The debate is over: film, entertainment and the broader creative industries are essential drivers of economic growth. Those of us in the industry know it, and most policymakers do too. The evidence is everywhere.
Ryan Johnson, founder and CEO of Cxmmunity Media, has launched The Kickback’s 2026 tour. The announcement comes on the heels of Johnson being named co-recipient of Georgia’s 2026 Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year award alongside co-founder Chris Peay at Georgia Entertainment’s Signature 100 event at Trilith LIVE.
The Columbus Creators Mixer on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at The Loft in Columbus will provide information on “How to Become a Storyteller” and “The Economics of Storytelling,” which will include creators across all disciplines, providing education on storytelling fundamentals and helping participants understand what resources are locally available to them.
In this behind-the-scenes look from the Georgia Film Office, the Blue Beetle team discusses their first-time experience working in Atlanta and the incredible Georgia film crew.
Former NFL star Champ Bailey, now executive producer of “Signing Tony Raymond,” reflects on how football shaped his approach to teamwork and process.
The media merger leading into 2026 is a development that excites and inspires international entertainment executive Michael Fisk, and it’s one he’s actively developing as he stirs up a communal concoction of sports, cinema and live entertainment with all of it instantaneously available right in front of you on the big screen.
John Hall and Don Mandrik of Hall Booth Smith introduce their firm’s expanding role in Georgia’s entertainment industry. With deep roots in Georgia and a national and international reach, the firm represents a wide range of clients across film, television, music, production, and financing.
By the time Walker reached his 20th year in the entertainment business in Los Angeles, he realized something: “I produced for a lot of other people, and I didn’t see myself having the brand that I wanted anymore.”
Stephen Owen & Daniel Arita talk about CineFi, which has launched as the first fully digital credit union specifically serving entertainment industry professionals, including those in television, film, music, gaming, content creation, and influencer sectors, in Atlanta and nationwide.
The Georgia Department of Education is creating new fine arts pathways for high school students and advocating for an expansion of fine arts staffing at the elementary level along with the inclusion of AP, IB, and Cambridge fine arts courses for HOPE Rigor credit.