Women in Film update
Women in Film and Television Atlanta
Address the State of Georgia’s Film Industry
Celebrating 35 Years of Excellence in 2009
February 2, 2009- (Atlanta, Ga.)- The state of Georgia’s Film Industry is “Strong and Growing!” That was the main message delivered by guest speaker Bill Thompson, GDEcD Deputy Commissioner of Film, Music & Digital Entertainment, during the Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA) Kick-off event Wednesday, January 28 at STATS in downtown Atlanta.
Thompson shared a forecast of the production industry in 2009 including an assessment of Georgia’s current national ranking of number one in the Southeast and number three in the nation, and the effect Georgia’s newly modified incentive package has on this year’s projections.
“Since the 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act was signed into law by Governor Perdue last May, we have seen an over 200% increase in the number of film and TV producers choosing to bring their productions to Georgia,” Thompson said. “So far this year, we have six feature films on the ground in Georgia in Q1. We expect another 18-20 feature films and TV series to be shot in Georgia in 2009. The result of this influx of films will create many jobs for Georgians, help grow the industry and deliver over $400 million dollars of direct revenue and over $700 million dollars in economic impact to the state.”
This was positive news for the nearly 120 WIFTA members and guests, who attended the annual kick-off event, comprised of writers, directors, actors, producers, editors and other members of the Georgia film and entertainment community.
Excitement was also in the air as WIFTA announced their 35th Anniversary and plans for special events throughout 2009. “Through the years one thing has remained the same…our commitment to our members,” said Melissa Randle, WIFTA President. “In this tough economy, rest assured that we will continue to provide the caliber of programming and professional resources worthy of our rich 35 year history. Part of this year’s initiatives will include providing additional opportunities to help members grow their business and networks.”
Randle recapped last years successful events including an award winning PSA campaign for Girls Inc of Greater Atlanta. Other announcements included: the introduction of the 2009 Board of Directors, the soon-to-be launched new WIFTA website, updates on upcoming events throughout the year, an overview of what WIFTA is all about and the 2009 initiatives.
A call for short film submissions was also made by Sherry Richardson, WIFTI Liaison. The deadline for submissions is February 20 and films chosen will be screened during the Atlanta Chapter’s Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) Short Film Showcase in March. Go to www.wifta.org to download the submission form.
About Women in Film and Television Atlanta:
(WIFTA) is a Georgia-based non-profit organization affiliated with other national and international Women in Film and Television chapters and dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, video, and other screen-based media. With an emphasis on education and training, we serve our members and the community by providing access to opportunities, supporting our members’ work, fostering greater public awareness of their efforts, and encouraging high standards of professionalism.
For more information about WIFTA go to www.wifta.org