SCAD Completed Massive Savannah Production Backlot
The 11-acre facility provides students and professional productions with a permanent filming location in Georgia.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Higher Education
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The Savannah College of Art and Design has finalized the construction of an 11-acre production backlot. The project spans five years of development and offers a range of diverse filming environments.
Why it matters
The new backlot provides students with professional hands-on experience while simultaneously reducing production costs for creative projects. By offering industry-standard facilities, the school aims to attract more film and television production work to the Savannah area.
The completed complex spans 11 acres and includes two soundstages, the largest of which measures 9,000 square feet. Infrastructure includes a town hall, subway station, motel, and a suburban house equipped with functional running water.
The players
Savannah College of Art and Design
A private, nonprofit university in Savannah that offers degrees in various arts, design, and media disciplines.
The details
Constructed in phases over half a decade, the site serves as a versatile resource for both academic training and professional filming. It features an LED volume, a dedicated casting office, and multiple set environments built with usable, practical interiors.
Timeline
Construction phases for the backlot spanned from 2021 to 2026.
The 11-acre facility was officially announced as complete on October 2, 2026.
Roadmap
This project signals a broader shift toward universities operating as professional production hubs that bridge the gap between education and industry. It reflects the ongoing expansion of film infrastructure in Georgia to support a booming regional market against traditional hubs like Los Angeles.
Local film professionals and students gain access to dedicated soundstages and varied set environments that simplify production logistics. The presence of a casting office and filming infrastructure may increase job opportunities for residents involved in the regional film economy.
The takeaway
The development of a full-scale backlot demonstrates how institutional investment can directly sustain a region's competitiveness in the creative economy. Prospective students and industry members should monitor the facility for updates regarding public accessibility and film production schedules.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic growth in our Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 22 - WJCL Savannah.
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