Your Ultimate Guide to Georgia Film Week 2026 Hosted by GPP
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
Georgia Film Week 2026 is here! Hosted by the Georgia Production Partnership (GPP), this three day-long celebration brings together industry leaders, emerging talent, and key players in film production for a series of screenings, panels, and networking opportunities. Whether you are a filmmaker, producer, technician, or film lover, this guide will help you navigate the dynamic schedule and make the most of every moment.
Event Overview and Key Highlights
Georgia Film Week brings together filmmakers, actors, producers, students, policymakers, and industry leaders for a week of conversations, connection, and celebration across Georgia’s thriving film and television industry.
From Film Day at the Capitol to Community Day at SCAD Film Studios and the Trailblazers Luncheon at Manuel’s Tavern, this week highlights the people, policies, and partnerships that power Georgia’s creative economy.
Below is your complete guide to the week.
Daily Schedule Breakdown
Day 1: Film Day at the Capitol
Where Advocacy Meets Appreciation
📍 Location
Georgia State Capitol
18 Capitol Sq SW,
Atlanta, GA 30334
8:30-9:00 AM - Check-in
GPP members and friends will arrive, park, go through security, and gather in the main atrium of the Georgia Capitol.
Location: Capitol Building, 2nd Floor, bottom of South Wing Steps.
9:30-10:00 AM - Press Conference
Press briefing hosted by Rep. Long Tran, author of House Resolution honoring Craig Miller, with comments by the family of Craig Miller, GPP Co-President Darius Evans, and other guests.
Location: Capitol Building, 2nd Floor, bottom of South Wing Steps.
10:00-11:00 AM - House Resolution
Celebrating the passage of House Resolution honoring Craig Miller and recognizing the Miller family in the gallery by Rep. Long Tran.
Location: Capitol Building, 4th Floor, House Gallery.
12:00-1:00 PM (or upon adjournment of the House)
Lunch provided for GPP members and legislators to foster dialog about the production industry.
Location: Capitol Rom 132
Film Day at the Capitol brings Georgia’s film and television community directly to the heart of policymaking. Industry leaders, creatives, workforce partners, and lawmakers will come together to celebrate the economic and cultural impact of film in our state — and to honor Craig Miller for his lasting contributions to building Georgia into a global production powerhouse.
Day 2: Community Day at SCAD Film Studios
Panel Discussions and Film Screenings
📍 Location
SCAD Film Studios
1611 W Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Parking is free in the attached garage
1:00 PM - Panel 1-Georgia Homegrown
The Power of Indie Films in Georgia
Moderator: Robyn Watson
Panelists:
Kristy Claybaugh
Glen Owen
Felix Jordan
Bill Wages
This conversation explores how Georgia-based filmmakers are financing, producing, and distributing independent films while building sustainable creative careers outside the traditional studio system.
2:00 PM - Panel 2-We're Talking Verticals
Alternative Distribution & Financing
Moderator: Darius Evans
Panelists:
LaJill Hunt
Kimberly Latrice Jones
Nea Simone
Amanda Fallon Smith
This panel explores how creators are leveraging vertical platforms, FAST channels, niche streamers, the blockchain, branded content, and social platforms to finance and distribute projects.
3:00 PM - Panel 3-Beyond the Booking
Atlanta’s Actor Roundtable
Moderator: Karen Ceesay
Panelists:
Mike Pniewski
Kurt Yue
Arielle Prepetit
Randy Havens
This conversation highlights actors who are not only building careers but helping reshape the film and television landscape through ownership, representation, and career strategy.
Student Film Spotlights
Short films from emerging student filmmakers will be presented between each panel.
4:00 – 6:00 PM - Reception For The City
Networking and refreshments.
Day 3: Trailblazers Luncheon
Where the Georgia Film Movement Began
📍 Location
Manuel’s Tavern
602 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
This special gathering honors the pioneers who helped build Georgia into a global production powerhouse.
Schedule
11:30 AM – Arrival
12:00 PM – Luncheon Program
12:30 PM – Trailblazer Award Presentations
1:15 PM – Closing Remarks
Honorees
This year's luncheon honors a group of remarkable individuals whose creativity, innovation, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of film:
Suzan Satterfield –an Award-winning writer, producer, and director, who specializes in environmental and transformational lifestyle content. She is the managing partner of Picture Window Productions, where she has executive produced over 100 episodes of television for networks like PBS, HGTV, and DIY Network.
Chris Escobar - has been a prominent figure in Georgia's film and arts community for many years. He is the executive director of the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) and owner of the historic Tara and Plaza Theatre, the oldest continuously operating cinemas in Atlanta. Under his leadership, the Atlanta Film Society has grown as a major cultural institution, and the Atlanta Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events hosted by the organization, has become a significant platform for filmmakers worldwide.
Tia Powell – has been a central and instrumental figure in Georgia’s thriving film and television production industry. She began her career in 1980 as a crew person in Canada, today she is the publisher and owner of Oz Publishing, Inc., the award-winning voice for the film and television industry in the State of Georgia and a resource for productions across the nation since 1990.
How to Make the Most of Film Week 2026
Plan Ahead: Review the schedule and plan for travel, arrival and check-in
Network Actively: Use mixers and receptions to connect with peers and industry veterans.
Engage with Speakers: Attend Q&A sessions and ask questions to deepen your understanding.
Explore Locations: Take advantage of studio tours to see behind-the-scenes operations.
Follow Up: After the event, connect with contacts and apply new skills to your projects.
Moving Forward Together
Georgia Film Week celebrates the people, partnerships, and policies that continue to drive Georgia’s film and television industry forward.
We Can't wait to see you there!
Comments