The Atlanta History Center was the perfect spot for Wednesday’s “Atlanta Goes Hollywood” fundraiser. The elegant Swan House on the campus was prominently featured in the second and third movies in the “Hunger Games” franchise, and we’re told you should also look for it in the finale, “Mockingjay — Part 2,” this November.
Chaired by Patti Dickey and presented by PNC Wealth Management, the event was hosted by the Atlanta History Center's Members Guild. Cecilia Wright is president of the guild, which holds events to support the Atlanta History Center, and board members are Lisa Fuller, Wendy Foulke, Jennifer Hollingsworth, Shannon Price, Martha Randolph, Kim Scholes, Kathy Spetz and Karen Spiegel.
The event opened with a welcome from Dickey and Atlanta History Center President and CEO Sheffield Hale and featured a fascinating panel discussion with actors Daniel Thomas May, Ric Reitz and Lori Beth Sikes, with actor-attorney Darryl Cohen moderating.
“There’s something magical that’s happening in the state,” said Reitz, whose long list of credits includes roles on locally filmed television shows “In the Heat of the Night,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “The Vampire Diaries, “Drop Dead Diva” and “Devious Maids” and movies “Last Vegas” and “Flight.”
He also serves as president of the Georgia SAG-AFTRA union and therefore keeps a close eye on the state’s filming tax credit legislation.
“We’re starting to get infrastructure,” he said, noting new studio facilities like Pinewood Studios in Fayette County, where “Ant-Man” filmed last fall and where the next movie in the “Captain America” franchise will film next. “We are very confident we will be competitive long into the future.”
Sikes is known for her recurring role on the locally filmed show “Resurrection” and has had roles in locally filmed movies including “Anchorman 2,” “Identity Thief” and “Get Low.”
“It’s been a constant, wonderful challenge,” she said. “I’m never bored.”
May has worked on locally shot television shows including "Powers" and "Being Mary Jane" and is best known for his work portraying Allen on the hit series "The Walking Dead." (RIP, Allen. Dern zombies).
“It’s my belief that the next level in really making Atlanta the Hollywood of the South is that we get in the export business, that we start originating production here in Atlanta,” he said. “We have the resources and we have the people to do it. Right now, we are excellent hosts and we are providing the best place to make movies and television in the world. The next step is that we’re going to start creating things right here and selling it to other people.”
