I recently met with Joel Harber, Athena Studios CEO in Athens after learning they had just received the certification of occupancy for the studio. When I arrived late in the afternoon, there was one vehicle I could spot – Joel was there. It would be a memorable moment for me as he and I were about to walk the property virtually alone, buildings purposed built, massive studio walls towering over us – we were in that “space between” – the space between creation and activity.

Jon Gosier is Co-founder and CEO of FilmHedge. He says trust is the primary problem investors have with putting money into films. FilmHedge was started to help address the trust issue and open up capital for filmmakers. 

Jay Rabbit is Founder and CEO of ICP. The company has been Georgia’s go-to source for professional audio production solutions for over 40 years. Today, Jay talks about the challenges companies have retaining employees and finding great people. 

I have been hearing about South Georgia Studios for a while and plans to build a large studio around the Valdosta area. So I traveled to Quitman, Georgia to learn more. (Quitman is just off of I75, outside Valdosta, 3 hours south of Atlanta).  I met with Honnie Korngold and was also introduced to Lisa Folsom, Film Liaison, South Georgia Film Office.

In the middle of the pandemic, Keith Roush took a literal leap of faith to bring his family and company to Georgia from Los Angeles. Roush Media, a high-end post production firm, now serves both Los Angeles and Georgia. Showing his commitment to Georgia, Keith dissolved his corporation in California and is now a Georgia-based corporation fully committed to the state. 

Mark talks about a misconception many have about who’s benefiting from the direct spending that is facilitated in Georgia via the film tax credit. From his perspective the tax credit benefits Georgia families and Georgia businesses. 

The State of Esports Update: This week’s episode covers women in esports, an update on the Peach Belt Conference competition in Aiken, SC, highlights Kennesaw State’s & UGA’s success and Collegiate Valorant.   

As Cinelease continues to expand in Georgia and beyond, company leaders discuss the connection with their parent company Herc and how this connection is part of the first class experience productions can expect. (Gannon Murphy, Jessa Grazioplene, Derek Elkins and Mark Lamberton) 

Entertainment lawyer Steve Weizenecker is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. He shares his history with the film tax credit dating back to 2007/2008 and how complicated the credit was at that time.

The State of Esports Update: This week’s episode covers pro Esports and collegiate collaborations, LAN Event at UGA, Georgia Game Developers Association (GGDA) Best of GA Game Jam nominees, Skillshot hosts international invitational, and behind the scenes of a World Championship.