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Breathe Life Into Art Through Visual Storytelling

Storyboarding has come a long way since becoming an essential part of the creative process. The main goal of creating a successful storyboard is to show the director’s vision clearly. Coming out of Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s, the first complete storyboard can be traced back to The Three Little Pigs (1933). The history of storyboards goes back further to 1900s silent films; however, many have been lost or destroyed. Fast forward to the 21st century, storyboard artists are the glue that holds the foundation together. Five storyboard artists share their vision and how they got to where they are now. “Between cartooning, design, storyboard, directing, and producing, it’s all about telling a good story. A great pitch is a story, too.” Mark Simon

Mark Simon

Known as the Godfather of Storyboards, Mark Simon has over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He is currently the storyboard artist for The Walking Dead and provides animatics for the hit series. Mark has over 5,000 production credits, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Universal, Sony, HBO, FOX, and more.

  • When did you know you wanted to be a storyboard artist? 

I wanted to be a comic strip artist growing up. Those are my heroes. I didn’t know storyboards existed until my 20’s. My family built custom homes growing up, so I grew up designing and building homes. I used that experience to enter Hollywood, designing and building sets. I got my first job as the construction coordinator at Roger Corman’s studio in LA. 2 weeks later, I was the art director on my first movie. I art directed for a few years, but I missed drawing. I had been seeing storyboards come across my desk in production and decided that was my next career. I started providing storyboards for my productions as I also designed shows and movies to gain experience. When Steven Spielberg came to Orlando with his NBC series SeaQuest 2032, I decided to go full-time storyboarding on that show, and I’ve never looked back. This year I celebrate 30 years of storyboarding full-time. 

  • What do you love most about your role?

I get to draw and tell stories every day. I work with amazingly creative people and on kick-ass productions on big and small screens and see my work come to life. What’s not to love?

  • Growing up, have you always been into drawing?

Always. When I took music lessons, I came home with cartoons on my sheet music. My homework had cartoons all over them. Every scrap of paper I could find, I would draw on. I drew my own posters of superheroes growing up. I drew for the school paper, the yearbook, and theater in high school. I was the school cartoonist in college and paid my way through school designing marketing for local businesses. There’s never been a time when I wasn’t drawing.

  • Did you have any mentors who helped you throughout your career? 

No particular mentors. Live-action story artists never get together. We’re an independent breed. The closest I’ve had to a mentor has been some of the fantastic directors I’ve been lucky enough to work with who have taken the time to explain how to break down certain types of scenes. That was the best in film school. I would have liked a mentor, so I make sure to mentor other artists all the time through schools and associations.

  • What advice would you give to your younger self to get started in the industry? 

My career in Hollywood launched pretty quickly, and I was able to use my existing skills to advance fast. So I wouldn’t have any new career advice for my younger self. As an artist, I would tell my young punk-self to use references to draw from. We’re trained in art class not to ‘cheat’ when we draw. As a pro, I realize there is no such thing as cheating. There’s only getting the job done in any way we can, as fast as possible.

Michael Gable Marynell 

Michael Gable Marynell is a storyboard and 3D artist with a BFA in computer animation. Based in Atlanta, Marynell has been in the entertainment industry since 2011, working in TV, film, animation, and commercials. Michael’s credits include Raising Dion, Metamorphosis, Through the Glass Darkly, Dioscurio, and Sentinel.

  • Take us through your average day at work.

When I get a job or project, I set up a time to meet with the director. I have a special process that I go through with them. I meet with whomever I need to, usually the director, to put together a shot list if they do not have one already. The shot list is the backbone of everything I produce. I have to think about the story, so I write my own shot list closer to an editor’s shot list. I have to think about how the story will visually transition and be paced. The shots that I come up with must reflect what the director wants to show the audience through film language. My whole job is knowing film language. The director and I go through the sequences they want me to board out, and we discuss the visual storytelling. I will start drawing the shots’ thumbnails to show the director. I do this, so we are on the same visual page. This process can take quite some time and will be broken up into multiple meetings. The average time for this process is about eight straight hours (per sequence) of discussing shots and drawing thumbnails. If the film is heavy on the imagery and metaphysical side, then this process can be grueling but worth it. The rest of my day consists of staring at the shot list, importing thumbnails for reference, drawing out every shot on my Cintiq, and putting them together in a PDF. 

  • Growing up, have you always been into drawing?

My mother is an illustrator, so I’ve been around it my entire life. I can not think of any moment where I wasn’t drawing or in-between drawings. I had all of my mom’s art books and would copy everything I saw in there. I loved anatomy and figure drawing, so I would go through those books over and over again. My best friend’s mom was the head of the IT department, and she wanted me to paint a mural on the glass of the outside hall. That, technically, was my first art job. I wanted to try music as a career and went off to college for that. After two semesters and heavy influence from none other than my art professor, Ed, I decided to apply to Ringling College of Art and Design. I got into the same art school as my mom.

  • After finding out you wanted to do storyboarding, what path did you choose to get there?

In my second year at Ringling College, we started to get into concepts and stories. With that came storyboarding, and I couldn’t have been more delighted. I had gotten into the computer animation department of Ringling College of Art and Design. They taught us 2D traditional animation first, and I loved the hand-drawn animation style. I was so happy when I was introduced to storyboarding because I knew I wanted to do live-action storyboarding for a living in that first project. After watching the first season of The Walking Dead, I moved to Atlanta. Atlanta is a city I have always known and loved, and I was born there. The industry is about to blow up, and it’s smaller and cheaper than LA. I got up here, and I networked my butt off for almost two years before my first movie with Andre Freitas of AFX Studios in Atlanta. 

  • What is one of your favorite projects you worked on as a storyboard artist?

Through the Glass Darkly was a special project of mine. So much of my soul went into every scene, and I gained some real friends from it. Raising Dion on Netflix was truly an amazing experience with such amazing people. Finally, I have to go with working with T-Pain. He’s a pleasure to work with and a genuinely good guy with incredible talent. 

  • What advice would you give to others interested in this business? 

Networking. You are the only person helping yourself in this industry. Get online, and find Facebook groups for the film industry. Attend awards shows, film festivals, and anything to get your name out there. Practice your skills, go to figure drawing classes, buy anatomy books, and draw from life. Start breaking down your favorite scenes from movies and deconstructing them. You have to do the homework. During the decade it took me to become a full-time storyboard artist, I kept telling myself that time and effort lead to success. Now, it’s words I live by and tell other people. 

Karyn Rollins

Karyn Rollins was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She started her career as a character animator and television storyboard artist. Rollins works across multiple industries as a senior multimedia specialist and content developer. She won two 2017 ADDY AWARDS Gold for an Internet Commercial for the About Optym video and Branded Content & Entertainment Non-Broadcast for the Optym Onboarding Videos. Karyn’s credits include Cartoon Network, IFC, and HULU.

  • Take us through your average day at work. 

My typical morning consists of touching base with my team to review any outstanding items on our current agenda, find out where we are in the pipeline, what bottlenecks there are, and coordinate solutions accordingly. Suppose a project is in its initial stages. In that case, I’m putting together reference materials, developing concepts, designing style frames, and putting together mockups to present to clients before they commit to production. For an ongoing project, I’m creating assets, animating, and building out environments. I’m prepping for delivery and distribution to various channels for projects that are wrapping up. Each day is different, and you don’t always know what to expect, but time management is key. 

  • What do you love most about your role?  

I love solving complex problems and being confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges. As weird as it sounds, creativity is often what happens when you have no other choice. Project constraints can be stifling at times, but I feel like all my best ideas are born when I’m being told what I can’t or shouldn’t do. Nothing like a career-ending setback to really get the creative juices flowing. 

  • What are a few projects of yours that you are most proud of? 

My most recent project Lightspace is an immersive animated short film targeting virtual reality headsets. VR is a space I’ve been interested in for quite some time now, so I’m excited to be contributing to a growing medium and platform that has yet to be defined fully. I mention this because it has been my life for the past year and is set to be released soon (June) through online distribution. 

Outside of that, I will be launching a platform focused on exploring the cinematic potential of extended reality. Animation falls under the umbrella of film, and that’s always been a passion of mine, so with all the excitement for Web3 and the Metaverse, there’s an opportunity to really push the medium forward. 

  • What was your educational and career journey into your current role? 

I was always into art and loved drawing, so when it came time for college, I decided to pursue a degree in animation, where I studied for about three years before accepting a paid internship with a studio in Atlanta. After getting some professional experience on my resume, I was hired by a production studio out in Midtown. I spent about four years working as a character animator and storyboard artist on television shows and commercials for IFC, HULU, and Cartoon Network. After four years of working in the animation industry, I transitioned to motion graphics design and started working my way through architecture, technology, and advertising. I had studied motion graphics design in school but was hesitant to stray from animation until I’d actually gotten a taste of the industry. Motion graphics made more use of my multimedia skills outside of animating and pushed me as an artist. I met people from all walks of life, worked on projects way out-of-my depth, and was given the opportunity to learn about industries I’d never considered. This led to my rebrand as a multimedia specialist. At my core, I’m still an animator, but my skill set has evolved beyond the flipbooks and doodles I started with. No matter where I go, I’m an artist, so establishing a solid foundation has given me the flexibility to thrive.

  • What advice would you give to your younger self to get started in the industry? 

Commercial art is a business; there’s a creative side and a corporate side. The creative side may primarily be driven by passion and innovation, but it is not controlled. There’s so much behind the scenes, discussions, and decisions made before you walk through the door every morning. So, don’t take every setback so personally. It’s not a reflection of you as a person, your talent, or your prospects. That’s just how the machine functions. Life is a journey, and every place you get is just a stop along the way to your destination. Don’t get held up at the pitstop.

Kevin Mellon 

Kevin Mellon is an artist and musician from Kansas City, Missouri. He currently lives in Atlanta and is an art director for HULU and Marvel. Kevin’s credits include Archer, Dicktown, The Vampire Diaries (seasons 6-8), Black Lightning, Legacies, and Dynasty.

  • What are a few projects of yours that you are most proud of? 

I’d have to say Archer since it was the first show I worked on, the reason I moved to Atlanta, and why I’m a storyboard artist in Tv. I’d also have to say The Vampire Diaries and Black Lightning. I was a fan of The Vampire Diaries before getting the chance to work on it. I was given many opportunities based on my experiences with the crew that led directly to working on season 1 of Black Lightning. It was a great experience working with such experienced directors on a show with a unique voice.

Comic book-related, I’d have to say my book Suicide Sisters, which I wrote and drew. Next would be a tie between Gearhead (co-created with Dennis Hopeless) and Heart (co-created with Blair Butler). Both are emotional and creative landmarks that have helped get me where I am today. 

  • What was your educational and career journey into your current role?

I started drawing comics as a kid, and by the time I graduated high school, I had drawn hundreds of pages and worked on my craft. I went to college at The Kubert School in New Jersey. It’s dedicated to fostering and developing comic book artists. Before storyboarding, my career was creating and drawing comic books. I had no intention of working in television, but social media allowed me to apply to work on Archer. I storyboarded on Archer for seasons 3-10, which allowed me to grow as an artist and become the storyboard director in the company. I moved on to work as a storyboard supervisor and artist on America: The Motion Picture (Netflix), Dicktown (Hulu), and as the art director on Marvel’s Hit-Monkey (Hulu). I am currently working on season 13 of Archer while we wait to hear whether Hit-Monkey gets another season. 

  • Did you have any mentors who helped you throughout your career? 

I’ve been fortunate to have a few key people guide me along the way. Phil Hester and Steve Lightle were instrumental in encouraging me as a comic book artist at a very young age. Many years later, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with Phil on my second comic book series, Thirteen Steps. My teachers at the Kubert School were guideposts along the way, including the school’s founder, Joe Kubert. Neal Holman and Chad Hurd, my directors on Archer, were huge forces in guiding me to where I am today as an artist and director, aside from being great friends and sources of inspiration.

  • What advice would you give to others interested in this business? 

Do the work. Even when you don’t have work, do the work. Much of the business and industry relies on people who are self-starters and self-motivated, especially if you are interested in being a story artist or director. Learn everything you can from everyone you encounter and work to know and form your own voice. Drawing well is merely a function of working to tell stories clearly. Don’t just learn anatomy and perspective like the back of your hand, but learn how to self-edit and be self-motivated. Learn to listen before speaking and allow space and room for others to speak and be genuinely heard. Oh, and be kind.

Brian McGee

Brian McGee was born in Mineola, New York. He is represented by Audrey Beharie-McGee for BRE Productions International, Inc., an Atlanta-based company specializing in film pre-production, digital illustration, concept art, storyboarding, and event management. Brian’s credits include Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, MTV, Adult Swim, HBO, AMC, Fox, Marvel, NBC, Warner Bros, and more.

  • What do you love most about your career?

What I love most about my career is being an essential part of a film or television production. Knowing that my efforts in creating visual narrative are needed and appreciated is what drives me.

  • What key skills should people work on to do your role one day?

I’ve loved drawing since childhood, so turning my passion into a career has been a great joy in my life. To be an effective storyboard artist, one should be efficient in drawing believable scenery. This includes drawing the human figure interacting with its environment or other human figures. Perspective drawing is crucial. One of the responsibilities of a storyboard artist is to communicate where the camera needs to be in any given scene. This can only be achieved with the understanding of drawing varying angles. 

  • What was your educational and career journey into your current role?

While I was still in grade school, drawing was just something that I did. Still, I eventually attended the high school of art and design, where I studied color theory, perspective drawing, and editorial illustration. These are all skills that I still call upon today. I also went to the school of visual arts for about a year and studied illustration and photography. After a few years of working as a toy designer, I was selected for an apprentice program at the Walt Disney company, which served as a continuing education for me. 

  • Can you tell me a few Georgia-based projects you’re currently working on?

I just wrapped up Creed 3. It’s Michael B Jordan’s baby. I was able to help him visualize the script facilitating his transition into a first-time directorial role for him. Also, I worked on a comedy a few years ago called They Cloned Tyrone with Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, and Teyonah Parris. It’s due to air on Netflix soon.

  • What project of yours are you most proud of? 

One of the most prized experiences I am most proud of was the time I spent in Miami Beach working on my second film ever, 2 Fast 2 Furious. I highly value that experience because the late director, John Singleton, took me under his wing and was instrumental in ushering me into my present career. He had faith in my abilities and took many chances on me. I was fortunate to have met and worked closely with him; may he rest.

Travis O. Williamson: Taking the Industry by Storm One Role at a Time

Rising actor Travis O. Williamson is making a name for himself in the film and entertainment industry. Originally from the small town of Covington, Tennessee, Williamson moved to the largest production hub, Atlanta, Georgia, four years ago. Since then, Travis has been surrounded by creativity and all the diverse opportunities Atlanta offers. 

Travis learned he wanted to pursue a career in acting at a young age. His mother was a talented and notable actress in Tennessee during the 1980s. As a role model and mentor, it was natural to want to follow in her footsteps. 

“I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in acting. Sadly, my mother passed away in 1993 and never had the opportunity to fully live out her dream,” says Williamson. “This further fuels my drive and commitment to my craft. I know that she is watching over me and helping guide my steps.”

Travis’ career journey did not start until he was 30. One of his friends introduced him to an international model who helped him enter the industry, and the rest was history. Not entirely sure where to start, he began doing fashion shows and print work for City Gear. 

“All my life, I’ve been told I have a captivating smile and that I should be a model. I heard the words but didn’t understand how to embark upon a career or put it into action,” he says. “The very first movie I had the pleasure of acting in was an Indie film produced in Memphis, Tennessee, called Donald. I went on to do local work in the web series This Can’t Be Life and the stage play Mind Games. At this point, I was fully invested in my journey and mindset as an actor. Understanding the need to develop my career, I sought out a talent agency, Slamm Management, located in Atlanta.”

As Travis built his acting career, he was still living in Memphis at the time. He made at least four trips a month to Atlanta just for auditions. Time passed, and Williamson soon concluded that he had to make a significant change in his life. Travis spoke with his family about the possibility of moving to Atlanta to kickstart his career. 

“I took a leap of faith, and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to audition for a lot of great projects. I haven’t booked as many projects as I would have liked, but the move has allowed me to continue to work at what I love,” Travis explained. “I’m proud of all the projects I’ve had the honor to be a part of. Being an extra on projects like Quarry, Saints and Sinners, and commercials to watching actors in their elements, and learning from them has inspired and given me the confidence needed to keep pursuing the craft. The project I’m most proud of is Novel Love which is my first speaking role. I am currently working on Bright-Eyed-Novice: BEN, and I play the leading actor, Chase Dewan. It’s a mini Tv series set to debut later this year. I also have a role as a music executive in “If Pain Was a Person,” starring American rapper Moneybagg Yo.”

There’s nothing more satisfying than being a part of something bigger and sharing it with others. Travis is proud to star in the new TV movie Novel Love, where he plays the role of a chef. It is directed by Damian Romay and written by Bradley Fowler. Filmed in historic Savannah, Georgia, the romantic flick is set to release in September 2022 on Lifetime. 

“Filming Novel Love was amazing! Every day on set was a thrill,” says Travis. “To be able to work with amazing actors, outstanding writers, directors, and crew. It starts with being in front of the camera as an actor, then stepping behind the camera as a director. Behind the scenes, you have make-up artists, wardrobe, and set designers all playing crucial parts in the project’s overall success. Everyone is essential to bringing a project to life. I’m looking forward to seeing the reactions to a real love story. I feel like I’ve been through so much in life that I can bring true authenticity to a character or scene in most situations. The public hasn’t enjoyed a pure love story movie in a while, and I feel like this one will touch hearts.” 

The entertainment business can be difficult work for many actors. However, Travis looks to his family and friends for strength and motivation. Playing sports while growing up taught Williamson how to be a team player and work with others to achieve goals. With the help of several mentors along the way, Travis is fortunate to have his family, friends, directors, and actors support and encouragement. 

“My career has changed just by having more opportunities to audition for projects, doing background work by visiting different studios and meeting talented individuals. Being open to advice has helped me tremendously as an actor. My greatest strength is that I’m coachable. I know I don’t know everything and am always open to learning. My area of opportunity is that I get extremely nervous at times. Sometimes I get in my own way and can be extremely hard on myself,” says Travis. “I hope only to increase my knowledge as I continue to work with other actors, directors, and producers. With the outpour of even more projects and as I continue to grow, I feel the sky’s the limit for me here in Atlanta.”

Packing up and moving to a new city can be intimidating—the trials of adapting to a new environment and people. Travis has planted himself in Atlanta, Georgia, to establish himself and his acting career. In the future, Travis hopes to work alongside many talented individuals, Kevin Hart being one of them. As an up-and-coming actor, Williamson has the talent and passion for embarking on his acting journey and following in his mother’s footsteps. 

“In the next five years, I see myself working domestically and internationally in the lead acting roles on TV series, commercials, and blockbuster movies,” Travis said. 

Georgia’s film and entertainment industry are constantly changing and opening new doors for actors. Travis’ personable attitude sets him apart from many people in the community. Williamson’s positive outlook on the industry and his career inspires others like himself.

Chatejah George Became The Youngest Studio Owner At 23-Years-Old

Georgia native from Clayton County, Chatejah George, has always been interested in creating content. With over 192,000 followers on her YouTube channel and 4.6 million followers on Tik Tok, the 24-year-old is expanding her audience on all platforms. Like many aspiring young adults, she is a kid with a dream. Getting involved in the Film and Entertainment industry comes with challenges. Occasionally it can be easier for some more than others. Nevertheless, George is making a name for herself in the entertainment business. Whether it’s directing her new Tv show, Swipers, or making viral Tik Toks, the young creator is constantly turning heads.

Growing up, Chatejah’s mother would constantly advise her about being open to trying new things. As a child, we hear that a lot but never know how important it is. “Keep working and don’t give up,” George said. “My mom would always tell me to try new things, and I never understood why. It’s helpful because new opportunities come out of them when you try different things. I know that sounds cliche, but you may not know what you want to do in life. If you keep working and putting effort into things, you will eventually figure it out. That’s what steered me to the film industry. I tried so many different things and had no idea if I would like them. I would not even be in this position if I didn’t keep going. You must go outside of your comfort zone.”

Chatejah’s passion for creating content has helped grow and promote her brand and audience. The young business owner has been uploading YouTube videos for almost ten years, totaling over 7 million views on her profile. Her YouTube videos range from short films to web series. After all that hard work, George has come a long way by always putting herself out there. 

Being a driven woman, George decided to take things into her own hands. Rather than waiting for the right moment, she acted on it. At 23- years old, George opened C&C Movie Film Studio in August 2021. The 20,000 sq feet studio is located in Morrow, Georgia, just 20 minutes from Atlanta. It has been a year since Chatejah had the grand opening of her studio, and since then, it has grown tremendously. Filmmakers and artists alike have booked with C&C Studios, catapulting George’s career and name into the film and entertainment business. The studio now includes a salon, a classroom, an office, a hospital, a jail cell, and more. 

“I didn’t have anywhere to film, so I just decided to open my own movie film studio,” Chatejah said in a recent interview with CBS46 Atlanta. “There wasn’t anywhere for me to film, especially for independent filmmakers. If there is somewhere to film it’s very expensive. I wanted something affordable.” 

Being a studio owner at 24 years old, Chatejah can offer creatives an affordable and high-quality space to book. Her struggle to find accessible studio spaces further motivated her to build her own. “Everyone knows me as a studio owner, but I opened it to create my own content. I want to share many ideas and messages with the world,” George stated.

Almost everyone can relate to challenges they have had to face while working. Whether it’s feeling uninspired or unmotivated with their work, all artists have gone through shared experiences. However, overcoming these obstacles and coming out on the other side is what inspires others. George often gets her inspiration from hearing people’s stories and how they got over them and persevered through. 

“I really love Tyler Perry’s story, he was homeless, which has motivated me a lot. Many people’s stories inspire me because it makes me want to make movies about them. I like hearing people’s backstories because everyone’s struggles are different,” George said.

We all have had unique experiences and troubles we’ve had to deal with. Most creatives draw inspiration from the people or environment around them. American actor Tyler Perry found his motivation to pursue a writing career from an episode on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The artists in the film community inspire generations of filmmakers like Chatejah. 

The film and entertainment industry can be difficult for women, especially when the business is highly male-dominated in many aspects. For some women, this industry can be discouraging for various reasons. Women are told they have to work twice as hard to get a seat at the table. These situations can be tough but the future of filmmakers is evolving each year. This treatment of women does not slow Chatejah down from doing what she loves. Her discipline and passion for creating drive her to work harder and smarter. She shared her frustrations as a studio owner and a Black woman. “One of the challenges is being surrounded by many men in this industry. This is a male-dominated industry, especially working at the studio; most of the clients that come in are men,” She stated. “They don’t always respect women, and I feel as if I was a man, they would respect me and follow the studio rules. Sometimes, it can be hard to follow the rules and listen, but not everybody is like that.”

C&C Movie Film Studios is on the rise around the Atlanta community. Chatejah is taking the initiative in her career and becoming more popular as time passes. The young creator has received acclaim from celebrities like American rapper and record executive Rick Ross to American filmmaker Ava DuVernay. DuVernay, known for Selma and 13th, replied to George on Twitter, “The next time I’m in Atlanta, I’m coming to see your studio and tour all your sets and your prop house. I’ll enjoy taking in your vision. Congrats. And keep shinin’,” DuVernay said. 

In June 2021, Rick Ross flew to Atlanta to meet Chatejah and tour the newly opened C&C studios. The new studio owner later posted on Instagram, “I just gave Rick Ross a tour at my Studios! He flew into town just to come to C&C Movie Film Studio. This is such a blessing!! This is amazing! You made my day. It was a pleasure hearing inspirational words and giving you a tour. We are going to produce a movie together. Casting calls are coming Soon,” Chatejah wrote. 

“After Rick Ross visited C&C Studios, many people rented out the studio after that. As far as Ava DuVernay, I’ve gotten messages from many filmmakers,” George said. “There are a lot of people on Twitter that follow me as well, from showrunners to producers. Ava helped my name get out there on the film side, and Rick Ross helped my name get out there on the music side. I’ve heard my name circulating in Hollywood as well.”

Since opening C&C Movie Film Studios, Chatejah has had a successful first year full of new experiences. The young businesswoman had the grand opening of C&C Studios with the support of Clayton County and many others. George has been featured in several articles, including Complex and Yahoo. She was able to upgrade to a bigger studio from 3,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft. In early March, Chatejah was given the entrepreneur HER award for being the youngest female movie film studio owner during the Glitz & Girlpower (G&G) awards. 

C&C Movie Film Studios also hosts panels for industry professionals to network with others. The “Industry Talk” event will allow individuals to get involved in the industry. The event panel will be a workshop for artists interested in getting into the music industry as directors, producers, filmmakers, and more. The most recent accomplishment for the studio is they’re now offering new luxury cars and mansions in Atlanta available for booking.

This is only the beginning of what Chatejah has in store for the future. The studio owner is grateful for all the support C&C Movie Film Studios has received so far. Chatejah’s studio continues to exceed expectations while her sophistication in the entertainment business impresses crowds worldwide. 

“In the next five years, I see myself having a big network offering me a movie deal. I want to use this year to show off why I opened C&C Movie Film Studios,” Chatejah stated. “I see myself producing films, getting them out there, and impacting the world. In films, I notice there is a lot of stuff lacking, especially from our Black community. I even want to branch out to different genres as well. I am working on it every single day.”

The independent filmmaker is becoming more versatile in her work. Branching out will allow George to become a more proficient artist. George’s dedication will continue to inspire other young filmmakers like herself. Black filmmakers are making a considerable impact on the Black community, especially the younger generations. Her story will be uplifting and encouraging to adults around the world. George’s successful career represents what the younger generation is capable of if they put their minds to it. 

“I just hope to inspire young Black kids and college students who want to be in the film business because it’s really hard, even for actors,” George said in an interview with Complex. “I see many actors get discouraged because there’s so much competition out there, and it’s very tough to get into film.” 

Owning a studio at 24 is already a notable achievement, and George is not slowing down anytime soon. Things are just getting started for Chatejah, and the film and entertainment community are excited to see what she does next. She is currently working on her web series, Swipers. The hit series is written, produced, and directed by George. The engaging new show features the story of a group of friends who learned the concept of scamming but got caught up and are now facing serious charges. From creating sets for celebrities to going viral online, George continues to go above and beyond. 

ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE  

Enjoy a drink in these weird and whimsical themed bars

Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge – Atlanta, Georgia 

There are only a few cocktail lounges in Atlanta that can perfeclty replicate the era of disco and glam. Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge delivers a glamorous, romantic atmosphere with a side of glitzy cocktails. This 70s-themed hidden gem can be found tucked away in Colony Square. Jojo’s offers its guests a boogie-filled oasis with an all-vinyl soundtrack from artists ranging from Prince, Funkadelic, and David Bowie.  

Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium Atlanta, Georgia 

Known informally as “Church,” Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium is a Southern church-themed art gallery and bar. Don’t be fooled; the inside is filled with everything eccentric and quirky. Owner Grant Henry opened Church in 2010, and it’s located between ​​Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and The Martin Luther King Center. Church is a staple bar in the Downtown Atlanta community. 

Unicorn and Narwhal – Seattle, Washington 

Open since 2010, Unicorn and Narwhal are two carnival-themed bars located in Seattle, Washington. Both bars are home to Sunday drag brunch with a mimosa cabernet cast, nostalgic carnival food, and whimsical cocktails. Step right up to experience a unique and magical atmosphere filled with unicorn helmets, corn dogs, and funnel cake. Unicorn and Narwhal will bring back those childhood memories with a local Seattle twist. 

The Coffin Club – Portland, Oregon 

Come one, come all. If Horror flicks taught people anything, it would be to run from all things that go bump in the night. Horror-themed nightclub, The Cotton Club pays homage to its roots in classic horror and a Tim Burton type of dark humor. The goth nightclub is located in Portland, Oregon, and has been voted one of the top 10 theme bars in the world. 

Beetle House- New York, NY

Established in April 2016 by Zach Neil, Beetle House is notorious for celebrating Halloween year-round. Located in New York City, Beetle House is like an adult Halloween party that offers a safe space for goths, weirdos, punks, and artists to be celebrated. The atmosphere is heavily inspired by horror culture, magic, and cinematic and artistic works of people like Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, and Bram Stoker. 

Film Impact Georgia Announces First In-Person “Summer Screening” Event

The non-profit organization Film Impact Georgia (FIG), which offers aid, education, and funding for independent filmmakers in the state, releases the first annual “Summer Screening.” The event is their first in-person gathering since the Covid pandemic began. The event will be Covid-safe and follow all current safety protocols by the CDC. The screening will be on August 8th, 2021 at 7 PM at the RoleCall Theater in Ponce City Market. Previously FIG film grant winners will be featured, and a curated selection of shorts made in Georgia. Guests will have the opportunity of industry networking, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase. 

“This new event will showcase our previous short film grant winners and give our audience a chance to learn about what FIG has in store for the future,” said Summer Screening organizer and FIG Board Member Raymond Carr. 

The Summer Screening will also be an opportunity for FIG to reconnect with the community about their goal to boost the independent scene in Georgia. Not only will past grant winners’ films be showcased, but many of the filmmakers will also be attending to discuss their personal experiences, including Lev Omelchenko, winner of the Spring 2020 grant. 

“’ A Song for Echo’ is about a mother’s relationship to her pregnancy, as she deals with fear and hopes around bringing a black baby boy into the world in 2020,” Omelchenko said. “The financial support we received from the Film Impact Georgia allowed us to build a team of professionals that collectively expanded the creative horizon of the film.”

“We are excited for our first in-person event to be an opportunity to showcase the amazing work of our grant finalists,” FIG Creative Director Molly Coffee said. “We are also excited for our partnership with RoleCall for the event. This really feels like we are turning a corner for our community.” 

For more details about the Summer Screening, visit filmimpactgeorgia.org or the non-profit’s Facebook page.

Eclipse Creative, Inc. Uproots Sustainable Backyard Farming in Discovery+ series “Homegrown”

Eclipse Creative, Inc., an Atlanta-based team of passionate storytellers, is proud to announce the launch of “Homegrown” on Magnolia Network and Discovery+. Executive produced by Jennifer Mador and Showrunner Nicole Chiulli, the new series follows Atlanta-based farmer Jamila Norman. She helps families transform their ordinary, urban backyards into sustainable working farms. With the help of her background in environmental engineering, Jamila shares her knowledge on everything from raising city chickens and honeybees to composting and growing fresh fruits and vegetables. “Homegrown” transports viewers out of their homes as they watch families with a love for gardening find their green thumb. 

“Homegrown is the perfect combination of beautiful transformations, entertainment and comfort. It truly gives viewers a sense of connection; to the source of their food, nature and family,” said Jennifer Mador, show creator, executive producer and one of the founding partners of Eclipse Creative, Inc. “In what’s been an extreme time of uncertainty, we are proud to create something empowering that encourages viewers to try something new and rewarding. We look forward to the series launch and can’t wait to see what this will inspire.”

Each episode focuses on creative solutions for reconstructing unique landscapes into beautiful, lush gardens. Viewers will master how to create sustainable gardens and understand the benefits of this lifestyle, including healthier options and fewer trips to the grocery store. The takeaway from each episode of Homegrown will be centered around virtues learned through backyard farming, such as patience, balance, and rejuvenation. 

Watch Homegrown season 1 and Eclipse Creative’s work on the Magnolia Network on Discovery+. Audiences can find the show trailer here. 

IMPORTANT AREAS, BUILDINGS, AND LOCATIONS

When you ask someone about a particular area, building, or location that is important to them, their mind might go blank. This happens for more people than you would think; however, it is the complete opposite for students here at Georgia State. Georgia State is in the heart of one of the most diverse cities in the country comes with many perks for the students here. Going to school in Atlanta allows many students to taste a variety of cultures.

Marlow M., a senior at Georgia State, has been living downtown since her first year of college. When asked the question, she had too many places to choose from.

“My first choice was Little Five Points, but I think Buford Highway is my top choice,” she said. “I love that area because you can find just about anything there, plus it’s so diverse.”

Little Five Points and Buford Highway are two popular areas located around ten to twenty minutes from the Georgia State Atlanta campus. These two locations are filled with many things to do with friends or even alone. Little Five Points is known for its unique thrift stores, vintage music shops, and amazing restaurants. Buford Highway, or “The Dekalb International Corridor,” is known for spanning through multiple counties such as Fulton, Dekalb, and Gwinnett.

Buford Highway is best known for its ethnic diversity. The list of things to do on Buford Highway is endless. The Buford Highway Farmers Market is a popular location to find good ethnic and global foods. Other popular hangouts include karaoke bars, Plaza Fiesta, and Lips Atlanta.

Ethnic foods from all over the globe can be found in many locations in Atlanta. People would be surprised just how much ethnic food and art the city has to offer. All these places are at our fingertips. Just a swipe on Apple or Android maps can take you to places you’ve never heard of.

Esther P., an exercise science major at Georgia State, is more than familiar with places like these. One of her favorite things to do downtown after classes are to get a good bite to eat before heading home. Although she commutes to campus, you will always find her at a different restaurant trying new foods.

“I think the Auburn Avenue area in downtown Atlanta is really important because it has a lot of character, and places where people can hang out,” Esther said. “There’s a street market right on the Avenue where it has a bunch of different cultural foods. There’s Vietnamese, Caribbean, Mexican, Greek, American, and so much more. Not only that but it’s a great place for some fresh produce. So, it’s a great inexpensive place to pick up fresh vegetables, fruit, and even meat.”

The street market on Auburn Avenue is referred to as the “Curb Market” by residents and is recognized for its local businesses. They serve a variety of foods including produce, butchers, seafood, and a full-service bakery.

When you ask people about important areas in a community, the first thing that comes to mind usually revolves around areas that serve food. However, that’s not always the case for all people. Many casual places that people would not consider could be important to one community or another.

Rebecca A., a Sophomore at Georgia State, has a different perspective of what makes an area important. An important location or area in Atlanta can mean different things to different students. Places could have special meaning to some students for many reasons. They could have good memories associated with that area or it just makes them happy.

“I think just Georgia State University, in general, is important to the community,” she says. “It’s an open campus downtown which makes it so diverse.”

Atlanta is home to many places that allow people to try new things whenever they please. These places introduce new culture and art to the people of Atlanta. Tight on money? Try visiting the inexpensive Curb Market on Auburn Avenue. Feel like splurging? Try one of the fancy restaurants you’ve been dying to go to. Whether it’s farmer’s markets, museums, or coffee shops, the places you can go to experience new things here are endless.