Assembly Studios: A Groundbreaking Sound Stage Complex Launches in Georgia

Published November 10, 2023

Gray Television & Universal Production Services Usher in New Era of Film and TV Production in Georgia

ATLANTA, GA - The entertainment landscape in Georgia has been significantly uplifted with the grand opening of Assembly Studios in Doraville, GA. Gray Television, Inc. GTN, a formidable force in the multimedia sector, has partnered with Universal Production Services to introduce a full-service, state-of-the-art television and film production facility that is expected to create a wave of economic prosperity and job opportunities in the region.

Previously a General Motors GM Assembly Plant, the transformation of this site into Assembly Atlanta speaks volumes about the state's burgeoning film industry. The impressive new development spans 135 acres and is a part of a larger mixed-use complex venture started by Gray Television in 2021, which allocated 43 acres for the innovative studios.

The complex boasts 19 cutting-edge sound stages designed to cater to the high demands of top-notch entertainment productions. With its strategic location adjacent to Gray Television’s existing Third Rail Studios, this new facility enhances Georgia’s reputation as a prime destination for filmmakers and content creators. Additionally, this venture is poised to contribute to the region's employment, with more than 4,000 anticipated jobs fueling local economic growth.

A compelling testament to the state's thriving film sector is the massive $4 billion spending attributed to productions within a year. The state's film industry is recognized as the fastest-growing nationally, and Assembly Atlanta is anticipated to expand upon Georgia's significant achievements in this realm as detailed by the Georgia Film Office.

Assembly Studios is not solely about sound stage space; it's about providing a comprehensive suite of services. From Set Lighting & Grip to Costume, Transportation, Sign & Fabrication Shop, Paint Shop, an expendables store, and other amenities including warehouses, dressing rooms, and office spaces, it encapsulates all the necessities under one roof. The filmable facades, which replicate urban scenes from cities like New York and European landscapes, present limitless possibilities for on-location shoots.

Gray Television’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., expressed his enthusiasm about the potential of Assembly Atlanta as a hub for creativity and storytelling innovation. The anticipation is high for the transformative impact the studios will have on the local communities and the broader Georgia area.

A Closer Look at Gray Television and Universal Production Services

Gray Television, headquartered in Atlanta, is a multimedia company commanding a vast network of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. It reaches approximately 36 percent of US households across 114 television markets, holding the top-rated station in 80 markets and the first or second highest-rated station in 100 markets. Gray's portfolio extends to owning video program companies such as Raycom Sports, Tupelo Honey, and PowerNation Studios, emphasizing its commitment to quality content production.

Collaborating hand in hand, Universal Production Services extends its expertise in offering production services and stage facilities in the US, UK, and Europe. This division forms part of NBCUniversal, a leading media and entertainment company under the umbrella of Comcast Corporation CCZ. NBCUniversal boasts a vast array of television networks, motion picture companies, and various internet-based businesses, making it a giant in the media landscape.

The synergy between Gray Television and Universal Production Services in establishing Assembly Studios is a landmark milestone for Georgia's creative industries. As it opens its doors, the facility is celebrated not just as a physical space but as a beacon of opportunity and collaboration for the entire sector.

GrayTelevision, UniversalProduction, Georgia, Economy, JobCreation, FilmIndustry, NBCUniversal, Comcast, Multimedia, Innovation