Posted by | Ray Cornelius
It’s no secret that Atlanta is a hotbed for TV, film and entertainment. Just this week, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced that Georgia-lensed feature film and television productions generated an economic impact of more than $7 billion during fiscal year 2016. Georgia is also number three in the world for film production according to FilmLA.
Last night, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed along Christopher Hicks of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, gathered together to talk about that accomplishment and more as part of a new series titled CreATL. The immersive conversation features the industry’s top creatives, tastemakers and thought-leaders in film, entertainment, technology and culture that is created in Atlanta.
The series first featured guests included “Fast 8” stars Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Nathalie Emmanuel, who are currently shooting the newest installment throughout the city. The private event was held at The Gathering Spot in Midtown-Atlanta and was presented by MARTELL. Bridges and Emmanuel opened up to moderator, Simone Gray about their life on set and the many advantages they have to shooting “Fast 8” here in Atlanta. “I get to wear my pajamas and house shoes to work,” said Ludacris to the most packed auditorium.
A number of celebrities were in attendance for the lively discussion including “Rickey Smiley for Real” star Gary With Tha Tea, “L.A. Hair” diva Gocha Hawkins, music executive Brian Michael Cox, celebrity hairstylist and television actor Miss Lawrence, “Saints & Sinners” actress Jasmine Burke, “Married to Medicine” stars Dr. Heavenly Kimes and Dr. Jackie Walters and many more.
Check out all of the red carpet photos and stay tuned…
Interscope Records’ Keinon Johnson
Actor Jamal Woolard with the MARTELL reps
Brian Michael Cox
Judge Terrinee L. Gundy
Filmmaker Bobby Huntley and guest
Gocha Hawkins
Dr. Heavenly Kimes
Former “Big Rich Atlanta” stars Sharlinda Parker and Brie Rowe
Jasmine Burke
Actor Mike Merrill
Dr. Jackie Walters
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Nathalie Emmanuel
WEtv’s Cutting It in the ATL star Mushiya Tshikuka
Miss Lawrence
Christopher Hicks from the Mayors Office of Film and Entertainment
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Nathalie Emmanuel
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com
