ACWORTH, GA — The Metro Atlanta Film Summit (MAFS) convened a sold-out crowd of filmmakers and industry leaders for a full day of breakouts, networking, and mainstage conversations at the YANMAR EVO//Center in Acworth. Built to “keep creatives creating,” the Summit delivered practical skills and real connections across Georgia’s fast‑moving film and digital production landscape.

A Format Designed for Learning – and Real‑World Collaboration

MAFS blends workshop‑style breakouts with feature presentations and panels, giving attendees space to learn, meet collaborators, and explore next‑step opportunities in the metro region’s film ecosystem.

  • This year’s program featured:
    Welcome & Focus Presentations: State of the Industry Update Fireside Chat with Lee Thomas, Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner and Georgia Film Office and Craig Dominey, Camera Ready Program Manager at the Georgia Film Office as well as Reclaiming Creative Identity in a Saturated World with actress and author Lara Bianca Pilcher.
  • Breakout Sessions (3 blocks): Covering topics including acting, stunt performance, voiceover, inclusive storytelling, equipment demonstrations, financing your project, utilizing Georgia’s film tax incentive and more.
  • Mainstage Conversations: “Signing Tony Raymond”: From Script to Screen with Writer/Director Glen Owen and Executive Producers Tiffany FitzHenry and Mitch Olson, followed by Into the Upside Down: Crafting the World of “Stranger Things” in Georgia with Executive Producer Iain Paterson, Location Manager Kyle Carey, Supervising Location Manager Tony Holley, and Lead Sculptor Alexander Sherrod.
  • Community Touchpoints: curated networking for emerging and established creatives.
    “MAFS is built for action,” said Heath Tippens, President at Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED). “The metro’s film community is strongest when craft, business, and connection live in the same room. That’s exactly what MAFS delivers.”

Powered By a Regional Coalition
The Summit elevates the metro‑wide film community by uniting creatives, studios, vendors, and educators – reinforcing a shared, regional approach that benefits productions of every size. The event was created to convene a broad cross‑section of the metro’s workforce and decision‑makers, building on the momentum of prior regional gatherings.

What Attendees Experienced

  • Hands‑on learning: practical sessions spanning creative craft, on‑set workflows, and the business side of production
  • Career visibility: direct access to working pros, pathways into departments, and guidance on building a sustainable career
  • Regional coherence: collaboration across counties and organizations – reflecting a unified metro market for film and digital content

Record Breaking Year

  • 250+ tickets reserved
  • Nearly 50 Speakers
  • 12 sessions across 10 topic areas

About the Metro Atlanta Film Summit (MAFS)
The Metro Atlanta Film Summit convenes creatives, decision‑makers, and industry leaders from across the region for actionable education, authentic connection, and forward‑looking dialogue for Georgia’s entertainment industry.

Created by COED as a beacon for inspiration, perspective, and collaboration, MAFS strengthens the metro’s competitive position by nurturing talent pipelines and cross‑jurisdiction partnerships. The Summit’s inaugural year in 2025 featured dozens of speakers, 10 breakout topics over three sessions, and headline conversations with studio and finance leaders.

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About the Cherokee Office of Economic Development
COED is Cherokee’s leading organization for business and film recruitment, and industry retention and expansion. For more information, visit www.cherokeega.org