CinemaCon’s closed-door presentations are where studios pitch exhibitors on the coming year: unreleased footage, talent on stage, executives making the case for the big screen. This year, a different part of the industry had a seat at the table.
In an era when consumers can skip ads, mute commercials and scroll past sponsored posts in seconds, major brands are getting creative about how they capture attention and build loyalty.
Last night at City of Refuge, a story that’s been unfolding for nearly three decades was put on screen. The Greatest of These, directed by Nick Nanton and produced by Katie Tschopp, tells the story of Bruce Deel and the decision to move his family into one of Atlanta’s most challenged areas to build something different.
Georgia’s film and television industry is slowing after a decade of rapid growth. But in the small towns that helped shape its identity, the story looks different. In Senoia and the Town at Trilith, momentum is shifting rather than disappearing, with both communities adapting in ways that extend beyond production cycles.
Porchfest transforms front porches in historic neighborhoods into live music stages, turning residential streets into a free, walkable festival open to the public. It was launched in 2007 in Ithaca, New York. Since that time, the event has expanded across the US. Festival Producer Melody Kiser said that it really began to take off in Georgia over the past decade or so.
Georgia Entertainment sat down with Atlanta-based Kevin Saunders, owner and CEO of Aristrolle’s Quest Productions to learn what makes Georgia the ideal place to work, forge connections and grow in his craft.
The City of Atlanta, alongside the Mayor’s Offices of Technology and Innovation, Film, Entertainment & Nightlife, and Cultural Affairs will join Georgia Entertainment at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Georgia Entertainment’s signature “From Story to Scale” programming expands its global platform to further position Atlanta and the state as a leader in film, music, technology and the broader creative economy.
Champ Bailey, Executive Producer of “Signing Tony Raymond,” shares the story of how a legendary NFL career led to an unexpected but exciting new chapter in film. Film production wasn’t part of the original plan after retirement, but Champ’s curiosity and drive to explore new ventures opened the door.
From the soundstages of Savannah to the bright lights of Broadway, Georgia’s creative influence is taking center stage. The state’s investment in education, arts and storytelling continues to produce world-class talent whose impact extends far beyond film and television.
Kicking off the festival, Opening Night will feature IDIOTS, directed by Macon Blair and filmed in Georgia. The high-energy narrative comedy showcases an all-star ensemble including Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thams, Kiernan Shipka, Nicholas Braun, Peter Dinklage, and Killer Mike, bringing together major talent and local filmmaking spirit.