On Tuesday, Georgia Entertainment brought its Signature 100 & Unscripted event to Columbus, a gathering designed as much for connection as celebration. Hosted at The Loft, the evening featured panel discussions, a fireside chat and an after-party, drawing creatives and community leaders from across the region.
Pictures below with more on Georgia Entertainment’s Instagram. Official reel here.
Organized in partnership with the Columbus Film Office and VisitColumbusGA, the event highlighted the strength and opportunity of Georgia’s creative economy. Filmmakers, game developers, government representatives and local officials, including Rep. Vance Smith, Rep. Teddy Reese, Andrew Greenberg, Scott Votaw and others joined the mix to talk about building on Columbus’ momentum.
Andrew Greenberg, executive director of the Georgia Game Developers Association, led a fireside chat with Tim Ryan and Mike Stumhofer exploring how esports have become a vital part of the creative economy. Ryan discussed his Columbus-based company, Upswing Games, and how it is contributing both locally and statewide; while Stumhofer, founder and lead developer of HOF Studios, discussed how there is more overlap between game design and other industries than one might realize.
That conversation set the stage for a panel titled “Independent Creators and Storytellers,” featuring Kane Kettering, Zack Collins, Paul Rowe and Adam Bova. Panelists shared their experiences with the Columbus Local Filmmakers Grant and offered insight into how emerging storytellers can take advantage of local and state incentives.
“Columbus is one of the most forward-thinking regions in the state,” said Randy Davidson, founder and CEO of Georgia Entertainment. “Through initiatives such as its film fund and its active expansion into other areas of the creative economy, including esports, it is poised to become one of Georgia’s most important locations for all things creative.”
“Columbus is ready to help not only film productions of all sizes, but creators of all backgrounds find a home,” said Joel Slocumb, Columbus film commissioner. “From filmmakers taking advantage of local incentives to independent creators developing new stories, Columbus is building the infrastructure, relationships and community to make that possible. Our goal is to ensure opportunity is accessible, whether you are established or just starting out, and that this city is not just a backdrop but an active partner in the creative journey.”
Local partners for this included Hudson Pendleton Financial and Columbus Jazz Society. The event was also supported by organizations including Trilith Studios, Trilith Institute, Fulton Films, Aon Affinity, Classic Tents, Cofer Brothers, Cutting Room Floor Entertainment, Discover DeKalb, Element CPAs, Explore Brookhaven, Explore Gwinnett, Film Augusta, Fulton County Arts and Culture, Georgia Matters, Global Media Studios, Great Point Studios, Hall Booth Smith, Higginbotham, Lightscape LCP, Monarch Private Capital, Quixote, Reel Supplies, Revolution Entertainment Services, Sage Business Counsel, Skillshot/Ghost Gaming, The Bowen Firm, Western Alliance Bank and Whiskytree.
Other organizations promoting and partnering with the roadshow include the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Music Partners, Georgia Production Partnership, BIG Film and Entertainment Alliance, Coastal Entertainment Alliance, Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia, Georgia Film Academy, Motion Picture Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Georgia State University, Georgia Game Developers Association, Georgia Regional Film and Entertainment Alliance and Georgia CEO.
See all red carpet photos here courtesy of Shootworks
