Why has Chris Ratledge's film career in Georgia ended?

Chris Ratledge's film career in Georgia has been impacted by a significant downturn in the state's film industry, leading to a drastic reduction in work opportunities and income.

What caused the decline in Georgia's film production spending?

Georgia's film production spending has declined due to factors including the 2023 writers and actors strikes, increased competition from other states, and a trend of major studios and streamers filming more productions overseas.

Are major film studios still filming in Georgia?

Major film studios like Marvel have shifted their massive productions away from Georgia to locations such as the United Kingdom, and streamers like Netflix are also producing fewer shows there.

Home / Business and Economy / Georgia Film Jobs Vanish: From Hollywood Boom to Bust

Georgia Film Jobs Vanish: From Hollywood Boom to Bust

16 Mar

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Summary

Film worker's weekly income dropped from $9,500 to food stamps.
Georgia's film production spending halved from 2022 to last year.
Major studios like Marvel and streamers are filming more overseas.

Georgia Film Jobs Vanish: From Hollywood Boom to Bust

Chris Ratledge, a digital imaging technician, has seen his income drastically reduced, falling from as much as $9,500 weekly to relying on food stamps. He moved to Atlanta in 2017, drawn by the state's lucrative film tax credits that transformed the city into a major production hub. Ratledge previously enjoyed high-paying, albeit demanding, work on numerous blockbuster films and popular series.

However, those prosperous times have ended. Since May 2024, Ratledge has only found four days of work in the film industry. His current part-time job and side hustle barely cover his family's expenses, forcing them to downsize and his wife to seek cleaning work. His deep financial distress and longing for his film career highlight the sector's sharp decline.