Citing an example, Patterson said, “There is a need for visual effects artists. There are not enough of them in the world (to currently meet the growing need).”

As an example of these efforts, Thomas used the Will Smith film “Gemini Man,” which is set for release in October. That production used more than 330 vendors from 64 state localities, including Brunswick and St. Simons Island.

“Black Panther,” which could snag trophies for best picture, original score, costume design and original song, was filmed chiefly at EUE/Screen Gems with some work done at Tyler Perry’s new studio facility and a few scenes shot on location throughout Atlanta.

Participating High Schools: Arabia Mountain, Chamblee, Columbia, DeKalb High School of Technology South, DeKalb School of the Arts, Dunwoody, Lakeside, Miller Grove, MLK, McNair, Southwest DeKalb Stephenson, Towers and Tucker

“We really need to bring these jobs back to Florida instead of giving up all our economic development to Georgia, Louisiana and California, too,” Stewart said.

Two productions – HBO’s “Brooklyn” TV series and the film “Jumanji 2” – have required days-long street closures and detours for vehicles and pedestrians already this year.

He’s going though some things that are very relatable, and the biggest difference I see between me and him are the method of coping for the obstacles he’s going through,” Perkins said. “I could have been just like my character in another life.”

In the five-time Oscar nominated movie Green Book, New Orleans, Louisiana becomes, for a cinematic moment or two,  Macon, Georgia.

“Any opportunity we have to be able to share with community, both good films and good topics that can reflect on what was going on here, in our community, we want to do that,” said Jason Brown, the South Georgia Film Festival director.

Sklar attended an introductory class on the film business taught by producer Linda Burns, did her own research and started attending film industry events “to try to up my game and understand it better,” she said.