At the Georgia Unscripted event in Cobb County, Roger Alexander touched so many with his brief remarks. With 200+ in the audience including dozens of legislators and government officials, he walked through his story of what the film tax incentive has done for him, the entertainment businesses he has started and the young people he now mentors.
Stephen Weizenecker, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg, discusses how growth in the film industry from the Georgia Tax Incentive has led to growth in the video game and music industries.
Groundbreaking on the project, which will grow the production capacity at WBSL by more than 50%, will begin in the second quarter of 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027. The expanded WBSL will become a primary production hub for DC Studios.
The event, in partnership with Film Columbus GA and presented in part by Valley Hospitality Group, will combine the Georgia Unscripted roadshow’s educational and informational state-of-the-industry offering with Georgia Entertainment’s signature 100 affair, which focuses heavily on high level networking.
Level 77 Music Founder and CEO Patrick Avard and his Atlanta-based team have been nominated for four Mark Awards from the prestigious Production Music Association in Los Angeles.
Cassie Chantel, CEO of Tribe House Records, believes Athens is a “Young Atlanta” and on the verge of being a major city for film and music.
Representative Al Williams, representing the coast for more than 20 years, spoke about Liberty County’s role and how the film credit has been so key for Georgia’s economy. “We need to be careful dabbling with the film tax credit and progress made in Georgia. Others like Louisiana dabbled and look what happened there.”
Producer Christos Hines talks about bringing the film community to Athens. It’s a positive for the economy and quality of life.
On October 4 a committee reviewing the Georgia Film Tax Incentive will meet in Athens to discuss the future of that incentive. The members of this committee need to know how proud the community is of this burgeoning film industry.
Major studio streamers are among the inaugural members of a new trade group devoted to advocacy for federal and state policies that impact their services.
The deal, outlined in the 2023 WGA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), introduces remarkable pay increases and pioneering regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment content creation.
Montu Miller, recording artist and Ambassador for Classic City Hip Hop, explains how great music is going on in Georgia beyond Atlanta in towns like Athens, Augusta, Savannah, and Valdosta.
Mala Sharma, President of Georgia Music Partners, underscores how lawmakers who understand that music industry growth is economic growth, are leveraging Georgia’s strong, diverse music history to build the music industry in new areas of the state.
Georgia Entertainment, in partnership with Film Augusta, held the fourth 2023 Georgia Unscripted Roadshow in Augusta last week. (See the reel and photos.) Numerous business owners, entertainment executives along with legislators and government officials gathered to learn more about the creative economy in the region.
“We’re excited to announce our expansion into Atlanta and Wilmington,” said Ashley Rice, President & Co-Managing Partner, Cinespace Studios. “Through the strategic acquisition of these well-regarded studio facilities, we’re expanding our footprint in the industry and commitment to supporting every type of creative need.”
Georgia Film Academy (GFA) today announced it received an award from 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta for hosting more than 100 children, ages 11 to 18, during a hands-on learning experience in the film, television and esports industries earlier this year at its Fayetteville campus.
The Atlanta Women’s Film Festival is set to captivate audiences on Sunday, October 8th, from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm at the Wild Heaven West End Brewery & Gardens.
Bill Sanford, National Director of Operations for CineLease Studios, talks on how the health of the Georgia Tax Incentive is crucial to the growth of the film industry in Georgia.
SAG-AFTRA members have voted 98.32% in favor of a strike authorization on the Interactive Media Agreement that covers members’ work on video games. 34,687 members cast ballots, representing a voting percentage of 27.47% of eligible voters.
Games Week Georgia will encompass a week of activities and events to celebrate all aspects of the gaming and esports industry in Georgia, December 11-17, 2023
Matt Davis, President and Founder of Reel Supplies, a building supply company that is dedicated to the film industry, talks about keeping pace with the industry growth from the Georgia tax incentive.
The Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia (ETAG) has formed to track, promote, and connect tourism data associated with film, music, arts, and other entertainment sectors.
As appointed by Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Speaker of the House Jon Burns the committee members are working on behalf of the Georgia General Assembly to review all Georgia tax credits, including Georgia’s film tax credit.
A part two and three part threes have descended upon theaters this month, and now we also have a fourth entry nearly a decade after its previous installment.
Georgians in the film industry are hopeful to get back to the set soon after months of strikes and negotiations now that the Writers Guild of America has a tentative agreement with studios.
Public media maker WABE, Atlanta’s choice for NPR and PBS, announced today that its veteran radio host and jazz and blues aficionado H. Johnson will be honored.
LaRonda Sutton, Co-President, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Georgia Production Partnership from 1973 with productions like Cannonball Run, Deliverance, and In the Heat of the Night to 2023 as the top production center in the world.
What we have won in this contract—most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd—is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days.
Linda Yaccarino spent 15 years at Turner Entertainment and 11.5 years at NBCUniversal before her surprise appointment as Twitter’s (now X) new CEO. As she continues to build her team, she just announced four hires of executives she had worked with at Turner or NBCUniversal.
“I plan to bring a purpose-built studio here,” said Warren Ostergard, who has made a few films in Augusta including The Hill, The Royal and Agent Game.
Hollywood was not Maurice Johnson’s goal when attending Glenn Hills High School, but when his college debate coach challenged him to use his voice, he discovered a world that caused him to change course and pursue a different career path.
The California Film Commission (CFC) announced that it will welcome three big-budget feature film projects and a diverse roster of 13 independent films to the state’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program 3.0.
Join AGG’s Entertainment & Sports team and experts in the film industry for conversations delving into the legal fundamentals that play a crucial role in the success of film projects.
Georgia is in the news again and it’s all positive!
Mark Wofford, President and CEO of Atlanta-based PC&E, talks about the many areas of Georgia, from colleges to small towns to better known cities, that contribute to the successful film industry in Georgia.
The Georgia Entertainment 100 will adjoin the Georgia Unscripted Roadshow event in Columbus on October 5th. The combination brings the educational program of the roadshow series together with the gala style, networking format of the signature 100 events that Georgia Entertainment is known for.
Decatur resident Elizabeth Grove, a talented food stylist for film and TV, is proud to present the Horrifying Food of Film & TV art exhibit debuts Friday, October 13th.
As part of her GFA curriculum, she secured production assistant internships on the set of a major motion picture, Creed III, and television series, Shadrach, officially obtaining her certification in Film and Television Production from GFA upon completion of her on-set roles.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp noted: “Georgia is proud to welcome U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters and looks forward to working alongside them to build a new home for American soccer players and fans. For many decades, sports have been an essential part of Georgia’s history and culture.”
It took a while for the audio and comms departments to embrace the power of “digital”. But once they did, there was no looking back. As an example, the ability to change channels on a device with a keystroke, has been a game changer, not only for the comms engineer but the entertainment industry as a whole. Think of it. The show engineer can now program their entire show on the plane on the way to the job. Once on site, shoot the file into the equipment and off you go. It’s a beautiful thing!
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie crossed the last hurdle on its run to challenge the top 10 all-time domestic list.
Marvel Studios’ Visual Effects (VFX) Workers unanimously voted in favor of unionizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in an election held by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the union announced Wednesday.
Jonathan Gosier, Co-Founder and CEO of Filmhedge, talks about bringing capital to Georgia to expand beyond shooting productions here so that projects develop here as well.
The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) is a 501c3 charity dedicated to offering educational programs to high school students interested in the film and television industry and supporting minority adults pursuing careers in the field.
In my last article I highlighted the need for “Cultural Clarity” in Creative Economies and described the need to better define which creative industries are considered in Georgia’s Creative Economy. In this article I will focus on our state’s investment in the arts, Georgia’s Rural Creative Economy, and how the Film Industry can be a foundation for Rural Economic Development in the state of Georgia.
The robust economic impact of the film industry has created fertile ground for small business owners. Across Georgia, it has inspired countless entrepreneurs like me to take advantage of the statewide boom.
“The media landscape has changed drastically in the past 75 years, and as we look toward WABE’s next 75 years, we’ll be adding more original, Atlanta-focused content than ever before”
“America’s future leadership – not just in the film and TV industry but in national security – will hinge on our ability to outpace and outcompete rivals who seek supremacy in this critical, emerging field.”
Blomberg will oversee DreamHack in the region as it prepares for a 2024 slate that will include festival returns in Dallas (June 2024) and Atlanta (Oct 2024).
This year’s summit will feature three panel presentations, which will delve into the current state of entertainment, eSports/gaming, and fintech while also exploring the question of “What’s next?” for the digital landscape in Atlanta.
“Thanks to strong policies like the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, thousands of Georgians now work in an industry that did not have a significant presence in our state just decades ago.” Hilton H. Howell Jr., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Assembly Atlanta
Georgia Esports League latest episode of the State of Esports celebrates one of the newest Ghost Gaming Content Creators -Ghost Ambassador and UGA student Nebbiiee can be found on twitch making rocket league content.
Level 77 Music, an independent boutique production music company that creates libraries of songs for film, television, sports, advertising and corporate use, announces four nominations for the UK-based Production Music Awards.
Upon visiting Cinelease Studios – Three Ring it was clear Georgia’s thriving film industry continues to climb. The studio’s expansion reflects the state’s dedication to meeting the rising demand for film spaces.
“The real impacts of the film and television industry in Georgia reach beyond the red carpet, improving the lives of thousands of Georgians and contributing to the state’s overall economy,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson.
The festival takes place from September 21st to September 25th and October 7th to 8th, 2023. The September screenings will be held at the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture & History.
“Georgia’s tourism economy is the strongest it’s ever been!” said GDEcD Chief Marketing Officer Mark Jaronski. “The pandemic shut down travel around the globe, but not here. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kemp, our General Assembly, Commissioner Wilson, and the men and women of our statewide tourism industry, including our state tourism office and expert marketing and communications team, travel to and within Georgia and its ensuing benefits to our state’s economy and Georgians are higher than ever, establishing an unprecedented legacy for years to come.”
Though it couldn’t match the returns of its predecessor, the latest horror entry in the conjuring universe scared up a healthy $32.6 million debut.
“Big Stories” presents a diverse array of artists whose large-scale figurative works capture the essence of storytelling in striking visual form.
Join us as we explore how anyone, from student to pro, can start their own game studio. We will also be testing games created by Georgia indie developers.
Georgia Entertainment has learned that further expansion is underway with additional personnel and audio/comm equipment to the Georgia facility. The climate-controlled tech space is being renovated to include state of the art Comms gear. This combined with a key hire slated to be announced next week that will lead the company’s new Comms Division.
Lindsey Yates, Executive Producer for FuseFX Atlanta, talks about the flexible work environment in visual effects.
Jonathan Gosier, Co-Founder and CEO of Filmhedge, talks about his life in East Africa before becoming involved in the film industry in Georgia.
Atlanta creative studio shares two decades of experience with their global creative community
As part of our strategic partnership with Game Changers, Georgia Entertainment is excited to share this interview between Angela Ward and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. As a result of this alliance, we cast a spotlight on the ever-evolving entertainment sphere, celebrating its rich diversity and showcasing the talent and leadership propelling it forward.
Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp attended a special screening of ‘Sound of Freedom’ last week at Trilith. The VIP event brought out senior entertainment executives across the state and other parts of the country.
Publicist and director Nicole Sage, a Georgia State University Film School graduate, shared her excitement about the screening, stating, “I am thrilled to showcase a small glimpse of Tina DeVore’s dynamic life on-screen after all these years.
CUTLERS COURT has been cleared in over 80% of the country, including 17 of the top 20 markets. Launch partners include CBS Television Stations, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Nexstar Media Group, Gray Television, Weigel Broadcasting Co., Tegna Inc., and E.W. Scripps Company, among others.
Beginning with the curation of impactful film festivals and educational resources, the organization has now embarked on a groundbreaking venture: Cinema Life Projects.
Legendary member of Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams, packed the house at the Trilith Town Stage for the latest installment of the Trilith Foundation’s Enrichment Series.
Moonshine’s growth is a testament to the growth of Georgia’s film industry and tax credit – right time, right place, and the right amount of chip on our shoulders to make it happen and prove everyone else wrong.
The Founder and CEO of leading marketing agency, LIQUID SOUL, brings experience working with major companies like Disney, Warner Bros and AT&T. The innovator plans to use his expertise to elevate the film and launch important conversations surrounding health disorders due to overconsumption of sugar in the African-American community.
“We are thrilled to bring together filmmakers and film lovers for a weekend dedicated to the magic of cinema and the celebration of Latino culture,” said Carla Berkowitz, Chairwoman of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance.
Assembly Studios is a newly constructed, state-of-the-art studio with sound stages, vivid exterior locations, and full production services all available in one location. It’s almost go-time and NBCUniversal is hiring for key positions.
The Jesup Film Festival is thrilled to announce its inaugural event. This year, the Jesup Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinematic excellence, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts.
After adding preview numbers into the mix for their win last week, Sony got the more traditional one this week.
The 2023 Georgia Film Festival will be held Sept. 15-16 at UNG’s Gainesville Campus. It will highlight filmmakers and films based in Georgia and the Southeast.
Lawrence Ough, Technical Project Manager for NBC Universal’s OTT, Peacock TV, discusses how colleges are offering courses that prepare you for the technology roles needed for OTT TV productions.
LaRonda Sutton, Co-President of Georgia Production Partnership, highlights the new initiative to establish regional chapters who come together to better understand and influence the legislature and the Georgia tax Incentive.
The DeKalb Entertainment Commission (DEC), a division of Decide DeKalb Development Authority, is thrilled to announce an exciting program for creative minds to finally turn their idea into a viable business plan with: The Art of the Business Plan for Creatives workshop.
“In addition to providing production jobs that range across a variety of skills from accounting to carpentry to engineering and graphic design, productions are using local vendors, eating at Georgia restaurants, and staying in our hotels,” said Gov. Brian Kemp
Founded in 2000, Taylor Upholstering is a full-service upholstering shop located in Savannah’s southside. They specialize in commercial upholstering for restaurants, hotels, hospitals, film and tv productions, fitness centers and any other commercial projects.
“Watchmen,” “42,” and even a more recent production filmed in Macon, “The Color Purple” film musical, each spent several days transforming downtown Macon for filming. Aaron Buzza, COO at “Visit Macon,” says lately, it’s been all quiet regarding any sets in downtown Macon.
FilmSavannah was delighted to host the “Why Georgia” marketing group and assisted the filmmakers on their Savannah episode. The video features local industry professionals: Samita Wolfe, Genevieve Hawkins, Witt Lacy, Chad Darnell, Nikki Hill, Bo Bowen, and Stratton Leopold.
DuVernay’s Origin will mark a significant landmark for Venice as the first film by an African American woman to play in Competition. Origin is based on Isabel Wilkerson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning nonfiction book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
“Economic development across Georgia is critical if we wish to remain the No. 1 state in which to do business and the best state to live, work, and raise a family,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “The upward momentum over the last few years is part of a larger trend where Georgia has secured its role as an economic and business hub of the Southeast. We look forward to continuing to support cooperation and solutions-oriented initiatives.”
Creative professionals making feature films and video games in Texas aren’t just competing with projects in the media meccas of Los Angeles and New York City. They’re vying with productions made in states with generous incentives and tax credits for film and games. Georgia has dominated in incentivizing film production; New Mexico offers sizeable tax credits; and Oklahoma’s cash rebates make it a serious contender.
Shawn Batey was sweating in the August sun on the 100th day of the writers strike, carrying her “IATSE Solidarity” sign on the picket line outside Netflix’s New York offices, but she was glad to be there.
The program, which is called the “Iovine and Young Center,” offers the students a different learning model where they can focus on technology and leadership. Both Dr. Dre and Iovine introduced the program on Tuesday (August 29).
The highly anticipated documentary “Black is Beautiful” is set to make its Georgia premiere at the Summer in the South Film Festival this Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, at 1:00 pm.
Beyond the Southern hospitality, Augusta has the resources to serve as an ideal filming location. Film Augusta reports millions have been generated in economic impact by films shooting in the city. Hundreds of local cast + crew have been employed on productions since 2019. In the past 5 years. Watch this.
Ambient + Studio, Atlanta’s largest daylight event space, is hosting the 10th anniversary of the Aids Healthcare Foundation’s Atlanta Chapter (AHF) on September 3rd, between 9:00 pm – 1:30 am.
Sony’s Gran Turismo May Have Won the Weekend, But Greta Gerwig’s Fantastical Comedy Hit a Record-Breaking Milestone.
Craig Miller, Founder and Executive Producer for Craig Miller Productions explains how the film incentive in Georgia, which was created to bring large productions to Georgia, has also benefited independent film makers.
Shane Hall, freelance photographer and aspiring videographer, discusses the role of re:imagine in expanding his talents from natural ability to professional with education and support.
Georgia-based independent filmmakers Gavin Fields (writer/director) and Shelby Grady (producer/actor) will release their debut feature, Brutal Season, with 1091 Pictures.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is proud to announce that SCAD AnimationFest returns to Atlanta Sept. 28-30, 2023.
I had the opportunity this week to appear on the Morning Mix hosted by Cliff Bennett and Nathalia Jacques of WRDW TV Channel 12 in Augusta. The morning lifestyle show reaches thousands of viewers throughout the CSRA each weekday.
Now in its 14th year, the Atlanta-based BronzeLens Film Festival has been reimaged in consideration of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes to show solidarity and support for each organization’s members.
Georgia Entertainment was out in force at the Augusta screening of ‘The Hill’ starring Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Georgia’s Mila Harris along with other local talented actors. The screening was held on Wendesday night at the Miller Theater with a toned down red carpet reflective of the current strike, but exciting nonetheless.