Atlanta's Film Industry: From Boom to Bust

0:00World headlines in two minutes or less, you're tuned in to global news today. Atlanta's film industry boomed into the Hollywood of the South thanks to big tax credits, drawing hits like Stranger Things and Marvel movies. Workers like 48-year-old Chris Ratlidge pulled in up to $9,500 a week on grueling sets. Now, after the bust, he's down to food stamps with just four days of work since May of last year. Spending plunge from $4.4 billion in 2022 to $2.3 billion last fiscal year, as shows. Drop from $4.12 to $245. The 2023 strikes and lingering COVID effects push studios overseas, especially to the United Kingdom for cheaper costs. Workers face tough times, scraping by on part-time gigs like $15 an hour at tennis centers or house cleaning. These cut back on housing and rack of debt, with many feeling deep frustration and eyeing resets like bankruptcy or relocation.

1:02Meanwhile, studios like Shadowbox are training college students for free, on basics like call sheets and long shifts, aiming to keep Atlanta's skilled. Crews ready for indies, esports or shorter videos, veterans, mentors, newcomers betting on the city's helpful community. Officials know business picking up this year, with expanded tax breaks for more content types. While some see a path forward, others compare it to past industry crashes and hope for steady jobs to stabilize lives. This episode is supported by our sponsor. Headphones in a pillow. Once you try, it just makes sense, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.com.