Lights, Camera, DeKalb: Unveiling the Future of Film Tourism

Discover DeKalb recently hosted an incredible Signature Series event, "Film Tourism in DeKalb," at the state-of-the-art Electric Owl Studios. This dynamic event brought together industry leaders, filmmakers, and tourism experts to explore the powerful synergy between film and tourism in DeKalb County. The morning was filled with enlightening discussions, innovative ideas, and inspiring insights on how to further leverage DeKalb's potential in Georgia's booming entertainment industry.

The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers who are trailblazers in their respective fields. Each speaker brought a unique perspective on the intersection of film and tourism, offering invaluable knowledge and strategies for maximizing the impact of film tourism in our community.

Dan Rosenfelt, co-founder of Electric Owl Studios, shared his journey and vision for the world’s first LEED Gold certified film studio. With over two decades in the entertainment industry, Dan highlighted the importance of sustainability in film production and how Electric Owl Studios is setting a new standard for eco-friendly filmmaking.

Craig Miller, renowned filmmaker and executive producer, captivated the audience with his experiences leading award-winning productions for Fortune 500 clients. He discussed the significance of Georgia's Film Incentive and shared behind-the-scenes stories from his latest feature film, "The Neon Highway."

Randy Davidson, CEO of Georgia Entertainment, provided invaluable insights into the intersection of entertainment and tourism. His visionary leadership has positioned Georgia as a premier destination for film and television production. Randy emphasized the role of innovation and collaboration in driving the state's entertainment sector forward.

Shelbia Jackson, the powerhouse behind DeKalb County’s TV/Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment Office, spoke about the seamless coordination of film permit applications and the impact of film projects like "I, Tonya" and "Stranger Things" on the local community. With over 300 film projects under her belt, Shelbia is instrumental in making DeKalb County a top destination for film production.

Dr. Rich Harrill, an expert in tourism, urban planning, and economic development, shared his research on the economic impact of film tourism. With a strong record of success and international reputation, Dr. Harrill discussed the benefits of integrating tourism strategies with the film industry to boost local economies and enhance community engagement.

The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, where all speakers joined to discuss the latest trends in film tourism and strategize on maximizing DeKalb's impact in the entertainment industry. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the experts, gaining deeper insights into the future of film tourism in DeKalb County.

The "Film Tourism in DeKalb" event was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to unlock the magic of DeKalb County on screen and off. Discover DeKalb extends heartfelt thanks to all speakers and participants for their invaluable contributions.

Stay tuned for more exciting events from Discover DeKalb as we continue to explore the boundless possibilities within our vibrant community. Together, we are shaping the future of film tourism in DeKalb County!