Built in DeKalb: Stories, Sets & SAG-AFTRA

DeKalb County continues to shine in the global spotlight—and our latest DeKalb Talks Tourism episode proves exactly why.

We sat down with Karen Ceesay, President of SAG-AFTRA Atlanta, for an inspiring and energizing conversation about leadership, legacy, and why Atlanta has become one of America’s most powerful filmmaking hubs.

Karen shares her journey into union leadership and the passion fueling her work with Film Impact Georgia, highlighting what draws major productions to our region—from competitive tax incentives to Georgia’s deep, diverse talent pool and unmatched versatility of locations.

But what truly sets Atlanta apart?

Karen calls it the “Atlanta mentality.” A culture built on collaboration, hustle, and originality. A spirit that turns good productions into unforgettable ones.

We also revisit her powerful work on The Walking Dead (Seasons 6–10) and Stranger Things (Seasons 2, 4 & 5), where she reflects on balancing intimate character moments with high-energy, action-driven sets—and how the rise of streaming transformed the production landscape.

And in one of the most heartfelt moments of the episode, Karen shares insight into the next generation of filmmakers—including her own son’s journey toward film (after a brief consideration of culinary arts!).

From union leadership to blockbuster sets, this episode captures the creativity, collaboration, and cinematic excellence that make DeKalb—and the greater Atlanta region: a true production powerhouse.