Gateway85 CID Executive Director and Board Member Named to the Top 200 Most Influential of Georgia's Creative Industries

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, August 16th, 2024

Georgia Entertainment, the leading source of news and information for the film, broadcast, music, esports, arts, gaming and other areas of digital entertainment, has released the names of the 200 Most Influential of Georgia’s Creative Industries. The individuals are highlighted in the second edition of the bi-annual printed publication – Georgia Entertainment: The Creative Economy Journal and include Gateway85 CID executive director, Emory Morsberger, and board member Mike Reams with OFS.

Emory Morsberger's recognition highlights his contributions to the creative economy as executive director of a community improvement district that is home to some of the largest TV and film studios in the state, including OFS Studios and Eagle Rock Studios. He has helped to establish Gateway85 and Gwinnett County as an internationally appealing hub for creativity.

As director of studio operations at OFS, Mike Reams plays a key role in driving economic investment by the creative industries in the district as he facilitates major television and movie productions at the OFS facility, including MCU films like The Black Panther and Wakanda Forever. The OFS facility includes both a fiber-optic manufacturing facility and a 160-acre movie studio campus that has been the home of more than 40 productions in the past several years.

The list featured additional key figures in Gwinnett, including Gateway85 CID member Michael Clark, general manager of Eagle Rock Studios who was recognized for managing the 465,000-square-foot studio used for TV and film projects like Ozark, Will Trent and The Tulsa King, and Lisa Anders, executive director of Explore Gwinnett Tourism + Film, who oversees the creation, development and expansion of Gwinnett’s Film Commission.

According to Georgia Entertainment, the selection process is meticulous and involves nominations, extensive research, reference checks and insightful interviews with key figures.

“We felt the time had come to recognize the leading players in Georgia’s dynamic entertainment economy,” said Randy Davidson, CEO & Founder - Georgia Entertainment. “These professionals, spanning all areas of Georgia’s creative industries, are collectively responsible for the state’s leading position as the creative, cultural and entertainment capital of the world.”

In addition, the publication acknowledges and highlights Legends, Advocates and State Officials who significantly influence economic activity in the creative sector of Georgia’s economy.

“Compiling this list from across the creative industries was an extraordinary opportunity to uncover new connections among the featured individuals,” said Jezlan Moyet, President - Georgia Entertainment. “We have already facilitated introductions between some of those profiled. The synergy within Georgia’s creative economy is undeniable.”

The 132-page publication is targeted to creatives, entertainment executives, local government and tourism officials, elected legislators and others influencing economic activity in Georgia. The publication is sent to more than 4,000 individuals and additional copies are distributed at Georgia Entertainment’s events and activations around the world.