Lights, camera… whale sharks? Over the past twenty years, Georgia Aquarium has become an unexpected star on screens big and small, appearing in everything from Pitch Perfect 3 and Cobra Kai to ESPN features and even having our own show on Animal Planet. But what draws so many productions to film beneath our roof—and sometimes beneath the surface? Let’s dive into the productions that’ve chosen the Aquarium as their backdrop, exploring what it takes to capture shots underwater and revealing why the Aquarium has become one of the coolest—and most versatile—filming locations.

Filming at Georgia Aquarium

What makes Georgia Aquarium such a sought-after filming location? For starters, our stars aren’t actors—they’re some of the ocean’s most extraordinary animals. Productions know they can count on us for guaranteed access to species that are nearly impossible to capture in the wild. But the magic doesn’t stop at our habitats. Behind the scenes, the Aquarium offers a maze of fascinating, camera-ready spaces. From ballroom areas to filtration rooms, even research labs—that provide authenticity and unexpected visual interest.

On the logistical side, we’re built for production. Our expansive footprint and open layout make it easy for film crews of all sizes to move equipment, stage scenes, and adjust on the fly. Most shoots take place before we open or after we close to guests, and every project is supported by our dedicated internal film and production team. Combine all that with our location in Atlanta, the “Hollywood of the South,” home to major studios like Trilith and Tyler Perry Studios, and it’s no surprise that Georgia Aquarium has become a go-to destination for film and TV. The industry’s impact on our state is immense, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting and showcasing Georgia’s booming production community.

Did You Know This Was Filmed Here?

If you’ve visited the Aquarium, you’ve undoubtedly stood in front of our famous Ocean Voyager viewing window. At 23 feet tall, 61 feet wide, it’s one of the largest single viewing windows in the world—and one of the most iconic filming backdrops you’ll find anywhere. Maybe you’ve spotted it in a favorite TV show, movie, or even on your local news. Over the years, countless productions have transformed this massive window—and many other spaces throughout the Aquarium—into iconic on-screen moments. 

Here are just a few of the standout features you might recognize:

• The Last Song
• Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip
• The Change-Up
• Pitch Perfect 3
• What to Expect When You’re Expecting
• Dynasty (TV)
• Cobra Kai (TV)
• After 
• The Resident (TV)
• Mastodon – Livestream Concert
• Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin (TV)
• The Aquarium (TV)
• Shark Week (TV)
• ESPN – multiple filmings for college and NFL 

Just to name a few!

Catch Us On Your Screen

From prominent films to behind-the-scenes shots, every production that chooses Georgia Aquarium helps share the wonder of our animals with audiences far beyond our walls. Whether it’s capturing one of our many unique animals, highlighting our research, or using our one-of-a-kind spaces as a cinematic backdrop, we’re proud to play a role in bringing these stories to life. As Atlanta’s film industry continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming even more creators, crews, and cameras—and to showing the world why there’s truly no place to film quite like Georgia Aquarium.