‘Reel’ Opportunity Awaits at Fourth Annual Cherokee Film Summit
The 2023 Cherokee Film Summit will be held on March 16, 2023 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm, at the YANMAR//EVO Center. Since 2019, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) has brought a diverse group of business partners, film industry professionals, and local creatives together for ‘reel community connection.’
“Each year, participants from across Metro Atlanta gather to expand their network and deepen connections to Georgia’s Film Production Industry,” said COED Film Project Manager Molly Mercer. “They gain valuable insight into topics beyond their specific expertise: from distribution platforms to investment in film, to screenwriting, and even to acting and talent management.”
The event will kick off with a “Community Spotlight” segment with Sheriff Frank Reynolds and Key Assistant Location Manager Jimmie Bullis, highlighting Cherokee’s continued success in hosting film projects such as the box office knockout Creed III.
The program will continue with a full array of breakout sessions, panels, and networking opportunities with film industry professionals from across the region. The lineup includes:
• Acting Technique Breakdown with Erin Bethea;
• My Network Is My Net Worth with Thomas Cantley;
• Invest In Film: Building a Sustainable Film Industry for Georgia with Brent Lambert-Zaffino, Don Mandrik, Mitch Olson, & Glen Owen;
• Connecting Your Biz to the Film Biz with Jeff Chattin and Kim Mross;
• How to Sell Your Project with Thomas Cantley;
• Hosting Film Teams Like a Pro with Craig Dominey & Dodd Vickers; and
• Talent Management 101 with Kelly Sirois.
Chief Creative Officer and Writer Cheryl McKay Price, along with key members of her production team and cast, will participate in a “Feature Panel” highlighting the benefits of creating, writing, filming, and hiring for the faith-based TV series These Stones almost exclusively in Cherokee County. Price will be joined by production team members Judd Brannon, D.B. Hanson, Chris Price, and leading actors Rusty Joiner and Charlene Amoia.
The Fourth Annual event comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for filming in Cherokee and in Georgia. The event demonstrates the positive economic impact of both visiting film teams and local film professionals living and working in Cherokee and the Metro Atlanta region, while serving as a conduit for those who seek to connect. “We see film as a place for all Georgia businesses and individuals to play a supporting role,” said COED President and CEO Misti Martin. “The opportunity for diverse economic growth through film is limitless.”
The Cherokee Film Summit is an initiative of Cherokee By Choice – a public-private partnership committed to building an ecosystem that serves as a launching pad for big dreams and bold action. In 2022, over 55 teams chose to locate their film projects in Cherokee, including Creed III. “I have worked in numerous states and municipalities,” said Creed III Key ALM Jimmie Bullis. “Cherokee County is undeniably one of the most welcoming and helpful places to film.”
To purchase tickets or read speaker bios and panel descriptions, visit the website https://www.cherokeega.org/film-media.
For more information on the Cherokee Film Summit, email Film Project Manager Molly Mercer at mmercer@cherokeega.org or call 770.345.0600.