American High, the entertainment studio known for teen comedies like The Binge and Summer of 69, has opened a new production hub called American High South at Trilith Studios in Atlanta. This move, announced on September 15, 2025, aims to boost the company’s output of Gen Z focused content starting in early 2026.
What This Means for American High
The new hub marks a big step for American High, which started in a converted high school in Syracuse, New York. Over the past six years, the studio has produced 18 feature films and trained over 1,000 students through its nonprofit academy.
This expansion lets American High tap into Georgia’s strong film industry perks, including a 30 percent tax credit. Leaders at the studio say it will help them create more stories that connect with young audiences. They plan to make four productions each year at the new site.
The idea sparked during filming of the comedy Rolling Loud at Trilith. Director Jeremy Garelick, who founded American High, saw the potential and teamed up with Trilith’s team.
American High has built a name for fresh, relatable teen tales. Hits like Crush and Big Time Adolescence have drawn billions of views on platforms like YouTube and social media. Now, with more space and tools, they aim to grow that success.
Trilith Studios Role in the Partnership
Trilith Studios, located south of Atlanta in Fayette County, offers over 1,000 acres of space and top notch facilities. It has hosted major films like Avengers Endgame and Spider Man No Way Home.
As the first Resident Creator at Trilith, American High gains access to virtual production stages and over 30 on site vendors. This setup supports immersive storytelling and new tech in filmmaking.
Trilith’s leaders see this as a way to diversify beyond big blockbusters. They want to attract creators and brands to keep stages busy amid industry slowdowns.
Georgia remains a top spot for film and TV thanks to its tax breaks and varied locations. Even with some shifts, like Marvel moving more work to the UK, the state draws steady projects.
Here is a quick look at key features of Trilith Studios:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Over 1,000 acres with multiple soundstages |
| Past Projects | Marvel films, TV shows like WandaVision, and brand shoots |
| Amenities | Virtual production stage, on site vendors, educational programs |
| Location | Fayette County, south of Atlanta |
Focus on Gen Z Content and Talent Development
American High puts Gen Z at the center of its work. Their films often explore themes like friendship, identity, and modern life that resonate with young viewers.
At the new hub, they plan to develop talent through joint programs with Trilith. This includes training in film, tech, and media to build the next generation of creators.
The studio has embraced tools like AI in filmmaking, which helps them stay ahead. They aim to produce content that feels real and timely for teens.
Industry experts note rising demand for youth focused stories across streaming and social platforms. American High’s move positions them to meet that need.
Broader Impact on Georgia Film Scene
Georgia has earned the nickname Hollywood of the South for its booming production scene. The state hosted over 400 film and TV projects in recent years, creating thousands of jobs.
This partnership adds to that growth. It brings more steady work to Trilith amid a post strike slowdown in the industry.
Local leaders welcome the news, as it boosts the economy and attracts talent. Atlanta’s diverse settings and skilled crew make it ideal for varied productions.
Other studios like Tyler Perry Studios also thrive here, showing Georgia’s pull for creative ventures.
Challenges remain, such as rising costs and competition from places like the UK. Yet, tax incentives keep Georgia competitive.
Future Plans and Industry Outlook
American High South starts operations in the first quarter of 2026. Early projects will likely include new teen comedies and possibly branded content.
Garelick shared excitement about amplifying their voice. He believes this setup lets them tell bigger stories without losing authenticity.
The film world watches closely as studios adapt to changing viewer habits. Gen Z prefers short form content on apps like TikTok, pushing creators to innovate.
This launch ties into trends like virtual production and AI tools, which cut costs and speed up work.
Experts predict more partnerships like this to fill production gaps. It could inspire other indie studios to expand in similar ways.
Why This Matters Now
In a time when Hollywood faces strikes and budget cuts, moves like this show resilience. American High’s focus on youth content fills a gap in an industry chasing young audiences.
For aspiring filmmakers, it opens doors in education and jobs. Fans get more relatable stories on screen.
This development highlights Georgia’s ongoing role as a film powerhouse, even as some big names shift elsewhere.
Share your thoughts on this expansion in the comments below. What teen stories do you want to see more of? Spread the word if you found this insightful.
