VANGUARD: GEORGIA’S IMPACT ON THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

The film industry is growing in Georgia and Entertainment professionals came out to the VANGUARD event on January 22, 2014 to support this movement.  GT Owenby, (Founder of The Matchbook Media & Public Relations Co., Executive Director at FILM Atlanta), Katie Gathmann (Partner at The Matchbook Media & Public Relations Co., Director of Operations at FILM Atlanta) and Cynthia Collins (Founder and President of FILM Atlanta) organized VANGUARD with a mission to prepare Georgia Entertainment Professionals to compete on a global scale through education, training and workforce development.

What is VANGUARD?  Katie Gathmann explained “VANGUARD is the collaboration of leaders in the entertainment industry. Now that we have opened our doors to the decision makers in our community, it is time to bring the studio executives on board to elevate our status in Georgia. We are not Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago; we are Atlanta and we are on the rise.”

Artist/Actress Jean Alexander painting live

The event kicked off with networking, live music and an amazing live painting by the talented Jean Alexander. The program portion began with Ric Reitz (President of SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local, Actor, Creator of the GA Camera Ready Program), talking about the GA Tax Credits that encourage a lot of Films and TV shows to be filmed in Georgia. Georgia currently gives away up to 30% in a tax credit for productions that come to Georgia for qualified expenses. Ric Reitz said “Because of our growth, we went from being up like 100 million dollars in 2004, 240 million dollars in direct investment in 2007, and we are now at a billion dollars annually in direct investment.” Georgia is currently right behind Los Angeles and New York for places to film and the industry continues to grow each year.

Melissa Goodman (Executive Director at SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local) spoke about SAG-AFTRA’s support of VANGUARD and how SAG-AFTRA can help filmmakers make films or TV shows for all budgets. She encouraged filmmakers to utilize SAG members to help get projects made here in Georgia.

Next, Tim McCabe (Co-President, Georgia Production Partnership) encouraged guests to join Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) which is a coalition of companies and individuals who are active in Georgia’s film, video, music, and interactive game industries. A portion of the proceeds from the VANGUARD event will benefit GPP.

Mike Akins (Business Agent at IATSE Local 479) addressed the increasing number of jobs there are in Georgia due to the film industry. Mike said “When the tax incentive goes away, we have to position ourselves to still be the best, cheapest place to film. That’s what the future leads in building this infrastructure. Screen Gems, Pinewood Studios and other studios are here to stay and they won’t leave.”

Alpha Trivette (Actor Drop Dead Diva, Banshee) commented “Georgia has a brilliant future in film and TV! And not just for actors but for producers, directors, writers, crew, technical, pre and post production, ancillary support and those seeking to take advantage of the lucrative tax incentives. These incentives are responsible for the surprising number of TV series based and shot in Georgia. The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Drop Dead Diva, The Walking Dead, The Haves and the Have Nots, Single Ladies, and Family Feud to mention just a few of the nearly 60 shows currently based in and around Atlanta. Already recording over $3 Billion in revenues, all indications are that Georgia stands to grow its already substantial footing in the global movie industry. As impressive as the addition of world class studios to the Georgia landscape (ex. Pinewood Studios) may be, equally impressive is the number and quality of independent filmmakers and TV producers. The future is bright and VANGUARD will be there to provide encouragement, information and support to aid that success.”

Event Organizers (L-R) GT Owenby, Katie Gathmann , and Cynthia Collins

Cynthia Collins (Founder and President of FILM Atlanta) added “My primary concern as President of FILM Atlanta is that we are focused on creating producers of content, jobs, and educational opportunities for those who want to work professionally. Then, as we are connecting people through VANGUARD, we can ensure their success as they go on to create not only beautiful art, but craft successful careers for themselves and for their families.”

I asked actor Maurice Chevalier (Breathe, Bright Lights, Barry Simone) what he learned from the event and he said, “There was a lot of information on tax credits that I really appreciated. When you combine forecasts that truly help you assess future bearings with like-minded individuals and those in a position to help drive you to the next level, it produces an unbeatable experience.”

Organizer GT Owenby told me what he would like to see happen from this event in the future. “I would like to see people coming together to learn and work with the best in the entertainment industry. If you are here in Georgia and you are adding value to our industry, than you need to be at VANGUARD.”

I am thrilled that I was at VANGUARD. I had a great time at the event. It was informative, positive, and entertaining. I met some great Actors, Directors, Producers, Writers and Artists all with the same goal of elevating Georgia’s status on a national and international scale. It was a success and I was honored to be invited as an Actor and correspondent for Nice Girls TV!

For more information on VANGUARD, or for opportunities to attend the next event on February 19, send and email to vanguard@filmatlanta.org

*Photos by Maxie McClintock

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