Major Markets

Information regarding the major markets where film and television production occurs

Below is a ranked list of the key metropolitan areas in the U.S., Canada, and Europe for professional film and television production, from the perspective of an actor seeking work. Also included, are some of the top studios or production facilities in each region.

United States

1. Los Angeles, California

The undisputed heart of the entertainment industry, offering the highest volume of casting opportunities, from major studio films to indie projects and commercials.

Local SAG-AFTRA Office: Los Angeles
5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles , California 90036
(323) 549-6459
https://www.sagaftra.org/los-angeles/about-our-local

Top Studios/Facilities:
Warner Bros. Studios
Paramount Pictures Studios
Universal Studios
Sony Pictures Studios
The Walt Disney Studios

2. Atlanta, Georgia

A booming hub with generous tax incentives. Many major productions film here. Local casting can favor Southeast actors over L.A. talent.

Local SAG-AFTRA Office: Atlanta
3565 Piedmont Rd. NE,
Piedmont Center, Bldg. 2, Suite 740
Atlanta , GA 30305
https://www.sagaftra.org/atlanta/about-our-local-atlanta

Top Studios/Facilities:
Tyler Perry Studios
Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Atlanta)
Blackhall Studios
Atlanta Metro Studios
EUE/Screen Gems Studios

3. New York City, New York

Strong in television, streaming series, and commercials. Film is active but more selective. Opportunities extend to theater as well.

Local SAG-AFTRA Office: New York
1900 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York , New York 10023
(212) 944-1030
https://www.sagaftra.org/new-york/about-our-local

Top Studios/Facilities:
Steiner Studios
Silvercup Studios
Kaufman Astoria Studios
Broadway Stages
Brooklyn Studios

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Emerging hub, especially for Netflix productions. Smaller pool of actors means less competition but fewer jobs overall.

Local SAG-AFTRA Office: Albuquerque
(214) 363-8300 ex.1
https://www.sagaftra.org/new-mexico/about-our-local-new-mexicohttps://www.sagaftra.org/los-angeles/about-our-local

Top Studios/Facilities:
Warner Bros. Studios
Paramount Pictures Studios
Universal Studios
Sony Pictures Studios
The Walt Disney Studios

5. Chicago, Illinois

Strong in television (especially Dick Wolf’s “One Chicago” shows), with solid commercial work. Film projects are more periodic.

Local SAG-AFTRA Office: Chicago
1 East Erie, Suite #650
Chicago , Illinois 60611
United States of America
(312) 573-8081
https://www.sagaftra.org/chicago/about-our-local-chicago

Top Studios/Facilities:
Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
Chicago Studio City
Resolution Studios
Essanay Studio and Lighting Company
CineCares Studios

Canada

1. Toronto, Ontario

The top Canadian market for film and TV. Known for U.S. productions doubling Toronto for New York or Chicago. Work permits required for non-Canadians.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Pinewood Toronto Studios
Revival Film Studios
Cinespace Film Studios Toronto
Studio City Toronto
Downsview Park Studios

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

Heavy in television, especially genre series (sci-fi, action). Major U.S. productions frequent here. Smaller, tight-knit acting community.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Vancouver Film Studios
Mammoth Studios
Bridge Studios
North Shore Studios
Martini Film Studios

3. Montreal, Quebec

Known for European-style productions and period films. Language can be a factor; French skills can help.

Top Studios/Facilities:
MELS Studios
Cite du Cinema
Grandé Studios
Mel’s Cite du Cinema
Studios de la Grande Allée

Europe

1. London, United Kingdom

Europe’s biggest production hub. Major U.S. and UK productions shoot here. Casting often favors UK/European talent but big roles open globally.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Pinewood Studios
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Shepperton Studios
Elstree Studios
Ealing Studios

2. Berlin, Germany

Known for international co-productions and arthouse films. English-speaking roles less common, but present in global projects.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Studio Babelsberg
Berliner Union Film Studios
CCC Filmstudios
Adlershof Studios
Filmpark Babelsberg

3. Budapest, Hungary

Increasingly popular for large-scale productions due to cost-effectiveness. English-speaking roles more limited.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Origo Film Group
Korda Studios
Mafilm Studios
Stern Studios
Astra Studios

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Similar to Budapest—period films and international projects common. English-speaking roles limited but growing.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Warner Bros. Studios
Paramount Pictures Studios
Universal Studios
Sony Pictures Studios
The Walt Disney Studios

5. Madrid, Spain

Spanish-language productions dominate, but global co-productions are increasing. Netflix has a growing presence.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Netflix Tres Cantos Studios
Secuoya Studios
Ciudad de la Tele
Estudios Buñuel
Movie Magic Studios

Mexico

1. Mexico City (Ciudad de México)

Mexico’s film and TV capital. Most national productions—telenovelas, films, streaming content—are produced here. Opportunities exist for Spanish-speaking talent, with growing international co-productions through Netflix, Amazon, and independent films.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Estudios Churubusco Azteca
Televisa San Ángel Studios
Argos Comunicación Studios
Estudios GGM (Gabriel García Márquez)
Huasteca Studios

2. Guadalajara, Jalisco

Known for indie films and a creative, arts-driven scene. Guadalajara hosts the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG), Mexico’s most important film festival, giving visibility to independent productions.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Ciudad Creativa Digital (CCD)
Estudios América
Taller Cinemático
Cámara Lúcida
Lumbra Studios

3. Monterrey, Nuevo León

An industrial powerhouse with a small but active film and commercial scene. Indie projects and occasional international productions film here. Local productions tend to favor regional talent.

Top Studios/Facilities:
La Casa del Cine Mty
Filmorama Studios
Victoria Films Studios
Estudio 316
Arte7 Producciones

4. Tijuana / Baja California

Proximity to the U.S. border makes Tijuana and Baja California a strategic location for international productions. While local opportunities are limited, international productions occasionally cast locally, especially for extras or supporting roles.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Baja Studios (notably used for Titanic and other large productions)
Baja California Studios
Cine Colectivo Tijuana
Frontera Films Studios
CineGarage Tijuana

5. Puebla, Puebla

An emerging secondary hub, often used as a location for period films and series due to its colonial architecture. Opportunities for actors are niche and project-dependent.

Top Studios/Facilities:
Casa Productora Cinefilia
Cine de Oriente Studios
Mente Estudio Creativo
Visual Estudio Puebla
Punto MX Estudio