Breakout Sessions, Presenters Announced For Cherokee Film Summit

CANTON, GA — The Cherokee Office of Economic Development recently announced a complete list of breakout sessions and presenters for the Third Annual Cherokee Film Summit from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 10 at the YANMAR EVO//Center in Southwest Cherokee.

Launched in 2019 as part of the Cherokee By Choice initiative, this event sets the stage for “reel community connection” through breakout sessions, networking, and panelists.

Film enthusiasts will hear from keynote speaker Lee Thomas, the deputy commissioner of the Georgia Film Office, and feature panelists Ashley and Thomas Cantley along with Tom Cox of Stream MOKO – a new streaming startup that “influences for good.”

The work of Cherokee Film Summit presenters has been featured in major motion picture and TV titles such as “Ozark,” “Stranger Things,” “MacGyver,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “The Hunger Games,” “Entourage,” “Martha Stewart”, “Fireproof,” “Hidden Figures,” and more. The event will also feature conversations around the growth of gaming and esports.

2022 Sessions

HOW TO BE FILM FRIENDLY

Evan Cohn & Mac Gordon

Filming on your property or in your city can be overwhelming. Location Manager Mac Gordon sits down with Georgia Power’s Senior Counsel Evan Cohn to discuss how to be hospitable to the film industry while protecting your property. While strolling down past-project lane, Mac & Evan will share where to be flexible and when to stand your ground so that you build a relationship of trust.

GAMING & ESPORTS: IT’S ALL JUST CONTENT AT THE END OF THE DAY

Grant Wainscott and Todd Harris

Join Metro Atlanta Chamber’s VP of Creative Industries Grant Wainscott and Todd Harris, Founder and CEO of Skillshot Media for a fireside conversation about metro Atlanta’s digital content ecosystem, from traditional film and television productions to the rise of global esports and gaming competitions.

LOCATION ISN’T EVERYTHING

Kyle Carey, Josh Forshee, Dan Gorman, & Ryan Schaetzle

This group of location pros’ credits includes everything from special effects enhanced Marvel Universe projects to the ultra-gritty reality of Ozark, to “The Upside Down,” and everything in between. But location isn’t everything – the job involves human interaction, which can be just as gritty or out-of-this-world. Join them as they unpack the demands of this critical aspect of the film industry and connect afterward in The Commons.

ACTING TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN

Erin Bethea

Acting is a 60-year career, not a 6-year career. Acting coach Erin Bethea of Greenlight Acting Studios will introduce you to the acting technique used by successful stars including Amy Adams, Ryan Reynolds, Evan Peters, Taylor Schilling and more. This technique, developed by LA-based coach Warner Loughlin guides you into an emotionally healthy approach to acting that will allow you to connect more deeply to your characters while also keeping your sanity.

FAITH IN FILM + WORK LOCAL = A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Erin Bethea, Judd Brannon, D.B. Hansen, Cheryl McKay, & Drew Waters

Five local filmmakers, each with their own production companies and a passion for creating faith-based and family-friendly entertainment for television, film, and streaming, discuss their desire to film locally and connect with local talent and crew.

CREATIVE SCREENWRITING & FILM PRODUCTION

Michael Gene Conti

This is a crash course in filmmaking that will help you learn and develop your craft as a visual storyteller. The objective of this workshop is to learn a professional approach to generating ideas for a screenplay through the production process with a focus on how improv can elevate your writing and help you be creative on your toes. Our focus will be on the importance of script structure and format, developing ideas, creating characters, utilizing improv to write believable dialogue, and how to get your brilliant ideas onto a screen.

CAMERA-READY COLLECTIONS

Chris Almon & Drew Ward

Picture Car Coordinators find vehicles that help tell the story, obscure unwanted views, and more. Picture Car Coordinators Chris Almon and Drew Ward get together for some “car-talk,” and share how your collection may be of interest to the film industry.

The summit will also feature some of Cherokee’s local fare including Four 41 South BBQ Co, Paula’s Zzerts, Reformation Brewery, and Tropical Smoothie Café – Woodstock.

Film enthusiasts can purchase tickets using the promo codeFILMFAN for 25 percent off the ticket price. Visit online to learn more.

Related: Cherokee Film Summit Sets Stage For 'Reel' Community Connection