Atlanta Independent Film industry Conference April 19th 2010

Atlanta, GA April 13, 2010 Press Release

At least five high-profile productions filmed in Georgia are slated to hit movie theaters in the next few months, including Why Did I Get Married (II), Get Low, Killers and Due Date. The Last Song, a Miley Cyrus vehicle, opened March 31. In addition, The Blind Side and The Crazies, both still in theaters, were filmed in Georgia and have grossed a combined total of more than $292 million at the box office. On the independent front known as Lantawood, at least 9 new movies are slated for release in 2010. Already produced are Reynolds War and The Wilderness staring Jazz Youngblood, Ken Smith, Aly Williams and Cody Bowens.

While it would be nice to get a grandiose distribution deal, or even the validation of seeing your movie somewhere in the local Blockbuster, the reality is -- this will probably not be a reality for many filmmakers.
However, if you’re ready to face the future of independent movie distribution, you’re in good shape. With the launching of the Lantawood DVD distribution model in May 2010, we now have clear indication that independent movie distribution for local actors and producers has arrived in a majorly portable way.

According to Namso Akpan, Executive Director, Lantawood Incorporated, “we have tested the Lantawood system over the last 3 years and now it is time to fully launch all its components to the benefit of the community. We are holding a conference to bring all actors, producers, investors and movie industry enthusiast together for the first Atlanta movie industry conference on Monday April 19th 2010.”

Several issues plague the independent producer; you finished your movie, now what?
You got into Sundance but didn't get a deal. What now?
You didn't get into Sundance and no one wants your movie. How can you turn this around? Everyone is talking about Internet and Digital Downloading options, but Morgan Spurlock said you might only get your phone bill paid this route. What is the truth here?
You want to make movies but you also want to live in here Atlanta. How do you attain this? “These are among the issues that will be resolved at the conference,” said Namso Akpan. “Investing in our local movie industry will offer writers the opportunity to turn their books into movies and also open up advertising and placement opportunities for local businesses. We are also introducing artiste to the opportunities in releasing their music as movie sound tracks.’

There is much talk among independent Producers and Directors that obtaining viable film distribution these days is nearly impossible. According to Producer and Distribution expert Jerome Courshon, the major problem is not the perceived lack of options for Filmmakers, but their lack of knowledge and insider information to achieve results. According to Namso, “one of the benefits of developing our own industry is the ability to provide movie distribution to local producers and real job opportunities to the community.”

The conference will be held from 7 pm till 10 pm, at Throwbacks Sports Bar, 4847 Old National Hwy College Park, Georgia 30337. In a statement by the event host Jenee Woodley, who also serves as the Community Affairs Coordinator for Lantawood Incorporated, “at the conference, producers will pitch movie ideas to sponsors, actors will be cast in movies, movie distribution deals will be sealed among other things” said Jenee. “Attend this conference to learn the fast changing trend within the Atlanta movie industry and also get assistance on your movie project.”
For more info on the developing movie industry in Atlanta, visit http://www.lantawood.org