Columbus State University’s “drive-in” commencement ceremony wasn’t the university’s only first in its history. The Dec. 12 ceremony also celebrated its first two graduates of its new Film Production nexus degree program, which was approved by the University System of Georgia in 2018.

The two-day Summit, presented by NBC Universal, was virtual, immersive experience for viewers to enjoy panel discussions, keynote speakers, one-on-one sessions, and networking opportunities covering presentations from some of the brightest minds in film, music, and gaming. 

With a mission to put Georgians to work in all aspects of the state’s multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry, all across the state, the Georgia Film Academy (GFA), in coordination with Georgia Tech-Savannah, recently announced plans to offer a course in Savannah that would introduce students to on-set film production.

Georgia’s legislative session began, with 36 freshman legislators and new leadership in several key committees. While the calendar seems to still be up in the air due to COVID, passing the budget and addressing voting rights are the main issues of focus.

No one could have predicted 2020… except for Hollywood. As everyone on earth noted earlier this year, Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion did a fine job of predicting how a Covidesque virus could wreak havoc with every aspect of our lives.

Just prior to adjourning for the year, the 116th U.S. Congress passed an omnibus government funding bill with a $900 billion COVID-19 emergency economic relief package attached that will provide some measure of support for IATSE members in the coming months.

The SAG-AFTRA National Board, meeting in a special session conducted via Zoom videoconference, passed resolutions aimed at correcting misrepresentations about SAG-AFTRA Health Plan changes and instituting a rule requiring members to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols.

FROM GPP: Mark your calendar as busy on January 15-16: They’re the official dates for the Georgia Production Summit 2021. We’re hosting our first ever virtual summit on the 15th & 16th and you’re invited! Early bird registration for GPS2021 is now open, so claim your spot now.

Business owners and entertainment professionals from Columbus and beyond attended the Focus Film Columbus GA virtual event on Wednesday, December 9th. The event, usually held live, connects entertainment professionals, artists and local businesses.

Two dozen music organizations sent a joint letter to President-elect Joe Biden to congratulate him and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on a historic election victory, and to urge the appointment of individuals to his team who understand the creative community and intellectual property issues.