Businessman Dan T. Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A will receive the 2017 Film Critic Advocate Award from the African American Film Critics Association .
The award is given annually to a corporations or an individual who promotes the growth and well-being of the cinematic arts. Cathy was recognized for the work that he and his family nonprofit, WinShape Foundation , have played in the rise and nurturing of Georgia's burgeoning film and TV production community.
Cathy played a pivotal role in attracting and establishing Pinewood Atlanta Studios in 2013, an important entity within the global film business, Pinewood has been essential in expanding Atlanta's film imprint internationally. And that has come largely through the Pinewood partnership with Disney that has resulted in several Marvel properties filming in the Atlanta area.
“We’re experiencing incredible growth in Georgia’s film and entertainment industry,” Cathy said in a release. ” It’s an opportunity to share creative stories to global audiences,” he says. “Pinewood Atlanta Studios is the largest studio complex in the United States outside of Hollywood.”
Gil Robertson, AAFCA co-founder/president, said films like “Black Panther” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” are prime examples of work being shot in Georgia.
“These films have not only brought much-needed jobs to the area but have also served as an industry-wide blueprint on how diversity in front of and behind the camera benefits us all,” he said.
Cathy will be honored Tuesday at the Swan Coach House at the Atlanta History Center .
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Dan Cathy unveils development plans at Pinewood Studios
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