The new DeKalb Entertainment Commission officially launched on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, with an event including hundreds of Georgia entertainment industry leaders and influencers. A division of Decide DeKalb, the Development Authority for DeKalb County, the Commission is charged with stimulating economic growth across the country in film, television, music and digital entertainment.
 
At last night’s launch event, leaders from across Georgia’s entertainment industries came together to celebrate and learn about DeKalb’s new initiative. The Commission’s kick off continues later this month (Oct. 21) with an inaugural Entertainment Expo, which will offer panels, networking and other resources for DeKalb businesses and residents.
 
“The new DeKalb Entertainment Commission will be about making connections, building collaboration and creating amazing content,” said DeKalb Entertainment Commission Chair Andrew Greenberg. “It will be the economic engine that drives growth for our county across the entertainment industry, encouraging companies to locate here while creating jobs and spurring construction, development and overall industry growth.”
 
Greenberg noted, “The Commission will be an important resource for DeKalb County as the entertainment industry continues to grow across Georgia. It has already had an enormous economic impact statewide, with $9.5 billion in film and television, $3.7 billion in music and almost $2 billion in digital entertainment.”
 
OCTOBER 21 | INAUGURAL ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

On Saturday, October 21 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., the Commission will host  the Inaugural Entertainment Expo, with resources and information for DeKalb companies and professionals seeking to build their presence in the entertainment industry. Dozens of panelists, mentors and vendors will be on-hand to provide support and expertise.

Panel discussions with industry professionals in TV/Film, Music, Digital Entertainment and Gaming.

Mentor Meet-Ups

Vendor Booths

When: 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center
495 N. Indian Creek Road, Clarkston, GA 30021

Cost: $25, DeKalbEntertainExpo.eventbrite.com
 
NEW TOOLS, RESOURCES, ECONOMIC IMPACT

A new website — DeKalbEntertainment.com — providing resources across all three entertainment industry sectors (Film/TV, Music, Digital Entertainment)

A new online portal — accessible through the new website — will allow productions to identify, see and select locations, streamline permitting and approvals, and see county maps

The county will offer a regular series of events to educate and support local business

An ongoing marketing effort will showcase DeKalb to statewide, regional and national audiences

“The Commission’s commitment to generating economic impact in DeKalb has already been demonstrated,” said Shelbia Jackson, Entertainment Liaison for the DeKalb Entertainment Commission.

“We’ve contracted with several DeKalb-based companies to design our new logo, build the new website, plan the launch and Expo events, create signage, and provide marketing and public relations services.”