Meet our Presenters Panelists

fulton films virtual fair

meet our presenters/panelists

10 a.m. "the reel deal I"

 

Nina Packer’s career in entertainment began here in Georgia working with Will Packer and Rob Hardy of Rainforest Films from 1999-2008. Her firm, NPA developed and managed for 21st Century Leaders the youth media leadership program now known as WarnerMedia Institute. Currently, she manages the Rob and Shaun Hardy Amazing Stories Foundation, which gives adults in the Atlanta area film industry training placing them in production assistant jobs; and the Cortez Bryant Foundation, which develops career pipelines to the music industry.
  With a background in production, acting and legal, Susan Moss currently serves as the Regional Set Relations Representative for SAG-AFTRA and was the first Executive Director of Women in Film & Television Atlanta.
  Kimberly Raybon is an Industry professional that has over 20 years of experience working in entertainment. Kimberly has worked on commercials, independent films, and projects with several production companies and film studios. As a songwriter, she’s had music songs placed on the likes of platinum recording pop artists and television shows such as “Taina” (Nickelodeon). Kimberly has a passion for creatives, and about building a stronger community, helping others seek and reach their full potential. 
  Darius Evans has over 10 year’s experience producing television and film projects of all sizes and budgets. He has also created and managed world-class marketing platforms for over 20 years for non-profits and Fortune 500 companies such as The Truth, Kaiser Family Foundation, Nissan, Adidas and Smirnoff. As Vice President of Georgia Production Partnership, he is responsible for all fundraising and operational aspects of GPP.
  Partner and Head of Entertainment Practice, Bennett Thrasher; Of Counsel, Greenspoon Marder LLP Peter Stathopoulos leads Bennett Thrasher’s Entertainment practice, which consults with clients nationally regarding entertainment incentives and other tax issues particular to the entertainment industry. Peter has worked closely with his motion picture studio and television network clients, the MPAA and state tax policy makers in helping to shape entertainment incentive programs in Georgia and other film incentive states. Peter is an attorney and was formerly a partner with McGuirewoods, LLP and led the firm's state tax and economic development incentives practice in Georgia. Prior to that, Peter spent eight years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in the area of state taxation and economic development incentives. Peter is a frequently published author and speaker regarding entertainment incentives issues, including articles published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Oz, Current Accounts, Accounting Today, and the Marietta Daily Journal, among other publications and organizations. 




 


11 a.m. "Lights, Camera, Action"

 

Geno Freeman, known as The Artist, is a veteran celebrity make-up guru with over 20 years of experience in the beauty field.  After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University, the South Florida born professional returned to his hometown to begin honing his skills in the beauty industry, as a hairstylist.  However, he yearned for more and desired to expand his talents. From that, he started dabbling in make-up and fell in love with the technique of using a make-up brush and the human face, as his canvass, to create art. Through the years, Geno has worked tirelessly to develop his brand and create unique experiences with his clients, who range from everyday women, seeking a natural look for a special occasion to Hollywood’s finest celebrities and entertainers. His extensive career has catapulted him as the personal make-artists to the stars as well as the Key Make-Up Director for various television series and movies.  His hands have graced the faces of such notables as Cicely Tyson, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Judge Tanya Acker, John David Washington, Blair Underwood, John Amos, and the list goes on. Geno’s portfolio includes but is not limited to HBO’s Ballers, Netfix’s Dear White People and OWN’s Cherish the Day.   
  Fran Burst-Terranella in an independent Director and Producer. Her career spans 4 decades and encompasses more than 750 productions - from television documentaries, commercials, PSAs and branded entertainment to creative marketing, motivational and educational shorts, and fundraising films helping non-profits secure over $1 billion in funding. Her award-winning debut feature film, “The 12 Lives of Sissy Carlyle,” is the funny, unpredictable story of a young woman’s tumultuous search to find herself by creating daring alternative lives in secret journals. "Sissy" is now streaming on Amazon, IMDB, YouTube, GogglePlay and Tubi. An accidental trailblazer, Fran is the first woman to build a full-time career as a Director in Atlanta, a founding member of Women in Film & Television/Atlanta and Atlanta Film Society and she served as co-president of the Georgia Production Partnership during development and passage of Georgia’s groundbreaking entertainment tax incentive.   
  Travell Blake is a seasoned Locations Manager with over 11 years of experience in the movie and television industry.  The Alabama native rose from humble beginnings as a barber, U.S. post officer, and entrepreneur before trying his hands as a Locations Scout.  After being bitten by the industry bug, Travell realized he had found his passion.  His hard work, humility, and persistence paid off, as he honed his craft, and became a sought-after professional.  His catalog includes but is not limited to Ozark (Netflix), Stranger Things, The Underground Railroad, SuperFly, Atlanta, Dirty Grandpa, Survivor’s Remorse and many more.  
  DiDi Rentz-Hughes is an entertainment veteran with over 15 years of experience as a government executive and multi-media personality. Her extensive background includes but is not limited to Cultural Arts & Entertainment Assistant Director (City of Miami), Sr. Special Events & Marketing Manager (City of Atlanta), Radio Personality (WEDR 99 JAMZ – Miami), and TV Host/Producer (TV 9 – Miami).  DiDi currently serves as the Film Marketing Liaison for Fulton Films (Fulton County Department of External Affairs).  In this role, DiDi is responsible for developing creative ways to promote and market the Fulton Films division; as well as forge and maintain strategic partnerships with local and global movie and television industry stakeholders, companies, and organizations. DiDi holds a Master’s degree in Media Management and a Bachelor’s degree in TV/Radio Broadcasting.  




 


12:30 "Filmmaking 101: Script to screen"

  Keysha Lee, owner of Leeway Productions LLC, is a proud bulldog with a bachelor’s degree from UGAs Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Keysha went right to work pursuing her dream of becoming a television news reporter. Her broadcast journalism career took her to three markets: Augusta, Georgia, Montgomery, Alabama, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Additionally, she earned a master’s degree in education from Alabama State University. Keysha has built an exhaustive list of achievements including creating and hosting an award-winning TV show “Lessons with Mrs. Lee,” writing and directing an award-nominated documentary “Lessons from a Living Legend” partnering with and presenting her Filmmaking 101 workshops in libraries and colleges across Georgia and serving as a lead STEM educator in TV and Film. Keysha recently added author to her list of credits with her first book “Keysha Lee Presents Filmmaking 101” which has been rated as one of the Top 100 bestsellers on Amazon. 

1:30 p.m. "pitch perfect"

  With innovative insight, extensive industry experience, keen business perspective, and executive production expertise, Ty Johnston-Chavis has been a confident voice in television, film, and entertainment for over 20 years. As a teacher and collaborator, she has encouraged the creativity and wonder of future generations of content creators. As founder and CEO of T.Y. Entertainment, she works consistently with high profile film, television, and new media production. Ty is an international leader, producer, and founder of The Atlanta Pitch Summit, a respected annual conference and networking marketplace where content meets distribution, allowing content creators to pitch their ideas to key executives and get their projects greenlit by TV and film companies such as BET, Lifetime, FOX, Harpo Films, MGM, and Nickelodeon. Accustomed to driving operational efficiency as well as profit, Ty has worked closely with film veterans such as Mark Koops, award-winning filmmaker Tracey Edmonds, and executive producer and creator Mona Scott-Young. Ty also has worked as a professor with American Intercontinental University and The Art Institutes, teaching courses on digital film, video, and audio production. Ty is a graduate of the UCLA Professional Producers Program, and will be receiving her MFA in digital filmmaking from Anaheim University. Ty is married and a proud mother of four. She and her husband own and operate five highly acclaimed restaurant locations in Atlanta, Georgia. 

2 p.m. "filming in fulton & the city of atlanta"

  Shaunya Chavis-Rucker is a multi-Emmy Award winning veteran television journalist and film industry professional. She is currently the Executive Director of Fulton Films; the largest County Film Office in the State of Georgia overseeing multiple block-buster movie production agreements. She is also the Station General Manager/Anchor for the Public Television Station, FGTV-Fulton Government Television (in Atlanta/Fulton County, GA).  Shaunya has had a distinguished career as an Anchor/Reporter in television news in a number of network-affiliate stations around the country including WSB-TV Atlanta, WCPO TV in Cincinnati, and KTVI-TV in St. Louis, to name a few.
  James Reese has spent the past 35 years in the public and private sector in various capacities. Currently he serves as the Film/Production Manager for Fulton County. James' career spans from local television in Chattanooga, Huntsville and Atlanta to city and county government with Atlanta and Fulton County. An Atlanta native and James attended East Atlanta High, Grambling State University, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
  DiDi Rentz-Hughes is an entertainment veteran with over 15 years of experience as a government executive and multi-media personality. Her extensive background includes but is not limited to Cultural Arts & Entertainment Assistant Director (City of Miami), Sr. Special Events & Marketing Manager (City of Atlanta), Radio Personality (WEDR 99 JAMZ – Miami), and TV Host/Producer (TV 9 – Miami).  DiDi currently serves as the Film Marketing Liaison for Fulton Films (Fulton County Department of External Affairs).  In this role, DiDi is responsible for developing creative ways to promote and market the Fulton Films division; as well as forge and maintain strategic partnerships with local and global industry stakeholders, companies and organizations. Didi holds a Master's degree in Media Management and a Bachelor's in TV/Radio Broadcasting.
  Alexia Wynn is the Media Communications Specialist and responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of MARTA’s Authority-wide asset utilization for film, television and photography purposes. Since Alexia’s arrival in 2018, MARTA has been featured in many projects including Nike Ads, FOX TV series, Disney Movies, and Netflix action films. Ms. Wynn holds a Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Wooster.
  Adrienne Wright is the City of Atlanta-Department of Parks and Recreation Special Events Director. With thirteen years of experience working for the City of Atlanta, Adrienne specializes in the review, approval/denial, and issuance of permits for Outdoor Events and park facilities. Adrienne is the “go-to” person that everyone calls on for assistance and is always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile. Adrienne’s work ethic and motivation comes from her recently turned 100 year old grandmother. In her limited free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and watching sports. 
  Cardellia Hunter is a 15-year entertainment industry veteran with experience in music, television and film production. She is currently the Director of Film and Entertainment for the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office, where she serves as the liaison to the State film office, and collaborates with other city stakeholders on film and workforce development initiatives. She leads the permitting process for productions of all sizes and promotes first-in-class engagement between film productions and the local community via Set South Atlanta - an initiative she launched in 2018. Cardellia oversees all community engagement platforms pertaining to filming — from production to liaisons — while also managing the office's annual operations budget. Some of her favorite films that she has worked with include Fast & Furious Franchise, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Baby Driver.  

 

 

 
 


3 p.m. "Industry reset"

  Kathleen Bertrand is known for her multi-faceted career path. With a 30+ year career full of accolades for creating events and platforms that promote Atlanta as a diverse destination, it was no surprise to many when she began talking in 2009 about a new film festival to attract people of color to Atlanta’s growing film industry. From a discussion with her then CEO William Pate at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, to talks with film enthusiasts and potential film partners, Bertrand began to assemble the team and resources needed to launch what was to become BronzeLens Film Festival, a non-profit organization. Under Bertrand’s visionary leadership as executive producer, BronzeLens has grown to receive attention and accolades from across the country and around the world. It is a charter member of ARRAY (formerly AFFRM), the film distribution network founded by producer/director Ava DuVernay in 2011. BronzeLens has been mentioned in articles about film diversity in publications such as the New York Times, the LA Times, and Ebony Magazine. In late 2016, the festival was named as an Academy Award Qualifying Film Festival for the Short Film Award. In its most recent film season, the festival received film submissions from 55 countries around the world. BronzeLens received two “Best of Atlanta” Awards from Atlanta Magazine: “Best Showcase for New Filmmakers,” and “Best Place to Break into the Film Industry.” Kathleen has received numerous awards for her work with BronzeLens. Most recently, City of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms honored Bertrand in 2019 with the City’s highest honor, the Phoenix Award for visionary leadership of BronzeLens Film Festival..    
  Robyn Watson is director of communications for WarnerMedia Distribution, based in Atlanta. Previous to that, Robyn was the principal owner of Watson Media Ventures (WMV), an entertainment consulting firm that advised on film, television, digital media productions and entertainment events. Prior to WMV, she spent over 17 years as a corporate communications executive at Verizon and Time Warner Cable. Robyn has been involved in the Women In Film organization for over 10 years having served on the board of directors for New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT) and Women In Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA). She is also on the board of Women In Film & Television International (WIFTI) where she serves on the Knowledge, Advocacy and Activism Committee. Robyn graduated from Emory University and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Benedictine University.  
  Erin Rodgers works in the City of East Point’s Economic Development office as an Economic Development Specialist– a role she has served in for the last 12 years. As an Economic Development professional, Mrs. Rodgers works to increase and diversify the City's tax base in regards to two focus areas: the Downtown District and the Film Industry. Mrs. Rodgers serves as the point of contact for all TV Shows/Movies filmed in the City. She collaborates with the State's Film Office, assists with locations (including the leasing of City facilities/property), leads internal and community coordination and works to foster a "film friendly" environment that broadens the tax base and generates significant community benefits. She is also an advocate for Downtown revitalization where she works to identify, develop and implement programs and incentives that attract development, new businesses and retain existing businesses, as well as, promote community outreach programs that attract residents and tourists to the City. The film industry is one of the business industries that greatly contributes to all of those target categories. She continuously works to leverage relationships with fellow Film and Economic Development partners in the metro area to promote economic growth in the City of East Point. Prior to her 12 years with the City of East Point, Mrs. Rodgers was appointed by Mayor and Council to the East Point Main Street Association (EPMSA) where she served 4 years, with 2 years serving as Chair of the organization. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the ATL Airport Chamber of Commerce and previously served 4 years on The Main Street Academy (TMSA) Charter School Board. Mrs. Rodgers earned her architecture degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, along with her Minor in Business. Additionally, Mrs. Rodgers studied abroad in Florence, Italy at the Lorenzo de Medici Institute and has completed continuing education courses thru the University of Georgia’s Carl Vincent Institute of Government, The Georgia Academy for Economic Development, the National Development Council and Georgia Tech..   
  Carole Irene Sykes is a dedicated public affairs arts administrator with Fulton County Arts & Culture, the largest funder of the arts in Georgia. For over 12 years, Carole has worked for Fulton County Arts & Culture, serving in various professional capacities, including Special Events Manager, Arts Programming Coordinator, Arts Program Manager, and most recently as the agency’s Public Affairs Manager. She is currently responsible for developing and managing all aspects of branding, digital, public relations, and partnerships. Under her leadership, she has been credited with raising the visibility of Fulton County Arts & Culture through expanding partnerships and establishing department marketing protocols, enabling the agency to exceed its strategic goals for the last five years. She was credited with oversight of the opening of Wolf Creek Amphitheater and was responsible for the agency website redevelopment, winning the 2012 American Graphic Design Awards presented by Graphic Design U.S.A. Fulton County has recognized her efforts as a nominee for Employee of the Year in 2009 and one of 19 employees honored with the overall 2016 F.O.C.U.S Award recognizing outstanding employee performance.. 

 

 

4 p.m. "filmed in fulton"

  Native Atlantan, Tracy Flanagan is the Public Affairs Officer, Senior for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Flanagan recently celebrated her 15th anniversary with Fulton County. She has served as a liaison and coordinator for numerous film and TV productions, namely: Beyond Scared Straight; 60 Days In:Atlanta; America’s Most Wanted; CNN; Court TV; Dateline NBC; Discovery ID; Fox News; The Steve Harvey Show; The Wendy Williams Show; TMZ; and several other productions with international, national, and local companies. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, Tracy worked in television: broadcast news for more than a decade, most recently as a general assignment reporter for WAGA/Fox 5 Atlanta and as a freelance field producer for other companies. Prior to that, she honed her journalism craft with positions as a reporter/bureau chief at WCNC-TV/NBC6 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and began her journalism career as a producer, editor, and on-air bureau chief with WTVM/Channel 9 in Columbus, Georgia.  Tracy earned degrees in Spanish and Journalism: Broadcast News from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University, respectively.    
  Claudia Strange is the Director of PR and Marketing at the Fulton County Library System, coordinating day to day communications for 34 libraries in Fulton County.  In addition to PR and Marketing, Claudia is responsible for the coordinating of all commercial filming activities at libraries across the County.  Prior to her work with Fulton County Government, Claudia worked in event production and fundraising, as well as talent coordinating for various non-profit organizations across the country. 
  Jonathan Gathier graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Safety Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Dayton Beach, FL.  He began working with Fulton County in 2019 as the Assistant Airport Manager of the Fulton County Executive Airport – Charlie Brown Field. Jonathan’s current role allows him to run the current day-to-day operations of the airport. Filming is a big part of the airports revenue source for outside money. The airport has worked with films such as Flight, We are Marshal, and What to Expect When Expecting.  
  Tyree Spencer is an industry veteran with over two decades in Film, Television, and music.  Tyree’s extensive background includes but is not limited to, videography, video editing, graphic design, and photography.  He has Directed various short films and oversaw several independent projects as the Director of Photography. 

Currently, Tyree serves as the Film Liaison Coordinator for the Fulton Films Office and Video Producer for Fulton County Government Television FGTV. 
  Shaunya Chavis-Rucker is a multi-Emmy Award winning veteran television journalist and film industry professional. She is currently the Executive Director of Fulton Films; the largest County Film Office in the State of Georgia overseeing multiple block-buster movie production agreements. She is also the Station General Manager/Anchor for the Public Television Station, FGTV-Fulton Government Television (in Atlanta/Fulton County, GA).  Shaunya has had a distinguished career as an Anchor/Reporter in television news in a number of network-affiliate stations around the country including WSB-TV Atlanta, WCPO TV in Cincinnati, and KTVI-TV in St. Louis, to name a few.