404 Studio Partners and Rooker partnered to create Atlanta Metro Studios.
After decades in the entertainment industry, Ed Richardson and Brian Livesay formed 404 Studio Partners to create new purpose-built film & television infrastructure and fill the void for proper sound stages in the booming Atlanta market. Atlanta native John Rooker (CEO of Rooker, a full-service real estate development firm specializing in the industrial and Government segment sectors) had purchased the shuttered Shannon Mall before meeting. The Mall had long been a key part of Union City’s economy, however it was off the tax rolls and its redevelopment topped Mayor Vince Williams’ list of key initiatives.
Our collective vision for the redevelopment of the mall property…and the birth of Atlanta Metro Studios was multi-faceted. First, address the deficit of large-scale, purpose-built studios in Georgia’s film infrastructure by building sound stages, production offices and flex space all inside in a secure campus environment. Second, and possibly the more exciting opportunity, was to create this film community inside the existing, thriving community of Union City.In partnership with Union City we are doing all we can to provide world class service to the world’s greatest content creators, all while driving economic development in South Fulton and focusing a spotlight on the purpose-built film corridor that’s fast emerging on Atlanta’s south side. Ed Richardson, Brian Livesay and John Rooker are the Founders and Managing Partners of Atlanta Metro Studios.