The Boom (WABE)

Jewel sits down with Kathleen Bertrand, executive producer of BronzeLens Film Festival. Kathleen discusses the origins of the festival, the necessity of diversity behind and in front of the camera, and what’s on tap for this year’s festival, running now through August 27. Jewel also covers how the strikes are impacting productions in Georgia and other industry news.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

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Empowerment through fashion, royal rule of a city park, escaping toxicity.

Hosts Brianna Carr and Alphonso Whitfield cover three short films: John e. Kilberg's "Vestirse," Ava Davis's "The Duchess of Grant Park" and Mya-Breyana Morton's "The Traveler."

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Dr. Jose Marquez, co-founder of the Georgia Latino International Film Festival, joins Jewel for a discussion about the festival’s past, present, and future. One of the goals of the festival is to increase the Latino presence in all aspects of film and TV, from acting and directing to financing and producing.

Mentioned this episode:

Fran Drescher's re-election

Spectrum reaches carriage agreement with Disney

Out On Film – Atlanta’s LGBTQ Film Festival

Have a question for The Boom? Email us at podcasts@wabe.org.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As SAG-AFTRA works to negotiate a new contract with the AMPTP, they’re looking to update self-taped audition rules, a method of auditioning that casting director, consultant, and coach Erica S. Bream is very familiar with. Erica talks with Jewel Wicker about those rules, how the audition process has changed over the years, and shares some tips for those starting out in the film and TV industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

Crazy Legs Entertainment to produce forthcoming Prince film

Tyler Perry-Netflix film deal

Hope Floats

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Shay Bentley Griffin is one of those people in the industry who can say they helped make the Georgia’s film and TV industry what it is today. From casting on early shows like “I’ll Fly Away,” to working to create the film tax credit, Shay never gave up on making the state a viable location for a film or TV production. She talks about the early days of film and TV in Georgia, why she decided to stay, and what needs to happen next for Georgia’s industry to remain successful.

Plus, the Georgia state House of Representatives passed HB 1180, which would make changes to the film tax credit if passed into law. The bill now heads to the state Senate.

Mentioned this episode:

FX’s “English Teacher”

“SNL 1975”

BronzeLens Film Festival’s 2024 Women Superstar Honorees

Tyler Perry’s “Mea Culpa” and comments about AI in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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Georgia’s film tax credit is just one example of the many tools available to municipalities that want to encourage and support film and TV production. LaRonda Sutton, founder of Entertainment.gov, joins to talk about how her consulting firm works with local governments to help streamline production. LaRonda also shares how she transitioned from working in music to film and TV.

Mentioned in this episode:

“The South Got Something to Say” documentary from the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Lionsgate Studios Atlanta

SAG-AFTRA’s Statement on Ending the Strike

AMPTP’s Statement on Ending the Strike

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two love-letters. One to your younger self and one to queer Atlanta.

Hosts Alphonso Whitfield and Brianna Carr discuss Quincy and Deondray Gossfield's short film "Flames" and the documentary "Queer Moxie" from Heather Provoncha and Leo Hollen, Jr.

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For the final episode of 2023, a special look back at the television show “I’ll Fly Away,” which filmed in Georgia from 1990-1993 and thoughtfully tackled issues related to race, racism, family, and more. WABE digital editor Kenny Murry reflects on how he discovered the show and what he heard from cast and crew when interviewing them for his retrospective last year. Actress Regina Taylor explains why she was drawn to her character, Lilly Harper, and Shay Bentley-Griffin shares her experience casting for “I’ll Fly Away” and what work was like in the Georgia’s film and TV industry during the eighties and nineties.

If you have a moment, please vote for The Boom to win the Anthem Awards’ Community Voice Award.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does pursuing a degree related to film and television look like? What can you actually study? SCAD students Grace Lawell, Jack Savage, and June Hauser share their experiences working toward degrees related to film and TV at the school and how Atlanta factors into their careers. Grace graduated in 2022 with a B.F.A in performing arts, June Hauser is a senior pursuing a B.F.A in film and television and a minor in casting - and is the student manager of the Atlanta Casting Office at SCAD - and Jack Savage is a first-year student working toward his B.F.A in acting.

Sammie Purcell, associate editor of Rough Draft Atlanta, also joins the show to talk about the closing weekend of the Atlanta Film Festival and the city’s bid to host the Sundance Film Festival.

Mentioned this episode:

Atlanta’s bid for the Sundance Film Festival

Atlanta Film Festival

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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With offices in Los Angeles, New York City, and Toronto, production and talent management company 3 Arts Entertainment added an Atlanta location in 2022. Manger and producer Jermaine Johnson heads up that office and joins Jewel Wicker to talk about why they wanted an Atlanta Location, the local talent they’ve signed, and some of their upcoming projects.

Mentioned this episode:

Glamour Profiles Millie Bobby Brown

American Fiction Trailer

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Alpha Tyler got her start in casting as an intern on James Cameron’s “Titanic.” Since then, she’s worked on shows like “Martin” and as the casting director for Tyler Perry. Ready for a career change, Alpha became a professor of performing arts at SCAD in 2016 and is also the faculty adviser for SCAD’s Casting Office. Alpha talks about her career path and explains how SCAD’s Casting Office acts as a resource for students and alumni. The school is the only academic institution in the country offering a minor in casting.

Plus, reporter Nicole Carr talks about her investigation for ProPublica that revealed texts sent by film executive Ryan Millsap in which he shared racist and antisemitic sentiments.

Mentioned this episode:

Nicole Carr’s follow-up article on texts sent by film executive Ryan Millsap

Atlanta Film Festival

Netflix’s “A Man in Full”

Production on “Peacemaker” season begins

Starz’s “P-Valley”

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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From appearing as Peaches on Outkast albums and managing Organized Noize Production to record promotion at Capitol Records and serving as the “free money lady” on Atlanta’s V-103 radio station, Dee Dee Murray has had a storied career in Atlanta’s arts and entertainment scenes. Jewel talks with Dee Dee about how she got started in the music industry before moving into film and TV and working on both sides of the permitting process.

Mentioned in this episode:

WGA reaches tentative agreement with AMPTP

What’s in the WGA’s new contract

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Civil War epic film “Gone with the Wind” premiered in Atlanta 85 years ago. Much like the book, it was met with critical acclaim and continues to be considered by many as one of the greatest films of all time. “Gone with the Wind” isn’t without problems, however. Morehouse College Professor Stephane Dunn and Georgia State University Professor Emeritus Tim Crimmins discuss the film’s problematic representation of slavery, the South, and race, as well as its premiere in Atlanta in 1939.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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Georgia state legislators have introduced a bill that would make changes to the state’s film tax credit. WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde talks with Jewel about House Bill 1180.

One thing you can’t say about Gary Anthony Williams is that he isn’t staying busy. From voice-acting to live-action, among his 256 (and counting) IMDB credits are “The Boondocks,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Doc McStuffins,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.” Gary shares his acting origin story, going from Fayetteville to Atlanta to Los Angeles, and explains how he incorporates family and community into his role as “Pops” in the animated Disney series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.”

Mentioned this episode:

Delta partners with African American Film Critics Association

Actor Carl Weathers died January 30

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When composer EmmoLei Sankofa moved to Los Angeles to begin her career in film and TV composition, things didn’t flow quite as smoothly as she hoped. EmmoLei shares her story of working and making important connections in Los Angeles, and then moving back to Atlanta, where she would become an NAACP Image Award nominated composer for her work on “The Other Black Girl.” Some of EmmoLei’s other credits include “Three Ways,” “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Girls,” and “Step Up.”

Mentioned this episode:

NAACP Image Awards

Oscars Winners

Women’s Comedy Film Festival

The Preacher’s Wife

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From WABE Studios, Atlanta On Film: The Podcast is a companion podcast featuring the filmmakers presented in WABE TV’s Atlanta On Film show. The first season includes films from Out On Film, Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ film festival, as well as Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival. Hosts Alphonso Whitfield and Brianna Carr discuss the films, play clips and listen to what filmmakers had to say about their work.

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Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Arts Society goes far beyond music. From fashion and literature to film and TV, they’re working to tell stories across all mediums. Chuck Lightning, co-founder and creative director of Wondaland, talks about the expansion into film and TV. Then, musicians Nate Wonder and Roman GianArthur provide a glimpse into the execution of that expansion, sharing their approach to composing music for the screen.

Mentioned this episode:

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” tops the box office

BET+ renews the “Ms. Pat Show” for a fourth season

Hulu’s “The Other Black Girl” canceled

Stay at the house from “The Idea of You”

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With proposed changes to Georgia’s film tax credit making their way through the state legislature as HB 1180, film accountant Jessica Feder believes that the film and TV industry here could look drastically different in the next decade. Jessica talks about her work as a film accountant and shares her concerns with the proposed changes to the state’s film tax credit.

Mentioned this episode:

BMF Season 3

Hulu’s forthcoming Freaknik documentary

Tyler Perry’s Perimeter on BET+

The 96th Oscars are this weekend

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second-largest film and TV production facility in the world is just over twenty miles from the heart of Downtown Atlanta, in Fayette County. Trilith Studios not only counts 32 sound stages (with two more on the way), the Georgia Film Academy, and all the functions of a one-stop production facility, it also includes the Town at Trilith. We head to the 1000-acre development for a tour and then have a conversation with Frank Patterson, president and CEO of Trilith Studios.

Plus, WABE digital editor, Kenny Murry, joins to talk about his list of Black history productions filmed in Georgia.

Mentioned this episode:

Usher is developing a new TV show

Tyler Perry’s forthcoming series “Beauty in Black”

“The Madness” resumes production in Atlanta

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP having reached a tentative agreement to end the actor’s strike after a record-breaking 118 days, national and local SAG-AFTRA board member Shaan Sharma shares his thoughts and breaks down important details of the agreement.

Listen to Jewel’s full conversation with Shaan in Friday’s episode.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

SAG-AFTRA Approves Tentative Agreement

Summary of Tentative Agreement (PDF)

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Screenwriter Topher Payne joins Jewel to talk about how the Writers Guild of America strike is impacting him, both professionally and personally. Find all of the works that Topher discusses on his website. Jewel also shares how listeners can list their Georgia home to be a possible filming location.

Mentioned this episode:

Hollywood Reporter on AMPTP proposal

Letter from the WGA to members

Have a question for The Boom? Email us at podcasts@wabe.org.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Glynn Turman’s career has spanned the majority of his life and that means he’s able to bring lived experience into many of his roles. After starring in the original Broadway production of  “A Raisin in the Sun,” he’s gone on to act in many TV series and films. “A Different World,” “The Wire,” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” are just a few examples. His latest role is playing Walter Newton, father of Black Panther Party founder Huey Newton, in Apple TV+’s limited series “The Big Cigar.” Glynn talks about being recruited by the Black Panthers, how his roles often depict Black life in America, and his upcoming projects.

Mentioned this episode:

• Atlanta native Ryan Seacrest set to host “Wheel of Fortune”
• Bad Boys: Ride or Die hits theaters, portions were filmed in Georgia
• Adult Swim’s “Yule Log 2” is now filming in Georgia
• Peacock’s new series “Teacup” will be set and filmed in the statev

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s in the new SAG-AFTRA contract? What resources are there for union members to learn more and make an informed vote? SAG-AFTRA board member Shaan Sharma talks with Jewel about the contract, his reservations surrounding AI agreements, and how the strike strengthened the union.

Mentioned this episode:

Atlanta Local contract informational meeting on 11/21 (in-person)

SAG-AFTRA voting is open through December 5

SAG-AFTRA leadership defends the new contract

TV series restart production

Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does Atlanta come to life on screen? Lane closures, neighborhood meetings, public safety, workforce development – these are just a few of the areas Cardellia Hunter oversees during a typical week. As the director of film and entertainment for the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office, Cardellia plays an integral role in cultivating and supporting Atlanta’s film and TV industry. Cardellia joins Jewel to talk about how she began working in film and TV, Atlanta’s permitting process, and some of her office’s initiatives.

Mentioned in this episode:

Now Filming in Georgia

Matthew Perry as Ron Clark

ATL Film Party

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Millie De Chirico got her start in the film and television industry at Turner Broadcasting in the programming department. From there, she programmed “TCM Underground,” which broadcast cult classics and late-night films. These days, she co-hosts the podcast “I Saw What You Did,” dissecting films every episode and is teaching about film as an adjunct professor. Millie shares exactly what a film programmer does, why she loves cult cinema, and why she wrote her book “TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema.”

Mentioned this episode:

Amazon Prime’s “The Bondsmanv”

“The Woman in the Yard”

“Naked Gun” Reboot

“Weapons”

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jewel talks with actress, producer, and co-founder of North Rose Pictures, Emily Rose, about her production company, acting, and how she’s navigated through a pandemic and two strikes. Jewel, Emily and producer Kevin also share their favorite television and film remakes.

Mentioned this episode:

The Little Mermaid

The Other Black Girl

Film Festivals in Georgia

Have a question for The Boom? Email us at podcasts@wabe.org.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Modern day lynching, preserving your family's legacy and getting out of a rut.

Hosts Brianna Carr and Alphonso Whitfield look at three short films from the last episode of Atlanta On Film's first season. Yasmin Neal's "Target Practice," Gabrielle Morse's "Bug Hill" and "Blue Jay" from Andre McCoy.

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There is no one path to a career in the film and TV industry. Writer Brian Egeston had an entire career as an engineer before diving headfirst into writing for TV. Brian talks about going from the intense schedule of shows like “House of Payne” to the pace of NBC series “Perfect Harmony,” as well as the feature film “On a Wing and a Prayer.“

Mentioned this episode:

SAG-AFTRA contract details

“Reasonable Doubt” show moves production to Atlanta

Kevin Hart’s “Die Hart” season three wraps

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It took losing a job she’d held for 20 years at a sheet music company for costumer Kenya Morgan to enter the film and TV economy. Kenya sits down with Jewel to talk about how the Georgia Film Academy helped make that transition possible and the experience of being a costumer in the industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

Comedian Roy Wood, Jr. on City Lights with Lois Reitzes

Ruth E. Carter in Atlanta Magazine

This episode of The Boom was produced by Crystal DeVone, Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

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Film Pitch ATL is a monthly event where all levels of filmmakers at any point in the creative process can go to pitch their project to a panel of industry experts receiving feedback in real time - in front of a live audience.  There’s also ample opportunity to meet other people working in or exploring the industry. The Boom visited an event earlier this year and talked with attendees, pitchers, and the founder, Caroline King.

Mentioned this episode:

Three Georgia cities are vying to host Sundance Film Festival

Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt” second season premieres August 22

Production on season three of “P-Valley” is underway

“The Idea of You” is Amazon MGM’s number one romantic comedy debut

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Georgia Film Office was created by former President Jimmy Carter in 1973, when he was governor of the state. Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner, has been at the Film Office since 1996, working to bring film and television productions to the state. Lee explains how she and her team accomplish that mission and tells the story of how the Film Office and film scene in Georgia have changed during her nearly 30 years in the industry here.

Mentioned this episode:

Hulu’s “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told”

Kenny Nguyen on Bravo’s “Top Chef”

“Naked Gun” Reboot to film in Atlanta

NAACP Image Awards

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The impact of speaking up.

Hosts Brianna Carr and Alphonso Whitfield talk about two documentaries. "The Defenders" from Roderick Red and Sarah Campbell plus another film from Hal Jacobs, "Lillian Smith: Breaking The Silence."

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The production landscape for documentary films in Atlanta looks different from that of narrative features and TV. Jewel Wicker discusses those differences with Anjanette Levert, a filmmaker, producer, director, and professor at Spelman College. They also talk about “The Only Doctor,” a documentary Anjanette produced about the sole working doctor in Clay County, Georgia. 

Plus, WABE’s Rahul Bali shares what he learned while attending a meeting with lawmakers to review Georgia’s film tax credit.

Mentioned this episode:

Studios suspend SAG-AFTRA negotiations

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visual effects producer Matt Akey knows he’s done his work effectively if you never notice that he touched a film or TV show in the first place. From “Creed III” and “The Holdovers” to “The Boys” and “West World,” he’s worked on an array of projects requiring different kinds of imaging. Akey talks about his visual effects work and his path to becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Crafty Apes, a VFX and production services company based in Atlanta.

Plus, Sammie Purcell, associate editor of Rough Draft Atlanta, joins Jewel to talk about summer film and TV releases they’re looking forward to.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legalized segregation was a system of discrimination put in place by whites in power, used to oppress Black Americans. Segregation during Jim Crow touched nearly every aspect of life in the American South, including movie theaters and the content of the films played therein. Film and media Scholar Nsenga Burton and Matthew Bernstein, professor of film and media studies at Emory, explore the history of film and theaters during segregation in Atlanta. Plus, WABE’s Blues and Jazz Classics host, H. Johnson, tells his story of how segregation impacted him as a movie-lover.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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A mom overcomes her prejudice. Offering college courses to people in Georgia's prisons.

Hosts Alphonso Whitfield and Brianna Carr take a look at Harrison Chandler's short film "Perception" and talk about the documentary "Common Good Atlanta: Breaking Down The Walls Of Mass Incarceration" from Hal Jacobs.

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From zombie attacks to a white-tablecloth dinner, if an actor needs to eat something on screen, there’s a good chance a food stylist created something from an unexpected recipe. Food stylist Elizabeth Grove talks making edible blood, historically accurate food, and concoctions found only in science fiction for the screen.

HB1180, the bill that would have made changes to Georgia’s film tax credit, did not make it to the governor’s desk before the session ended. Check out our bonus episode with WABE’s business reporter Marlon Hyde for all the details.

Mentioned this episode:

Art Beats & Lyrics Documentary

Georgia Tech’s Global Media Festival

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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The State of Georgia is all in on workforce development for TV and film production. C. Scott Votaw, assistant vice chancellor with the University System of Georgia, explains how the Georgia Film Academy (GFA), which he leads, trains Georgians in a variety of film and TV careers. Scott shares how you can take GFA courses, the GFA’s work with unions and production companies to provide internships, and how the GFA adjusts their curriculum to address the changing production landscape as technologies evolve.

Mentioned this episode:

SAG-AFTRA members vote to approve new contract

Deadline Interview with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland

Juror #2 scheduled to finish production in Savannah

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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Iyana Halley lived in Atlanta during high school and then began acting in Los Angeles but says, these days Atlanta is a great market to get your start. Halley talks about her starring role in “One Night Stay” from BET+, acting in “Beast” alongside Idris Elba, and the fan response she got after playing Taylor, Gregory’s girlfriend, on “Abbott Elementary.”  

Atlanta-based filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper also joins the show to talk about her new docuseries “James Brown: Say It Loud.” The series, which was produced by Questlove and Mick Jagger, debuts on A&E February 19th & 20th at 8pm.

Mentioned this episode:

Will Trent Season 2 starts February 20th

The Color Purple streaming on Max

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

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The Boom is here. In our first episode, Jewel speaks with the current and former presidents of the SAG-AFTRA Atlanta chapter, Eric Goins and Mike Pniewski. Eric and Mike give updates and discuss the larger meaning of the current strike, explaining how it impacts local actors and artists. Jewel also shares how she got here and covers this week’s biggest industry news stories. Thanks for joining us for our first shot!

Mentioned this episode:

Paris is Burning 

BronzeLens Film Festival 

Resources shared for strike-impacted SAG-AFTRA members:

Entertainment Community Fund

Talent Supporting Talent

SAG-AFTRA Strike Website

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta on Film: The Podcast is now The Boom, a weekly look at Atlanta’s growing film and television industry, through trending topics and origin stories of local filmmakers, cast, and crew. Hosted by entertainment and culture reporter Jewel Wicker, The Boom premieres on Friday, August 18.

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Working a second or even third gig is not unusual for folks in the film and TV industry. When a strike or two brings production to a standstill, those gigs become a lifeline for workers, which is why actor and barber David Alexander created the website Talent Supporting Talent. Jewel sits down with David to talk about the importance of a side hustle for film and TV workers and how his website helps fellow industry workers with other skills find and hire each other. Sammie Purcell also joins to discuss how productions will look to resume work after the ratified WGA deal.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In addition to his work as the senior vice president of scripted programming at Tyler Perry Studios, Mark E. Swinton produces and writes on shows like “Sistas” and “House of Payne.” Mark talks with Jewel about his move from theatre into television, relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta to work for Tyler Perry, and what fans of the studio can look forward to thanks to the TPS deal with Netflix.

Mentioned this episode:

Atlanta submits bid to host Sundance

Check out what’s filming in Georgia

iHeart’s “Fight Night” is being adapted into a TV series

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Tiffany Elle Burgess (The Color Purple, The Wonder Years) has only been acting since 2020 but has already found herself in some big productions. Notably, she played Olivia, Celie’s biological daughter, in the 2023 musical adaptation of “The Color Purple.” Tiffany explains how writing screenplays, before jumping into acting herself, has helped her become a better actor. She also talks about her work on “The Color Purple” and how her career jumped from public health to film and TV.

Mentioned this episode:

Amazon’s “The Idea of You”

Netflix’s “A Man in Full”

Universal’s upcoming musical project featuring Janelle Monáe, Halle Bailey, and Missy Elliott

Tyler Perry’s latest film coming to Netflix

The AJC’s “The South Got Something to Say” documentary

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When film programmer Millie De Chirico was on The Boom, we asked her what cult films she recommended that had an Atlanta connection. One of the recommendations was Michael J. Paradise’s “The Visitor,” a sci-fi, horror romp through the heart of Atlanta. Millie returns to The Boom to discuss the film with Jewel, Ian Deaton (composer, writer, and musician who also happens to work at Videodrome), and WABE podcast producer Kevin Rinker.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Albertson approaches editing film the way he does cooking a meal: Try a little of this, what should I add here, does all this work together? Sean shares his editing philosophy, working on the horror film “Imaginary,” and how he’s plugging in to the industry here after his recent move to Atlanta.

Mentioned this episode:

What’s filming in Georgia

AJC on “Tulsa King”

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a drag mother passes, the family ignores that part of their life. A son goes on a road trip with his estranged, transgender parent.

Hosts Alphonso Whitfield and Brianna Carr talk about Quinlan Orear's short film "Over My Dead Body" and "Landlocked" from Timothy Hall.

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The Georgia General Assembly's 2024 session ended on Thursday and HB1180, which proposed changes to the state's film tax credit, did not pass. WABE's business reporter Marlon Hyde has the details.

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Finding courage and finding love.

Hosts Brianna Carr and Alphonso Whitfield talk about the short film "Read Between The Lines" from Adante Watts and Cindy L. Abel's documentary "Surviving The Silence."

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Georgia’s state legislature is in session and Senate Bill 366 has been filed, which aims to make audits and economic analyses of tax credits, including the one for film productions, more visible. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali shares what he’s hearing at the state capitol as lawmakers hint at additional legislation that could make changes to the film tax credit.

Plus, AJC entertainment reporter Rodney Ho on the return of Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow” as well as Tyler Perry’s upcoming BET+ show “Perimeter,” and 3 Arts Entertainment’s Jermaine Johnson talks about “American Fiction’s” Oscar nominations.

Mentioned this episode:

SB 366

Rodney Ho’s reporting on “Rhythm + Flow” as well as “Perimeter”

WABE’s “Sounds Like ATL”

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doing the work, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Hosts Alphonso Whitfield and Brianna Carr discuss "It Is Well," a documentary about the Reverend Doctor Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. by filmmaker Bennie R. Mitchell, III. and Eddie G.'s short film "Guilty Until Proven Innocent," about a black man who has been arrested for killing a police officer.

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Mercedes Cook never thought she’d be a costume designer. Even though it wasn’t on her radar, she’s found success in the film & TV industry. Mercedes talks about designing costumes for Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Malcolm X, and other civil rights leaders for “Genius: MLK/X,” as well as her work on “The Chi.” She also shares tips on how to get started in costuming.

Mentioned this episode:

Now filming in Georgia

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur

Nathan Deal’s op-ed in the AJC

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to the film and television industry, Rashidi Hendrix sees lots of potential for growth. The partner at Independent Artists Media explains what he sees as the next steps Atlanta’s industry must take to become an established market like Los Angeles or New York, how he stays creative as a manager, and shares lessons learned from the pandemic and two strikes.

And, as awards season continues, Jewel has the latest winners, including a few projects filmed in Atlanta.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When he isn’t busy leading university courses on directing and screenwriting, Booker T. Mattison is making films. The University of Georgia professor and filmmaker talks about working in film and TV in Georgia and how he applies lessons learned from the industry to the classroom. Booker’s recent projects include “The Sound of Christmas” on BET+ and “Twisted Marriage Therapist” on Tubi.

Plus, awards season is here and Sammie Purcell, associate editor at Rough Draft Atlanta, joins to talk about the Golden Globes and Emmys.

This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.

For more information, visit wabe.org/theboom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.