WOODSTOCK, GA — The Fifth Annual Cherokee Film Summit, March 14, will celebrate 50 years of the Georgia Film Office by featuring Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film Office, and Greg Torre, Former Director of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office in its opening panel.
Lee Thomas is the Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, responsible for developing the state’s film, television and commercial producton industries through marketing, scouting and coordinating the filming needs of companies with other state agencies, local governments and residents.
Greg Torre began his career at the state’s lead economic development agency in the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office where he served as Director from 1998 to 2006. In addition to recruiting television and motion picture projects to the state, he developed and helped pass the state’s first film industry-specific incentives, including the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act.
Along with celebrating 50 years of the Georgia Film Office, the Cherokee Film Summit is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The Fifth Annual Cherokee Film Summit is themed “Connect With Tomorrow,” and will celebrate regional successes, acknowledge current challenges and look to the future of filmmaking throughout the region.
The Cherokee Film Summit was started five years ago as an initiative of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED). COED is the leading organization for business and film recruitment, as well as industry retention and expansion in Cherokee County, Georgia.
The summit features a variety of expert speakers and panelists, as well as connect on points for professional advice on entering and progressing in the variety of career paths within Georgia’s Film Production Industry.
This year will offer breakout topics on acting, sound design, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking and using your voice to support initiatives in Georgia’s film production industry – along with the opening Key Note panel.
To end the night, feature panelists Billy Gabor, President, Post-Production of Company 3, Todd Harris, CEO of Skillshot Media & Ghost Gaming, Grant Wainscot, Vice President of Ecosystem Expansion at the Metro Atlanta Chamber and John Swartz, Co-Producer, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; 2nd Unit Director, Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Mandalorian will discuss how emerging technologies are changing the landscape in their respective fields.
As a Camera-Ready Community and the official state film liaison, COED is deeply ingrained in the film community of Cherokee, and offers free scouting, permiting and other assistance to burgeoning filmmakers.
Whether you are a filmmaker, actor or simply passionate about the creation of filmed content, this event offers a unique platform to learn, connect and explore how you can play a role in this exciting industry.
The Fifth Annual Cherokee Film Summit will take place at the YANMAR Evo Center on March 14, from 5 – 9 p.m. Visit cherokeega.org/cherokee-film-summit to see the full list of presenters and to secure your ticket today.
