Triple Threat Events Annual Holiday Showcase

All Artist, actors, comedians, producers and all those breaking into the industry... It is happening in Atlanta this December.
Triple Threat Events is putting it down in Atlanta
Watch video to find out more.

Halloween is all about CANDY

Usin, Oyobio and Rian on halloween

Across The Bar independent movie trailer - Lantawood/ Nollywood

Halloween is all about CANDY

Akwa Ibom Comvention (Akisan 2009) DVD Trailer

The Alley at The West End opening June 28th 2009

Movie Production Class begin Monday March 9th at West End Atlanta

We are launching our two programs together, the "Film Industry Work by 18" Program (24 week), and the Hands on Production Program (12 week). The programs which differ mainly by the age of participants, consist of classes and on location "hands on" training in all aspects of the movie making industry to at-risk youth over the age of 14 and unemployed or disadvantaged men and women over the age of 18 years. The students also receive training in pre-production, production and post production phases of movie production. On completion, they are teamed up others to form a production companies. Specific areas of training include: 1. Selecting and outlining a movie project. 2. Creating the script/screenplay 3. Developing the budget. 4. Financing and sponsorship (Getting the Money) 5. Casting and crew. 6. Project management techniques. 7. On the set Production (Making the movie) . 8. Marketing and distribution (How to make money)
On successful completion of the program, the Producer Intern will be offered an opportunity to become a Partner within our Organization. Once a Partner, Lantawood Inc. will provides technical assistance, budget, marketing and distribution for your approved projects. One year Certification and registration for this program is only $50.00. A certificate of completion will be issued to successful candidates. By offering this training and career building program, we strive to promote social change, improve family economic self-sufficiency and provide opportunities in employment, business and entrepreneur development, within the new movie industry.
CLASSES BEGIN THIS WEEK AND CONTINUE - Every Monday from 6pm till 9pm VENUE - Lantawood Office, 576 Lee Street, opposite the West End Mall Register online at http://www.lantawood.org/Lantawood%20Programs.html

CHANGES IN LANTAWOOD FOR 2009

CHANGES IN LANTAWOOD FOR 2009

 

We thank all that have helped our organization grow leaps and bounds in the last 12 months. We thank all that taken the time to give your input weather positive or negative. We have heard it all.  

1. AUDITIONS/ACTING OPPORTUNITIES- Everyone can act but not everyone must be a Lantawood Partner. In order to build this industry our auditions will be open to the general public, not only those who have big money. As we announce auditions (Next one is Jan 10 2009). Actors show up, register and then audition for the available roles. If you are the best fit, then we will offer you the role and a contract. So, you don’t have to join Lantawood audition or act in a Lantawood Movie.
2. PAYMENT PLAN - We have abolished our payment plan system. This system was set up to help talents who could not afford to pay the full dues at the time of joining Lantawood.  The result was that though it did increase out partnership tremendous, it also brought in a lot of dead weight which we had to carry around. This actually created a distraction to the vision of Lantawood.
3. PARTNERSHIPS- Want to make movies or actually be involved with creating a project, become a Lantawood Partners (dues $250.00 for 2009). We provide you with the tools, system and distribution to accomplish the objective.
4. GROUP PARTNERSHIP- Does your Production Company want to make movies but have no equipment, talents or system? Become a lantawood Group Partners (dues $360.00 for 2009). Then we provide you with the tools, system and distribution to accomplish the objective.
5. volunteers / interns- volunteer and internship positions with our organization will be available to Lantawood Supporter Card holders who wish to try out any of our volunteer to job opportunities. They may at any time become full Lantawood Partners once they are ready to start making money using our system.
6. LANTAWOOD SUPPORTER CARD- If you wish to support Lantawood, please order your Lantawood Supporter Card at $20.00. With this card you get discounts and first service at Lantawood Events and Projects.

 

Why all these changes you may ask?  

We are listening to our community and their needs.

So that we can attract those who are ready to put in the work to aid this industry bring in $1 million in 2009. 

 

Thank you for reading, and let’s have a GREAT 2009

Help our community create 10,000 New Jobs in 2009

Dear Community

Please allow me to share with you our successes for the year 2008 in developing an independent movie industry based here in Atlanta. We have made great strides.

We have developed the framework of a viable movie industry.

We have penetrated our communities to introduce our people to the opportunities having our own movie industry us brings to us.

Most importantly, we have been able to develop a formidable structure of how the new movie industry will operate to utilize our community’s preexisting infrastructure and available manpower.

Why did it take so long?

In the last 100 years, no other organization in the western world has successfully developed its autonomous movie/film industry outside the Hollywood structure. No other organization except us, Lantawood Inc.

We have the system set to create over 10,000 new jobs right here in Atlanta.

We have the system set to resurrect the historic West End and the surrounding communities in under 3 years.

This system would build pride and wealth for our communities and put the residents to work using their skills and talents.

This system would put abandoned buildings like the former Lakewood Fairgrounds into use, employing over 1000 local people.

Now the jobs have dried out, the last time the Georgia jobless rate was above the current 7.5 percent was May 1983 — six months after the economy had started expanding.

According to the AJC, it stated that “Job losses are accelerating throughout most of the state’s economic sectors,” said Michael Thurmond, state labor commissioner.

“If we were coming out of the recession now, then 7.5 percent is not so bad,” Thurmond said. “But we are in it now, and that gives you pause. I am thinking that we could see double digits.”

Dear Micheal Thurmond, we may not have to see double digits if we start thinking things differently. Do we still have to rely on giving Hollywood productions our tax credits and benefits? Instead of developing our own economy?

By the way, did you know that this same Lakewood fairground was featured in all three Smokey and the Bandit films, and after the final repaint, its destruction was captured on film as a scene in the second Smokey & the Bandit movie. This shows the truth about what “Hollywood” actually does to our community. Seldom do they hire local people and seldom do they promote local businesses, locations or values. (see before and after pictures of the Lakewood Fairgrounds below)

The 2009 Atlanta City Council election is heating up, various people have shown their interest to lead us into 2010. Our question to them is, will you help us create over 10,000 new jobs for our communities?

Please forward this email your community leaders. Ask them to help or atleast find out a little bit more about LANTAWOOD. We will keep the community informed on which of our community leaders has expressed their interest to help. We wish everyone a Happy New Year and a prosporous 2009.

Yours,

Namso Akpan

Executive Director

Lantawood Incorporated

info@lantawood.org

What's is the image of the historic West End, Atlanta and what needs to be fixed.

This is what the Resurrection of West End team needs to know as they work to resurrect the historic West End district of Atlanta.

This will also be the topic of tomorrow’s live discussion featuring various views and personalities as panelist. The discussion is scheduled for live webcasting on http://lantawoodtv.com  from 7pm. It will be filmed at the Lantawood facility in the West End.

As a grass root organization, we invite you to take part in this ground breaking event. If you would wish to join this conscious discussion as a panelist, send us an email at info@lantawood.com . People will also be able to call into the live discussion to input their concerns and advice.

The RESURRECTION OF WEST END Project. Join us to clean up Lantawood

THE RESURRECTION OF WEST END

Gathering Date: December 27, 2008

BRING YOUR TRASH BAGS, GLOVES, RACKS AND SHOVELS!

If you missed the 1^st gathering, you don't know what you missed! No matter whom you are, R.O.W.E'S core belief is that the power is in the people, not another local community organization that only hears the voice of a few.

R.O.W.E. is active and willing in the effort to revitalize our community. We are currently having a bi-weekly clean-up campaign, and your help is needed! If you would like to assist in making sure we have a clean place to call home. Please come out to the Grounds Coffee Shop (898 Oak St.) right behind CVS on Ralph David Abernathy. We can use all the help possible.

I SAY LETS NOT LOSE OUR COMMUNITY WAITING FOR A CHANGE, BUT LETS MAKE THE CHANGE!

NO STATUS IS REQUIRED TO JOIN IN ON THE CELEBRATION!

PLEASE CONTACT SaRa @ (404) 287- 6622

Check out the video for the 1^st gathering, at http://www.lantawoodtv.com

To join Lantawood visit http://www.lantawood.org

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VixTape Project ...Restructured

The VixTape© project is developed and sponsored by Lantawood Incorporated with the mission of creating exposure and a buzz for winning artist all around the South. Most up and coming artist have the dream of making it big in the industry, but more often than not, due to lack of exposure, their dreams only remain just dreams.

Lantawood Inc introduced the VixTape© as a convenient video upgrade to the Mixed tape. In simple, the VixTape© is a video mixed tape. It will feature HOT unsigned artists from all over the South.

HOW IT WORKS:
The event promoter invites Lantawood team to witness their talent showcase.
At the end of the showcase, the Lantawood team issues the prize package held in a sealed envelope to the winner.
The music video prize package (valued at $1200.00) must be redeemed within 30 days from date of showcase.
Cash may not be substituted for the value of the prize package.
The artist will be required to provide props and models for their video shoot plus
The host or promoter may request additional service including live broadcast on LantawoodTV or their own website.
Lantawood Inc guarantees that the videos produced of the winning artist will be featured in an upcoming VixTape© volume scheduled for release in March 2009.
Please endeavor to make VIP arrangement if the Executive Director, Lantawood Inc. is to present prize package.
Please contact the Community Affairs Coordinator at info@lantawood.org if you wish to invite Lantawood to your showcase.

October in review

LANTAWOOD PARTNERSHIP HITS RECORD HEIGHTS IN OCTOBER
In a surprising but encouraged trend, Lantawood Partnership hit a record high in October. According to the Community Affairs Coordinator, Mr. Dennis Walton "Aragbaye" our partnership hit the highest volume in October. Even with the steep increase in the membership dues which was started at $10 per year in February 2008 and has increased to the present figure of $250 for Partners and $360 for Business/Group Partners. According to the Executive Director for Lantawood Inc. Namso Akpan, "I believe the surge in our partnership is from the resent radio interviews that we have had in the past few weeks. People who had been waiting in the shadows have finally come out to take advantage of the biggest movement to happen in Atlanta. Our partnership now includes prominent local faces, government officials and media personalities. All I can say is that God is answering our prayers to have our own movie industry"


LANTAWOOD LOOKING FOR 10,000 SQ FT FACILITY / WAREHOUSE
As our growth and expansion is eminent, we have started to look for a bigger facility that can house "the birth of an industry". In order to be what we are and create 5000 new jobs right here in our community, we need space. We must have space for indoor sets, a restaurant, Lantawood Reporter - the new magazine to promote the new industry, LantawoodTV, a theater for premiering movies, printing facilities and fashion/designing facilities and guest quarters. In short, we are looking for facilities to launch the first Lantawood megaplex. Do you have this kind of space? email us pictures at info@lantawood.org


NEW SHOW on LANTAWOODTV----Straight, no Chaser with Isis ParkerBeginning today on LantawoodTV is a new show:: Straight, No Chaser, with Isis Parker. This is a slightly comedic show that covers everyday adventures and world news focusing on models, musical talent, designers, and photographers from the South. This show is available for sponsorship and is a great way to promote your business or event. Remember to tune in to http://www.lantawoodtv.com/ from 8pm to 9pm (Mondays to Fridays)
LIVE FROM LANTAWOOD on Saturday from 6pm
The final rehersal for the movie Error in Judgement will be steamed live from the studios of Lantawood. This will give our community an insight on the movie and it's talents. All actors, please remember to invite you familiy and friends to log on to lantawoodtv (remember to scroll to the bottom screen for the live feed) from 6pm till 10pm We hope this will give our community a true sense of what is going on in Lantawood, We ask our supporters, members and partners to log onto http://www.lantawoodtv.com/ then scroll to the bottom screen to view the live webcast. Lantawood is a real reality show. If you wish to call in just dial 678 754 5438

NEWS:::Introducing Lantawood Small Business and Groups PartnershipLantawood now has opportunities for Production Companies, Recording Studios and Labels, Non Profit Organizations, Small Businesses, Community Groups, Sports Teams etc
Lantawood could help create unlimited exposure for your organization, company or neighborhood? As a BUSINESS/GROUP PARTNER, the doors of unlimited opportunities open up for you. BENEFITS FOR SMALL BIZ/GROUP PARTNERS " Free monthly Video Press Release/Video Blasts (includes studio interview and online broadcast) ($1200 Value) (appointment required)" Guaranteed movie product placement opportunities ( $ Priceless value)" Opportunity to turn your business/groups' script/novel/experience into a movie. ($ Priceless value)" Movie and video production consulting from "concept to market" ($ Priceless value)" One-on-One project development planning (appointment required) " Opportunity to distribute your business/group's movie through the Lantawood System ($ Priceless value)" Marketing and Promotions assistance ( $ Priceless value)" "Special privileges" during Lantawood events. (Parties, Viewings, Promotions)" Lantawood Group Partnership Card for one year" Cross promotion on Lantawood flyers (5000 printing and distribution @ only $250)" Opportunity to insert your business/group's flyer, coupon or promo information inside Lantawood movie DVDs " Unlimited free* music videos ($1400.00 value each)" Unlimited Email Blasts (your write it, we BLAST it to our group mailing list.)SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP Membership Dues- ($360.00 PER YEAR Payment Plan of $30 per week x13 weeks)
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PLANS COMING SOON!

REYNOLDS WAR NOW ON DVD

Yes the much talked "ATL martial arts movie" IS NOW OUT ON DVD. PRODUCED BY BALOGUN, Reynolds' War is about a former undercover First Class, Ron Reynolds who was sent to assassinate Liam Riley an Atlanta based underground arms dealer. The deal goes sour and Ron ends up in jail, his son Junior ends up dead just as Ron is released from jail. After the funeral, Ron begins secretly investigating Junior's murder himself. He believes the Metro Mobsters and Point Blank are responsible and he gets into violent conflicts with them. Pick up DVD copies at your nearest gas station or call 678 754 5438.

CALLING ON LOCAL DESIGNERS WITH ORIGINAL IDEAS
Are you still waiting for Hollywood?
Are you tired of spending lots of money on fashion shows with little no results? Is your clothing hotter than a black mink in the summertime and getting no exposure?
Come get GUARANTEED exposure in Lantawood films. We are looking for designers with the drive, the talent and the determination to take their fashions to the NEXT LEVEL? For a donation to our non profit, Lantawood, you can get the people to see your designs. This is also a chance to get in and get your designs featured in our upcoming industry magazine and even more movies. Even make commercials with us that we can post on our site or yours to slideshow or just provide eye candy for future customers and investors. E-mail me, Isis Parker at isis@lantawood.org or theProfessional_7@hotmail.com

PRODUCT PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are getting ready to sponsor the production of the next Lantawood movie from Monday October 13th. Title: Error in Judgment produced by Rose Waters. We are inviting businesses and inventors within our communities to take advantage of the opportunity to get their products and services. Remember, Product Placement in Lantawood movies is free with a donation. Yes we need your donation to keep on doing what we do, which is providing unbelievable opportunities to all. What Kind of products do we need? Anything, just email us your info and samples or pictures of your products or service. We will let you know if and were it fits in this movie. If we can't place it in this movie , we will place it in the next movie. Email us at- info@lantawood.org

HAIR AND MAKE UP SPONSOR NEEDED FOR NEW MOVIE
Are you trying to get exposure for you hair and makeup designs? How about sponsoring the Hair and make up for the next movie, Error in Judgment.
Contact us at info@lantawood.org for more information.

LantawoodTV introduces the ViXTape© Video mixed tape

To many, the mixed tape could be considered the most commonly practiced American art form. It is also a popular way of generating hype for hip hop artists. An unsigned artist might release three mixtapes to generate buzz, leading to interest from record labels, while a signed artist may release a mixtape to promote a future studio albumn.
In an effort to harvest the enormous talent base in Atlanta and all around the South, LantawoodTV is taking the mixed tape concept to the next level. By introducing the ViXTape©, a Video mixed tape featuring local unsigned artist, and taking advantage of the unlimited distribution Lantawood has set up, these artist now have a real chance to be seen. According to the Business Coordinatore for Lantawood Inc. Mr Kolade Sangodare, "We have started selecting music videos by local unsigned artist and invite others to send in their videos. The first volume will feature 10 to 15 artist, with their hot new music and a "documentary like" look into their family and lives. If you have a good song but have no video, we may be able to get sponsorship for the production cost your video." The fisrt volume will be released in November just in time for Christmas. What us to hear your music? Email it to info@lantawood.org

ERROR IN JUDGMENT READING/CASTING ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH AT 5PM

You are invited to the first reading and casting for the new Lantawood movie "Error in Judgment" produced by Rose Waters (LCP). If you are a Lantawood Certified Actor, please contact the Producer at rosewat...@lantawoodtv.com or call 678 754 5438 to sign up for the reading/casting this weekend.
LOG LINE: A woman with the annihilation mentality of a piranha moves into the home of a “Good Samaritan”.
One act of “Error In Judgment" brings lies, infidelity, and murder into the life of VALARIE, a homeless-shelter administrator, when she plays “Good Samaritan” to GINGER, a victim of Hurricane Gustav. Valarie dismisses the intuitionism of her best friend SANDRA, and moves Ginger into her home that she shares with her husband MICHAEL and her six-year-old daughter ANGEL. It’s a costly outcome for Valarie after inviting a stranger into her home, who moves in with the mentality of a piranha. Ginger’s one focus is to seize Valarie’s family as her own. Valerie’s eyes are open as she is left with a vinegary taste in her mouth and a flustered feeling in her heart when murder and lies invades what was once a happy home. Valarie fights hard to salvage as much of the world she once knew. She’s left with the struggling question, “Should Anybody Be ‘A Brother’s Keeper’?”
AVAILABLE ROLES
Valarie: Female age 25 to 40
Sandra: Female age 25 to 35
Ginger: Female 28 to 35
Joan: Female age 27 to 35
Robert: Male age 25 to 40
Michael: Male 29 to 45
Angel: Female 5-10
Waiter: Male or Female 25 to 40
Police Officers: Male or Female 25 to 30

Production begins 3rd Week of September 2008

LANTAWOOD EMPLOYS 5 IN ATLANTA

Thank you for the full support we are receiving in Atlanta. We are now able to confirm the full time employment of 5 volunteers who over the last few months have give Lantawood the heart and all.

Executive Director--Namso Akpan namsoakpan@lantawood.org
Promotions Coordinator-Alinda Hester alindahester@lantawood.org
Community Affairs Coordinator-Dennis Walton “Aragbaye”@lantawood.org
Business and Development Coordinator-Kolade Sangodare babakolade@lantawood.org
Production Coordinator- Andrew Taylor "Seriez" seriez@lantawoodtv.com
Board Member-Christian Kanche Christian christiankanche@lantawood.org

Please direct all inquires to the perspective emails.

Lantawood offers felons 2nd Chance

Are you between 18-30 with a felony on your record and cant get a job?
"Are you sure you didn't do it?"
Do you deserve a 2nd chance? You are not alone. Come join forces with others to make better your community and earn a decent and fulfilling living, building Lantawood, the new movie industry of the South.
We have a life changing offer to you- We will teach you for FREE, all aspects of the film industry, help you to partner in your own production company, then assist you with equipment to make films and help you distribute them to make money. In return, you promise me, Namso Akpan, never to be caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. For more information and to sign up visit www.lantawood.org or call 678 754 5438.

Casting for - "Angels Don't Bleed", Welcome new certified Producer, Balogun to write new movie

“Balogun” to write another LANTAWOOD movie

Left, right and everywhere, Lantawood is opening doors for talent to be discovered. Yes, Lantawood is blessed with talent. Guess what? Balogun (writer/produced of Reynolds' War) has been commissioned to write another Lantawood movie and have it ready for casting next week. An investor who will also serve as Executive Producer is ready and waiting with $10,000.00. We congratulate Balogun for the brilliant and hard work he put into Reynolds’ War. The fight scenes were incredible considering the budget. I wonder how he intends to beat that? Reynolds' War hits the stores on DVD by the end of this month.

New Certified Producer, Elias Kidd
Yes, I said Lantawood is opening doors for talent both old and new. And with every movie it gets better. We are excited to welcome to Lantawood, our new Certified Producer, Elias Kidd who has begun pre production for his first Lantawood sponsored movie "Angels Don't Bleed." which promisies to open doors to the new genre we call "Christian Horror".
Elias Kidd began producing commercials for Wurlitzer Pianos in 1977. Among his numerous accomplishments, Elias Kidd did promo work for Wallace Francis during the Steve Bartkowski Falcon years. He did the original promos and was the original drummer for TRAVIS TRITT. Produced drug education videos for CHRISTY WELL Productions. Writer and producer of the original stageplay FIRST CHURCH, early premise for AMEN.
Elias also developed the original title character for Wes Craven's made for TV movie, DARK ANGEL. and developed the DEACON DeVILLE stageplays.

NEW MOVIE IN PRODUCTION --- ANGELS DON'T BLEED--SYNOPSIS
Family unity takes on a whole new meaning in this suspenseful account of murder, mystery and intrigue. What if "good" and evil looked just alike? How will you be able to tell the difference? When both begin to kill, which one do you stop? That's the dilemma faced by the boys and girls in this story. When their friends and family members begin to die, who..or what is causing it? And who can they trust to help them?
You're in this story, so don't miss it.

Characters Needed-
Mylon Boyer- boy 13-16, Guitar playing & vocals. Must be able to wear EMO (Hardcore Punk) or similar look, Tan to light complection essential
Harry Schiff- boy, bass player & vocals. Any ethnicity, Mylon's best bud. Must be able to wear EMO (Hardcore Punk) or similar look.
Sam Hart- Keyboard player, Brother to Carrie so he must light latino, American Indian, Caucasuian, Italian or light mix.

Supporting Characters

Minister--Age 40-65, A good Guy
Grandma Stella- Woman aged 55-70, nice lady, Harry's grand mother (ethnic specs depends on boy cast as Harry)
Pastor Platt- man aged 30- 65, Very Stodgy, pious, judgemental (any ethnicity)

How can I get involved in this movie?
Get Lantawood Certified.
The Lantawood certification process is designed to make things easy and affordable for all concerned. We work to certify actors, directors, producers and movie industry professionals and amatures for various roles and responsibilities within our NEW movie industry. Once you are certified, we will work with you to develop your talent for actual movie acting or behind the scene opportunities, then offer you to our various Certified Producers and production conpanies making all genres of movies right here in your neighbourhood. The result - EVERYONE is Happy and is busy doing what they love, and also making money.

If you have a problem with our process or system, that is OK. Just remember, every industry has their own rules and system of doing things. We at Lantawood have created a viable system and though NOT EVERY ONE WILL LIKE IT, It works for us, our community, our supporters and the market.
The FACT is with Lantawood WE MUST COLLECTIVELY put our money where our talent is, and develop real ways of making money. If you can't invest $60 on your career, then just wait for a "free" opportunity from HOLLYWOOD. Maybe you will be the next "Madea". But for me, I stopped dreaming years ago. Every day, I face the reality of Lantawood, our own movie industry.

For those who still don’t understand what Lantawood is about:

The phrase Lantawood refers to “the new movie industry of the South, based in Atlanta” and operating exclusively through the gas stations, just as Hollywood is the movie industry that operates through the movie theaters.
Lantawood Inc. is a non profit organization building this NEW industry.
Lantawood Inc. creates and writes the operating system, laws, rules, bylaws and development plan for this new movie industry called LANTAWOOD in a way that brings employment, development and economic wealth to all.
Lantawood Inc. operates by donations and dues paid by it's supporters who are all contributing to build this industry. We do not charge for auditioning, we mainly work with talent who are "Lantawood Certified". And Yes, we offer our Certified Supporters tremendous opportunities within our new movie industry. Isn’t that why they joined and got Certified in the first place?


More Cash Investors wanted
We are always looking for people ready to invest thier money while helping the community develop a viable movie industry. From $1000 to (any amount). We are offering a "guaranteed" 20% interest in 60 days. If interested, email Namso Akpan or Gena Hammond at info@lantawood.org

Magazine Publisher Wanted
Do you have a vision of publishing your own magazine? Do you need help making you magazine viable. Contact us and we will share with you how Lantawood can help. You will have the opportunity to meet face to face with Namso Akpan, Executive Director, Lantawood Inc. and discuss what Lantawood can do for you. Be ready to have a mind blowing experience talking to Namso. Call 678 754 2266 to set up a meeting to discuss available options.

Sales Coordinator Wanted
Are you good in over the phone and in person sales? Are you ready to sell a service/product that you have no competition? Are you looking for an opportunity that can transend into millions of dollars. Lantawood has it. Contact us and we will share with you how you can help Lantawood help you. No fixed work hours, start earning real money in days not weeks. Plus tremendous advancement opportunities and much more. Call 678 754 2266 to set up an interview.

Does Georgia have a "REAL" movie industry?

What is an industry?
According to various definitions on the internet, the one that caught my eye defined an industry as "the organized action of making of goods and services for sale". A few days ago, as I drove though a certain part of town looking for movie shooting locations. I noticed as a police officer arresting a young man supposedly for selling illegal drugs. At the next stop sign I decided to get some gas for my car. Turning into the gas station, 3 young boys approached me and said they had "2 for 5". I was hoping they meant that the gas station was discounting gas at 2 gallons for $5, but I soon realized that was not what they meant. They were referring to illegal drugs. Then the thought ran though my head. These folks actually have a real industry going on. Illegal as it may be, it is a "real" industry. "They have the products, they are organized, and they constantly create locations to sale their products.
The plight of the "independent" movie producer in Atlanta is deplorable. First of all, these producers are "independent "which really means "they produce outside of the Hollywood studio system , What is the Hollywood studio system you may ask?
The Hollywood Studio System
As of 2007 these included five of the Golden Age majors: Sony (owner of Columbia), News Corporation (20th Century Fox), Time Warner (Warner Bros.), Viacom (Paramount), and General Electric / NBC Universal (Universal). In addition, The Walt Disney Company's Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group has emerged as a major, resulting in a "Big Six." With the exception of Disney, all of these so-called major studios are essentially based on the model of the old United Artists: that is, they are primarily backer-distributors (and physical studio leasers) rather than actual production companies. They get the movies to the market.
The result in our community.
What does this mean to our commmunity and the hundreds of young graduates from more than 14 in-state colleges and universities offering degrees or studies in film and video. It means that since these "majors" control the market, we depend on them to generate money for our ecomony. It also means that after graduation they will remain jobless, just like thousands of their already graduted counterparts. So what do they do with their degrees? Most do NOTHING but look for any other job that can pay the bills or become a hustler just like thousands of others living with the dream of one day making it big in Hollywood. What happened to just getting an industry related job right here in Atlanta? Who is hiring? I got an email that Tyler's studio was looking for extras at $75 per 12 hour day. Apart from that, most movie and film producers in Atlanta and probably Georgia have one or two "REAL jobs" outside their "careers" as movie producers. A lot do "odd jobs at odd hours" which allow them still live the dream of one day feeding their families with an income derived from their profession. Imagine if an auto mechanic had to fix cars for free until he could prove to GM or TOYOTA that he was a good mechanic. Imagine if a truck driver had to build his own truck before he could begin a career as a truck driver. They too would have no industry today. If a teacher had to build a school then recriut students, teach the students, then have them take tests for "Hollywood" to offer the teacher a teaching career. We would have a community with a lot of talented students and teachers waiting around for Hollywood's approval. These are the obstacles movie producers and actors in Atlanta go through. Why? Because we have no "real" movie industry here. "All we have is a huge "farm" set up for Hollywood to harvest.
Food for thought
How many full time movie actors and producers are living in Atlanta and earning a living from their movies produced here in Atlanta without any "blueprint" or assistance from LA or Hollywood? Allow me to share with you my chat last week with a graduating film student from Clark Atlanta University. I asked him how his teachers advise him to earn a living and pay back his student loan ($58,000) after graduating this summer, He responded, ... "We have been taught how to pitch film ideas to Hollywood (mainstreem) Studios, but I am not sure they (our teachers) really know what they are talking about because most of them have never succesfully pitched a film deal. I thought interning at Tyler's Studios would give me experience but all they needed me for was to serve coffee. I probably will just have to look for a real job till something comes up."
Movie producers and actors in Atlanta go through this just because there is no real industry here. Why not Atlanta? Why not Lantawood?

Georgia Boosts Incentives for Entertainment Industry

GENA HAMMOND

On Monday, May 12, 2008 Governor Sonny Perdue signed new legislation boosting state incentives by as much as 30% for the entertainment industry. This sounded like great News, which led me to reading more of the details. According to the Government website, the new legislation is designed to encourage entertainment industry productions in Georgia. The signing ceremony took place at the studios of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), where the Governor was joined by Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of TBS, Inc., and over 100 attendees including legislators, industry leaders and members of the entertainment industry. "We know that our excellent talent base and outstanding locations make Georgia a very desirable place to film," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "This legislation puts in place the economic cornerstone that will encourage producers to convert that desire into action." "We're proud of this legislation; alot of the credit goes to Governor Perdue for setting up the film commission," said Rep. Butch Parrish, a sponsor of the legislation. "I think this bill will jump start the Georgia film industry."

Really? How, how I wondered?

The Truth about the incentives

According to a government press release of Monday, May 12, 2008, "movies were first produced in Georgia as early as 1912, and have continued without interruption during every decade since then. Georgia has been investing in the entertainment industry for over 35 years. Since the inception of the Georgia Film Commission in1973, more than 575 major motion pictures, independent films, television series and pilots, and TV movies have filmed on location in the state. As a result, over $5 billion has been generated for the state's economy. This could be averaged as $142M per year. Mean while, Georgia's music industry continues to thrive with an economic impact of $1.97 billion just in 2007. Why the difference? Because the music industry has the resourses nessecary to operate a "real" industry. And with the money and fame they acquired in the music industry, they become "cash cows" for Hollywood to "pimp" in their movie industry.

What is this incentive worth to local producers?

The foundation of the new incentive is a 20% investment tax credit to production companies that spend a minimum of $500,000 in the state on qualified production and post production expenditures in a single year. This may be through a single project or multiple projects. The 20% credit applies to both residential and out-of-town hires with a salary cap of $500,000 per person, per production. It provides an additional 10% tax credit if a production company includes a Georgia promotional logo in the finished feature film, TV series, music video or video game project. These tax credits apply to the company's Georgia tax liability. Should the company have limited or no Georgia tax liability, then the credit may be transferred or sold once to one or multiple Georgia-based companies to use against their tax liabilities.

In addition to feature film and television production, the Act also includes other areas of entertainment industry development including animation, interactive

entertainment and video game development. Then I asked myself, how many local movie producers have a budget of up to $5,000 per movie?

Who gets the bacon?

Well to start with, the signing ceremony took place at the studios of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), where the Governor was joined by Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of TBS, Inc. Phil Kent is also responsible for TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies, Court TV; Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, GameTap and Super Deluxe; and CNN. TBS is owned by TimeWarner which also owns Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema, Castle Rock Entertainment among others. So with the selection of the venue, which I believe is not a government office is quite obvious.

Who waits for the bones?

They say the patient dog eats the fattest bones. In this case, the patient dogs are our local, independent producers, and most of them don't even get the bones. In most cases with little or no advertising, no distribution and no publicity from the local media, they get nothing. No immediate or future hope for a career. All they can do is continue wishing and dreaming of Hollywood. And waiting till in most cases the dream just remains "only a dream". Then I woke up from the dream, in my hands was the vision of Lantawood.