ASMW to help to people in Atlanta start their own businesses.

"ASMW Inc. is helping people start and run their own Micro business" said Namso Akpan, Executive Director of the organization in Atlanta.

A Micro Business has 5 or fewer employees, including the owner, and generally requires less money to start up.

Namso said, "our ability to reduce the local unemployment rate lies with our focus in developing and supporting micro businesses as the major catalyst for generating local jobs. ASMW Inc. will begin providing technical assistance, financial support and training to low income Atlanta residents planning to start and operate their own businesses."

EXAMPLES OF MICRO BUSINESSES

[1] Home-based businesses in which all or most of the work is performed at or from the owner-operator's private residence.

[2] Business where general administrative tasks are done at home, with work being completed at various sites. Examples include painters, plumbers electricians etc.

[3] Franchises include food chains, cleaning businesses, pet grooming and lawn mowing/gardening franchises.

[4] Businesses include takeaway corner shops, small restaurants, alteration services, farms and a bunch of other services..

[5] Independent contractors including builders, caterers and personal trainers.

The Lantawood Micro Business Program [LAMB] is a 7 months "hands on" opportunity to turn one's dreams into reality. The Program consist of 3 segments.

Segment 1- Planning and Promoting and Getting Money (1st - 3rd month)

Our "gifted" business counselors will work with you to develop an individual plan, taking advantage of our flexible services and referrals to many other opportunities. We help with entrepreneurial readiness assessment, business feasibility assessment, networking, accounting, Business Planning, record keeping and research. Financial management, While promoting your business plan and our industry, You will learn:

What it takes to be a successful entrepreneur How to select the best business concept How to develop and test your business concept How to select the best business entry option How to fund your business without taking a loan

Segment 2 - Business Launch-(4th month):

As participants launch their businesses, it becomes important to learn:

How to organize and set up your business How to manage your business How to hire and train your employees How to research and market your business And the legal stuff you need to know!

Segment 3 - Business Growth-(5th - 7th month):

Now that your business has been launched, it must be nurtured to grow and bare fruit. The participant learns- How to keep your financials in order.

Networking with other entrepreneurs

How to advertize and market the business How to get your business ready for expansion.

How to get started (read all)-

1. The first step is to sign up as an Lantawood Volunteer <http://www.lantawood.org/volunteer.html> . Remenber to select [Promotions/Sales].

2 Successfully complete one week (5days) as a "Paid Volunteer" and you will be eligible to register for the Lantawood Micro Business Program (LAMB)

NOTE: A "Paid Volunteer" is a volunteer who earns an income from the revenue they generate from their volunteer efforts.

DO NOT REPRINT THESE ARTICLES ON ANY WEBSITE. Permission for reprinting on any blog or websites is NOT granted, even if

you have previously reprinted issues with permission in the

past. You may however give this by email this to as many

interested colleagues and coworkers as you like.

Job Development Center to create over 500 jobs for Southwest Atlanta

Press Release

Atlanta, Georgia December 29th 2011

Presently in Atlanta, you can scarcely traverse a city block without running into a television or movie project underway. Feature films are being shot in several communities and a slew of made-in-Atlanta films are due for 2012 release.

Generous tax incentives passed by the state legislature in 2008 explain the booming film industry, putting scads of people to work. But under all this glitz and glamour is an indigenous film industry known as LANTAWOOD, growing with opportunities as indigenous production companies are springing up everywhere. One of the major catalysts to the growth of this independent movie industry is the assistance offered by the Association of Southern Movie Workers Inc (ASMW Inc.) to local producers and actors to launch their careers in the film business.

According to a statement by Jenee Woodley, the Job Development Director for the organization, “we shall focus our efforts in the first quarter of 2012 to the establishment of a Job Development Center in Southwest Atlanta. With this center in operation, over 500 local jobs can be created utilizing the system our non profit organization has developed over the last 4 years.”

The services offered by ASMW Inc are carried out by over 60 partners/volunteers and a hardworking staff of 5 Coordinators. The Coordinators provide management to the various units which collectively drive the growth of Lantawood, while the partners provide the talent and workforce. “Smart Budget” movie projects are being produced on a daily basis with about 11 Producers currently making feature films.

According to Jenee Woodley, the Job Development Center is a vital community initiative developed by ASMW Inc. “Presently; producers, talent, crew and support workers meet at various parks and recreation centers all around Atlanta to discuss their productions, audition new talent and also interview for job and entrepreneurial opportunities. With the government’s intention to start charging non profits for the use of public space beginning January 2012, local producers, actors and crew will soon have no place to work. This heightens the urgency for us to develop a dedicated facility within our community.”

With this major issue at hand the Association set off to meet with the community, and the community came to the rescue. “Though this building is in a state of disrepair, it has been donated by a prominent Atlanta family” said Jenee. “This project aims to renovate this building and make it useable as the nucleus of Atlanta's own film industry. It will provide a physical location for recruiting and training the local workforce. Opportunities include acting, marketing, distribution, production and unlimited industry support work.”

According to Bridget Chapel, the Community Affairs Coordinator for the Association, “this facility would eliminate the usual uncertainties and improve all not for profit programs that we offer. Currently, the productivity among the producer, crew, talent and support workers who participate in ASMW programs is hampered because the meeting and rehearsal facilities at the public libraries and recreation centers at times are not available for use.”

The Job Development Center building will house a cinema designed to showcase independent films produced locally, auditions, training, meeting space, food service, and administrative offices for our organization. It will also house a production and editing studio, marketing & publishing services and a community focused internet TV Service.

“Not only will this facility aid our ability to create an unlimited volume of jobs both locally and beyond, it will also benefit the community as it would provide a new source of quality entertainment, information and education” said Bridget.

Understanding that the "film industry" or the effect of the movies we watch permeates through all facets of our daily living, the "communal based" LANTAWOOD system could also encourage networking and resource sharing among our communities. This is the outcome anticipated by Jenee Woodley who heads the job creating mission of the organization.

“We have launched our campaign to reach out and knock on doors throughout our communities for help on this renovation project. The 10,000 square foot building, located at the corner of Metropolitan Parkway and Northside Drive in Atlanta, sat as an eye sore unused for the last 14 years. This is an important move in revitalizing the community. We must come together, fix up this building, and put it to work for the community with the focus of creating over 500 jobs in 2012”, said Jenee.”

ASMW Inc. is a non profit organization focused on developing viable film industry opportunities here in the South eastern USA. The organization helps talents establish themselves in all aspects of the indigenous film industry. This includes:

Conducting public relations programs to enhance and improve the image of the indigenous film

industry.

• Seeking improvements in the sustainability of the indigenous film industry by researching, investigating, drafting, and recommending new ways to expedite production and distribution.
• Consulting with Producers on the economics of running efficient film production businesses.
• Creating and directing other programs toward making the practice of film production more profitable for "independents" in Atlanta and the South.
• Sponsor Film projects, also coordinating physical DVD distribution and revenue management for indigenous production companies.

All ASMW services are funded entirely from its partnerships and donations from the public.

For more info on Lantawood and the movie industry of the South, visit http://www.lantawood.org

Jenee Woodley

Job Development Director

Association of Southern Movie Workers Inc.

jenee@lantawood.org

Direct-678 362 6415

Office- 678 754 5438

Job Development Center to create over 500 jobs in 2012

Atlanta, Georgia -The Job Development Center is a vital community initiative developed by the Association of Southern Movie Workers Inc. All services are currently provided at various public libraries and event spaces. However, a dedicated facility, though this one is in a state of disrepair has been donated by a prominent Atlanta family.
This project aims to renovate this building and make it useable as the nucleus of Atlanta's own film industry. It will provide a physical location for recruiting and training a local workforce for film industry work opportunities including - Marketing, Distribution, Production and unlimited Support Work opportunities.
The services offered by ASMW Inc are carried out by over 60 partners/volunteers and a hardworking staff of 5 Coordinators

The Coordinators provide management to the various units which collectively drive the film industry while the partners provide the talent and workforce. Film projects are shoot on a daily basis with about 11 Producer currently making feature films.
Producers, talent, crew and support workers meet every Thursday at various parks and recreation centers in Atlanta, to discuss their productions, audition new talent and interview for job opportunities.
This project would eliminate the usual uncertainties and improve all ASMW programs. Currently, the productivity among the producer, crew, talent and support workers who participate in ASMW programs

is hampered because the meeting and rehearsal facilities at the Community Parks at times are not available for use.
This building will house a cinema designed to showcase independent films, audition , training and meeting space, food catering service, Administrative offices for our organization, a Film Production and editing studio, Marketing & Publishing services, a family and community focused internet TV Service.
Not only that this facility will aid with our ability to provide an unlimited volume of jobs both locally and beyond.
This project would also benefit the community as it would provide a new source of quality family oriented entertainment, information and education.
Understanding that the "film industry" or the effect of the movies we watch permeates though all facets of our daily living, The "communal based" job creation model of LANTAWOOD would also encourage networking and resource sharing among our communities. Therefore, the Job Development Center project would improve the growth of the indigenous film industry throughout the community.
We invite the Atlanta Community and beyond to reach out and help with this project in cash or kind.
This 15,000 sf facility was unused for the last 14 years. As an important move in revitalizing our community, we have acquired the building. Now we must renovate and put it to work for the community with the focus of creating over 500 jobs in 2012.

You are encouraged to contribute to this project to help create film industry jobs in our communities. The ASMW Inc. mission is to help film workers to establish themselves either as actors, producers, crew workers, directors, or support workers and earn an existence in the growing film industry.

All ASMW services are funded entirely from its partnerships, and investments, which has been built up over the last 5 years through gifts and donations. Please join in contributing to this renovation Project.

Donate to help create film jobs in East Point, Georgia

Good day to our Film Industry Supporters and the people of East Point, Georgia

As unemployment increases in Georgia, the Association of Southern Movie Workers Inc. will be embarking on a community support and awareness drive though out the city of East Point, Georgia from Wednesday Nov 9th -Saturday Nov 12th 2011.

We will be introducing the film industry and it's unlimited revenue generating opportunities to the people and communities of East Point. Our mission is to create film industry jobs in East Point.

As we come though East Point, we will be recruiting Film Producers, Crew workers, Distribution Workers, Marketing and Sales Workers, Actors etc. We will also be seeking and helping out local businesses in need of advertising and marketing for their businesses.

The good news, as you already know is that we have already created our own industry, all we need is your support to expand it though out East Point and other Georgia communities. Your donations in cash and kind have been very helpful but we need more to keep the opportunities growing. It cost us $1500 to create each sustainable film job, so we need your donations, support and partnership TODAY.

We ask and pray for the support of the people, the city and the Mayor-Earnestine D. Pittman. With the unemployment rate in East Point at 13.30 percent (U.S. avg. is 9.10%), it is time to grow our community our selves.

"LANTAWOOD, as our own film industry is an unstoppable job creation machine for our communities". Even Tyler Perry knows that Hollywood is never moving to Atlanta....just as Hollywood has moved no where in the last 100 years.

As we come though East Point, we will be empowering Film Producers, Crew workers, Distribution Workers, Marketing and Sales Workers, Actors etc. We will also be seeking and helping out local businesses in need of advertising and marketing for their businesses.

If you would like to donate to our efforts to create "sustainable" film industry jobs in East Point, visit- http://www.lantawood.org/contacttLantawood.html

If you need help promoting your business in East Point, visit- http://www.lantawood.org/placements.html

If you are a talent in East Point looking for industry opportunities visit- http://www.lantawood.org/index.html

We distribute your business flyers

Do you have an Atlanta based business located north of Highway 138 in Jonesboro and South of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway (Bankhead) in Atlanta?

Take advantage of our Promotion teams to get your flyers and advertising out to the community.

HOW IT WORKS,

1) You provide us a with your flyer info.

2) We print your design onto 5000 (five thousand) color flyers at only ($150-$300 depending on size)

3) Our Promo teams distributes your flyers daily as they are out promoting LANTAWOOD.

WHY IT WILL WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS:

1) Consistent and guaranteed delivery of flyers.

2) Affordable pricing for any business

3) Easy to determine your return on investment (ROI).

4) The most important factor in flyer advertising is getting the flyers in front of potential clients. That is what we do for you.

5. Once you pay us for your flyers, the distribution is FREE

To get your flyers or coupons out in Atlanta or take about other ways to promote your brand or business call 678 754 5438.

Do you need more than just Flyers? For other advertising solutions visit http://www.atlantafilmworks.com/advertising.html

Burkely High, A teen movie in Production

Every teenager has big dreams. Sade and Ashley are both friends and aspiring dancers with a dream of making it big in the industry. Burkely High is a peep into the lives and issues of growing up in urban America with peer pressure, teenage love and pains. Burkely High sends the message about to the family regarding the unyielding influences of the society on our families and our way of life.
Produced by Vonteria Johnson and Directed by Max Walker, the Cast includes
Vonteria Johnson as Sade, a 16 year girl, Ricky Stinchcomb and Travis Wheeler. We will be giving you the scoop from the set and most importantly from behind the set of the film. This is Vonteria's first film so we ask all to support her.

Bridget Chapel- Getting fit to bring film making to Woodstock, Ga

“I am working off the belly fat now on the treadmill for 90 min. Next time I will be on for 110 min. at the speed of 39 to 41, Incline 3.50 to 4.00 also working on weights. “ said Bridget Chapell, Producer of the film “Circumstances”

.In a swift change of gear, the film which was to co star Kaye Love now will feature Mia Hutchins and other industry names including Emmanuel David, Blessing Ahabue, and Bridget Chapell who doubles as Mayor Veronica and is also the Producer.

On why the sudden drop of Kaye Love from the cast, the Producer Bridget said " I can't stand when an actor is full of lies. First she told me that she could not have a Facebook page because of being stalked, then she pops up with over 1600 friends on her Facebook page, what happened with the stalking, and having to get police clearances and all the rest of her stories? I need actors with integrity in my films."

Has Screen Gems brought in JOBS to Lakewood?

Last year EUE/Screen Gems signed a 50 year lease with the city of

Atlanta to take over the old Lakewood Fairgrounds and turn it into a major studio. The 30 acre property was promised to create nearly 1,000 jobs for the community. Has this happened? Is there anyone out there who has benefit from any of these jobs if created?

In order to have real opportunities, we must focus our efforts to develop our "own film industry". This would create an unlimited number of jobs, and bring in tax revenue to our government. To many, this new studio had seemed to be the last pieces of the puzzle for Atlanta's developing film industry..What has the studio brought to our communities?

HERE IS WHAT OTHERS SAID THEN, ABOUT THE LAKEWOOD STUDIO

B.Dorsey·-

Hoping that I get a opportunity to work with EUE, I live off Lakewood and Pryor Road, I am now working with US Census Bureau as a Regional Tech in the Administration And payroll Department, The job will be over in September of 2010, I am not looking to be in the unemployment line just need a little even at entry level.

Sherry Rhodes·

I hope i get a chance to work with EUE screen gems. When i seen that you were buying the fair grounds i knew this was the place for me, i am a professional painter and specialize in sheet rock i have been in this business for 14yrs.

Bridget Thomas·

It's been a long time coming, for something to become of the Fairgrounds. I would like to thank EUE screen gems, just knowing that several 1,000 of jobs will be coming to the Atlanta area, I'm looking forward to try a chance of becoming part of the team.

So who out there has benefitted from a job at the Screen Gems facility at the Lakewood Fairgrounds? Let us know . Email us at reporter@lantawoodtv.com

Davonka Diaz as the Ex stripper in Tip Drill

With the shooting of the film Tip[ Drill in it high points, the star, Davonka Dominique is a strong and very determined young woman in tune with where she came from and she knows where she's going. Over the years as an actor, she has consistently worked hard, stopping at nothing until she gets beyond the point that she set out to be. You can always count on her to give 150% every single time. I have no doubt in my mind that your first encounter with “deedy” Dominique will not be your last one with her starring role in Tip Drill as Buffy the ex stripper..
The plot involves best-selling rapper Lill Wezy who is rescued by an ex-striper (Buffy) after being attacked. Unfortunately for Lill Wezy, when Buffy discovers that his new song is derogatory to women, her reaction leaves Lill Wezy shattered and scared for life.

The film is produced byPatricia Goins who replaces Interning Producer Willie Rushin and it is directed by David Boaz.

Also on the Production Crew is interning director Lindsay Green who just moved to Atlanta from the LA film industry.

IFD Inc. seeking independent films for distribution

Several issues plague the independent producer; you finished your movie, now what?
You got into Sundance but didn't get a deal. What now?
You didn't get into Sundance and no one wants your movie. How can you turn this around? Everyone is talking about Internet and Digital Downloading options, but Namso Akpan said you might only get your phone bill paid this route. What is the truth here?
“There is much talk among independent Producers and Directors that obtaining viable film distribution these days is nearly impossible. According to Namso, “one of the benefits of developing our own industry is the ability to provide movie distribution to local producers and real job opportunities to the community.” In line with the mission of the Association of Southern Movie Workers Inc to maintain a viable film industry based in the south eastern USA, .IFD Inc. announced last Thursday that they were receiving finished DVD films from independent Producers for distribution. .
According to IFD Inc; Producers first of all must submit their finished film for review by ASMW Inc.. If your film fits the required standards, then you will be offered a distribution contract. Association of Southern movie Workers Inc. will coordinate and promote the release your film on DVD though our network of over 500 retail outlets.
The DVDs sell for $5.99 and you get $1 per DVD.
WHY DOES THIS WORK FOR PRODUCERS-
Because, as a Producer, you want to focus on producing films and making money not worrying about distribution and marketing.
To submit your film for review visit http://www.lantawood.org/distribution.html

Calling all Actors

As we structure the industry today has brought us to another level in offering film industry opportunities to people in the South. We have removed the requirement for Actors to pay a certification fee before taking any acting opportunities. This we know will bring more competition among actors but, I guess this business is all about competition. Lets see where this will take us.

todays ad on facebook

ASMW Inc. is seeking experienced entrepreneurs to setting up talent agencies and managing actors within the growing film industry. LANTAWOOD has unlimited acting opportunities. the BEST distribution system, over 15 Southern based film Producers/Production companies, making movies. And they all need good actors. We guarantee them "work" you managed them, we turn them into STARS. Call 678 754 5438 to sign up.

Does GAY mean "not masculine enough"?

Today I heard the CNN host Don Lemon was "gay"
Don said “It’s quite different for an African-American male,” And I ask, what is different Don, what?
Then he says “It’s about the worst thing you can be in black culture. And I ask again, What Don, what is the worst thing you can be a drug dealer, a pedophile, a rapists or a “not very masculine but handsome and educated man”? Don says, “You’re taught you have to be a man; (Yes Don, as well traveled as you are, you know that every parent expects their son to grow up to be a man.) Don says, “you have to be masculine.” (No Don, as much as we would all love our sons to grow up to be big and strong and maybe play NFL football, it doesn’t always turn out this way. Sometimes they end up "not masculine, successful and professional, like you, that’s life. But what does all this have to do with a penis probing an anus? .... And you and the media are trying so hard to convince us to see that a man not being masculine or a female not being feminine means that the person is GAY which now means that the person should prefer same sex relationships. Stop that mess, Don.

Anyway today My eyes were full of tears today when I was mandated by our management to expunge more than half of our partners due to their underperforming and sheer lack of understanding of "INDUSTRY", "COMMUNITY" and the vision of LANTAWOOD. We have weeded out the farm and our farmers are totally ready to begin harvesting come this June.....500 stores opening June 2011

Finally, a structure that works for the industry

After 2 years of setting things up. Lantawood has finally adopted a structure that works for the upfiftment of the industry.

1. We have put in place the Lantawood Certification as a standardize system of offering film industry opportunities to people in communities we serve. This is now a requirement in order to participate in paid industry opportunities as a Writer, Crew Worker, Actor, Producer, Director or Support Worker.

2. We decided that interested partners must complete their Certification steps 1 through 4, within 14 day of initial sign up. Any applicant who can not complete this within the give time frame will be dropped from our organization. This is to eliminate stagnation or inactivity within our organization.

3. We are requiring an upfront payment of the the $100 Certification Fee (non refundable). This will eliminate people who do not have the level of seriousness required by our organization and our mission.

4. For those who have the interest but have no funds, we have provided a way for you to raise the funds needed to set you in motion of beginning your career.

5. We have provides 3 uniformed training and orientation programs for all people getting involved with the industry. :

6. We have decided that talents are now required to be certified within 90 days to continue with our organization.

Next month, Lantawood will be opening up our 500 distribution outlets to jump-start the industry.

Lantawood Promotions in Atlanta today

Today we will have a promotion team Atlanta Georgia from 4 pm till 7 pm. Come check us out as we get the word out to the community. Jobs and more Jobs. We will also be searching for that one special female actor, to turn into a star in the film Tip Drill.

One year later

It has been one full year since I wrote on this blog. A lot has changed in a year both personally and with the organization. We have a formidable structure in place, focused on creating jobs and making money. The people and the city of Atlanta are with us. We are also setting up operations in communities like Woodstock, Georgia with Bridget Chapel opening doors up there. Bridget brings a lot of seasoned energy to our present management team. I just realized that I need some rest, so I will write more tomorrow.

(10 minutes later) After a cup of hot coco, I am back to finish this. Today's Production class was quite an interesting one. After discussing with the class about our system of not writing out the dialogue in a script. A young man of about 23 yrs. old said, "I don't believe Lantawood is for me, I have not bought a film at a gas station before and I believe every thing is going online"
By the way, this young man graduated with a film degree from Howard University. Do you see what his formal education has done to his thinking? Not that I do not support formal education but one has to take it in with a grain of salt.
I wish his school would have developed his basic marketing knowledge and a stronger belief in him self, and the power of community.

Derrick Boazman asked on Facebook::Public Schools

Were you educated in the pulic school system? What happned to it over the years? Is public school education forever broken or can it still produce great thinkers? (North Fulton HS '84 and proud of it). Don't miss our forum on "Do Black People Still Value Education? Thursday 9/2 Click flyer for details- Your thoughts DB

Namso Responded:

No I didn't go to a public school. I went to a little village school in Africa. Were we the students had to mow the lawns, maintain the buildings and cook our meals in the cafeteria. And if you as a 10th or lower grader stepped out of line in any way, you would be punished (flogged) by a select team of 11th graders called "Prefects". These Prefects actually run the schools. The 12 graders where too "senior" to get involved in the mess. As a 10th grader, you could not dare talk back at an 11th grader, so imagine the perceived status of the teachers and the principal. The 12 graders never went to the cafeteria because "picking up their meals" was the responsibility of their school children (7th graders assigned to 12 graders for mentorship, and to teach them humility and respect). Even if you where a not so good parent at home, the society had a system in motion that created a harmonious community, based on respect and results, not sentiments.
But things are different now. When movies like Boyz in the Hood, Menace 2 Society and New Jack City arrived Africa, it shattered the fabric of the culture. Then the gang idea began developing. The society fought back, disbarring such activities with ruthless effort. But the stories were different in the Universities. Because the University system was meant to westernize us, we took pride in our Fraternities. I was a member of one. By my Sophomore year, the fraternity I belonged to had morphed into a Confraternity. 2 years later, they were called “cults” and I had lost 3 friends in Gang related activities so I knew it was time to quit. So I quit.
Today these University cults have matured to New Jack City styled gangsters, killing and robbing folks. This was totally not African. Film and Television brought an abandonment of the culture for western values. Years ago, it was a taboo for an African man to move in to a woman’s house, if he didn’t have a house, he would have to go build one first, then come for the woman. Now they have become shameless, adopting the 50/50 strategy, which allows the men to slack in their responsibility. Today’s solutions:
1. Educate our people to first, understand their heritage and values, then acquire the needed power to change the laws to suit our values and heritage.
2. Abolish all the anti progress laws like, no beer sales Sunday, number of wives a man can marry, gay marriage, whipping of naughty kids at home and in school, immigration
3. Allow children to naturally belong to their father and be from where their father is from, hopefully this will bring fathers back into the picture.
4. Abolish mandated child support payments, if he doesn’t’ t want the child, that’s his business with DFACS, the kid is his period.
5. Introduce bride prices for our women, this would increase the value we have for marriage and our women. It would also bring out the truth in that very confused phrase …”I love you”
6. Make parents responsible for the actions of their children, of whatever age. Your child is your child, for ever.
7. Ensure that the images we and the world see of us brings positive growth to us as a people.
8. Though these images, we can encourage a culture where age and wisdom become the standard for respect, not money
Derrick, to sum it all I say:
Any school can produce great thinkers, what they think about is what affects our lives and our way of living.

10,000 film jobs versus 1,000 jobs. Which way is Atlanta going?

In December 2008, I had published via my blog about a system our organization had developed which would have the potential of creating over 10,000 film industry related jobs in Atlanta and beyond.
See blog at: Lantawood Blog

I blogged about how we could use this system to resurrect neighbourhoods in Atlanta and the surrounding communities within a few years. How this system would put under utilized infrastructure like the former Lakewood Fairgrounds into use, employing over 1000 local people.
I must say, this proposed studio lease is a great deal for Hollywood but it is not spectacular for Atlanta and will not bring spectacular gains to the people of Atlanta, in the long run.

In order to have real opportunities, we must focus our efforts to develop our "own film industry". This would create an unlimited number of jobs, and bring in tax revenue to our government. And did I tell you the cost of our system? Virtually nothing, to set it in motion.

To many, this new studio may be seen as the last pieces of the puzzle for Atlanta's developing film industry.. That is only if you look at it from Hollywood's point of view (which most people do). Looking at it from the point of view of our communities, our talent and the sustainability of the industry in Atlanta, the first and last piece of the puzzle is distribution..

The question is "which puzzle are we solving"?
Isn't it time we helped solve the puzzle that brings us the most gain?
Isn't it time we helped build the "real" movie industry of the South?

Atlanta Independent Film industry Conference April 19th 2010

Atlanta, GA April 13, 2010 Press Release

At least five high-profile productions filmed in Georgia are slated to hit movie theaters in the next few months, including Why Did I Get Married (II), Get Low, Killers and Due Date. The Last Song, a Miley Cyrus vehicle, opened March 31. In addition, The Blind Side and The Crazies, both still in theaters, were filmed in Georgia and have grossed a combined total of more than $292 million at the box office. On the independent front known as Lantawood, at least 9 new movies are slated for release in 2010. Already produced are Reynolds War and The Wilderness staring Jazz Youngblood, Ken Smith, Aly Williams and Cody Bowens.

While it would be nice to get a grandiose distribution deal, or even the validation of seeing your movie somewhere in the local Blockbuster, the reality is -- this will probably not be a reality for many filmmakers.
However, if you’re ready to face the future of independent movie distribution, you’re in good shape. With the launching of the Lantawood DVD distribution model in May 2010, we now have clear indication that independent movie distribution for local actors and producers has arrived in a majorly portable way.

According to Namso Akpan, Executive Director, Lantawood Incorporated, “we have tested the Lantawood system over the last 3 years and now it is time to fully launch all its components to the benefit of the community. We are holding a conference to bring all actors, producers, investors and movie industry enthusiast together for the first Atlanta movie industry conference on Monday April 19th 2010.”

Several issues plague the independent producer; you finished your movie, now what?
You got into Sundance but didn't get a deal. What now?
You didn't get into Sundance and no one wants your movie. How can you turn this around? Everyone is talking about Internet and Digital Downloading options, but Morgan Spurlock said you might only get your phone bill paid this route. What is the truth here?
You want to make movies but you also want to live in here Atlanta. How do you attain this? “These are among the issues that will be resolved at the conference,” said Namso Akpan. “Investing in our local movie industry will offer writers the opportunity to turn their books into movies and also open up advertising and placement opportunities for local businesses. We are also introducing artiste to the opportunities in releasing their music as movie sound tracks.’

There is much talk among independent Producers and Directors that obtaining viable film distribution these days is nearly impossible. According to Producer and Distribution expert Jerome Courshon, the major problem is not the perceived lack of options for Filmmakers, but their lack of knowledge and insider information to achieve results. According to Namso, “one of the benefits of developing our own industry is the ability to provide movie distribution to local producers and real job opportunities to the community.”

The conference will be held from 7 pm till 10 pm, at Throwbacks Sports Bar, 4847 Old National Hwy College Park, Georgia 30337. In a statement by the event host Jenee Woodley, who also serves as the Community Affairs Coordinator for Lantawood Incorporated, “at the conference, producers will pitch movie ideas to sponsors, actors will be cast in movies, movie distribution deals will be sealed among other things” said Jenee. “Attend this conference to learn the fast changing trend within the Atlanta movie industry and also get assistance on your movie project.”
For more info on the developing movie industry in Atlanta, visit http://www.lantawood.org

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.