reflects the excitement and potential this space holds for our students and for Georgia’s film future.”

Certifications offered by GFA include:

Film & Television Production
Film & Television Post-Production
Live Production, Streaming & Esports
Since its founding in 2015, GFA has been instrumental in positioning Georgia as a premier destination for film and television production. GFA’s training model, developed in collaboration with major studios, industry experts and entertainment giants such as NBCU, Disney, Marvel, Netflix, Sony, HBO and others, is widely recognized as the gold standard for workforce development in the industry.

Located on the former site of a General Motors assembly plant in Doraville, Assembly Studios is a newly completed studio complex owned by Atlanta-based Gray Media and envisioned as a hub for innovation, sustainability and public engagement in film and television. It is easily accessible via MARTA and major highways, providing students across Metro Atlanta with convenient transportation options. With purpose-built soundstages, filmable exterior locations and full production services, the studio offers an unparalleled learning environment for students seeking a career in Georgia’s thriving entertainment industry.

“Assembly Studios was designed to inspire and empower,” said Hilton H. Howell Jr., Executive Chairman and CEO of Gray Media. “This partnership with the Georgia Film Academy has brought that vision to life. The students who train here will not only learn the technical skills they need but will also be immersed in the real-world dynamics of production. It’s exciting to think about the stories they’ll help create and the impact they’ll have on Georgia’s entertainment industry.”

The instructional facility at Assembly Studios represents a significant expansion of the Georgia Film Academy’s statewide presence. It joins GFA’s primary instructional and industry hub at Fayetteville-based Trilith Studios, along with five additional satellite locations across Georgia, to increase opportunities for Georgians pursuing careers in the film and television industry.

“Walking through this facility, you can feel the innovation and creativity in every corner,” said Justin Campbell, Vice President of Studio Operations at Assembly Atlanta. “This is not just a training space, it’s a gateway to opportunity. The students who walk through these doors will have access to the best tools, the best mentors, and the best environment to thrive in the entertainment industry. We’re proud to be part of this transformative partnership.”

In addition to foundational coursework, GFA offers students exclusive access to a paid internship/apprenticeship program. The only one of its kind in the nation, the program places students directly on working sets. GFA alumni have contributed to blockbuster projects such as Captain America: Brave New World, Megalopolis, Creed III, Ant Man and the Wasp, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Stranger Things, The Walking Dead and many other films and television shows.

With a strong emphasis on hands-on instruction led by seasoned industry professionals, GFA equips students with technical skills, professional connections and production experience that are critical to career success. The organization works closely with more than 30 Georgia colleges and universities as well as with K-12 school districts to make pathways into the industry more accessible for students across the state.

As Georgia continues to establish itself as a global leader in film and television production, the Georgia Film Academy remains at the forefront of training the local workforce to support this momentum and sustain economic growth.

For more information, or to sign up for GFA classes, visit georgiafilmacademy.edu.