Atlanta is the Story - Sponsored by the Television Academy
MAY 1TARA THEATRE
indieclassicindustryactingfilm
Fri, May 1 · 1:30 PM
About
Atlanta Is The Story brings together key cast/crew from shows that are filmed right here - writers, directors, show runners, actors, location managers and other below-the-line talent who translate city to screen, for a conversation about what it means to make Atlanta a co-star, not just a location. This panel is not meant to discuss how we became this major production hub but why our stories are undeniably Atlanta. The Atlanta Film Festival’s 50th anniversary is the perfect moment to ask the people who helped put this city on the map, making it the star of the show, How does a City become a Character? Moderator: Monique Younger, Producer, Director and Costume Supervisor Panelists: Tom Luse (EP, The Walking Dead ), Jen Farris (Location Scout, BMF , Being Mary Jane , Genius: Aretha ), Andi Behring (Director, Dynasty - reboot), and Tariq Simmons (Writer, Producer BMF) Monique Younger is a Producer, Director and Costume Supervisor with over two decades of experience in film, tv, and live events. The Howard University alum's multidisciplinary path includes award-winning independent documentaries, studio features, network television, short films, stage production and new media. She is passionate about elevating underrepresented voices and telling grounded, character-driven stories with cultural specificity. An AWD National Board Member, Television Academy Costume Design & Supervision Peer Group Executive Committee member, and longtime member of IATSE Local 479, Monique is passionate about mentorship, representation, and community. Over the years, she has been dedicated to elevating women behind the camera, introducing youth into the creative arts and hosting networking and educational events. Tom Luse is a Film and TV Producer and Executive whose career began popping popcorn at the Film Forum at Ansley Mall and meandered to executive producer of The Walking Dead . He worked in multiple departments including grip, art department and locations before entering production, joining the DGA on Glory in 1988. Tom recently was an Artist in Residence at Georgia State’s CMII, and executive produced REJUVENATION , a student-made feature film currently on Tubi and other platforms. He received his BS and MS from GSU, where he made a film for his Master’s Thesis. Jen Farris is a 29-year veteran in the arts & entertainment industry with fifteen of those years working as an Atlanta-based Film & TV Location Scout. She has identified thousands of film-friendly locations in over 165 Television episodes and noted film projects. Andi Behring is an Atlanta-based television director, location manager, and producer who built her career in the city’s thriving film industry, rising from production assistant to department head and episodic director. Her credits include television shows such as The Vampire Diaries , Dynasty , Tom Swift , and Chicago Med . Andi also mentors emerging talent while developing original projects through both her production company, &D Productions. Tariq Simmons , recognized for his contributions to cinematic masterpieces like BMF (2021-2024), The Fate of the Furious (2017), and Evolution (2020) embodies a profound passion for the art of filmmaking that has been ingrained in him since childhood. His Writing credits include Co-Writing the Season 3 finale of BMF and Episode 4 of Season 4.
Details
Show
1:30pm
Tickets
Tickets available ↗
Getting There
2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, USA Brookwood, GA
Five Points · 2 min walk
Deck parking · available