Southern Hospitality
The third time is charming

By Martin Kelley
Editor-In-Chief

So they say the first time is blind luck, the second time is a coincidence, and now we've got a third time...a trend? Okay, let's call it a trend, but I'm very excited about this third issue of CinemATL. Celebrating the 3rd issue we've multiplied our cover story by three. Three exciting women working in the industry in Atlanta take time out for a conversation with us about how they see Atlanta and the business in general. It was a great discussion.

Sundance on display. (photo: Dan Slemons)

Several members of our staff made the trek to Park City for the Sundance and Slamdance film festivals this year. Coincidentally, for a few of us, it was our 3rd time visiting the festivals. We blogged while we were there in case you missed it. The blog is the bomb, y'all. Recognize.

So this issue features several stories about Georgia-related happenings at the festivals. We've got stories and reviews of Somebodies, The Other Side and Off the Black as well as pictures of everything happening—well, everything we were privy to—in Park City.

Going to Sundance is invigorating. I recommend all film fans and especially filmmakers attend at least once. It certainly recharges your batteries when you're an aspiring filmmaker. You are reminded of the possibilities that are in front of you with the right breaks and hard work. This year, more than ever, as we saw so many filmmakers and actors from our neck of the woods make a dent in Park City , it gave me a tremendous sense of hope for the people of our film community.

Of course, you don't need Park City to make a career. You could in fact finance a slate of King Kongs with the grosses of films that were rejected from the festivals. However, it's a terrific goal to have in mind when you're creating your next short or feature film. One of these days I fully expect to be in the audience or maybe even called onstage at Eccles as part of a terrific project that makes it into the Camelot of American film festivals.

Can't get enough films? Go to Park City in January. (photo: Michael D Friedman)

Of course, the beat went on here in the Southeast as some of us escaped to the West for a few cold days. Back home, we found our way onto a set or two and were able to check out one of the ATL's fine film festivals, The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. We also were able to cover the star-studded Trumpet Awards as part of our day-for-night photo galleries.

An issue wouldn't be complete without an insider's peek—and another professional's insight—into the nuts and bolts of making movies. This issue we spotlight cinematography with Ly Bolia. He discusses the importance of the holy trinity on a set...and, no, it's not a Catholic term.

On the academic side, Kay Hallahan has contributed an essay in which she assays the numerical impact of women on the film and television industry nationwide, and finds that Atlanta and the Southeast may indeed be the place to be if you're an aspiring female film, television or video professional, echoing some of the things the three talented ladies featured in our cover story had to say.

And what's CinemATL without visits to the sets of the most promising projects around. This issue sees us visit Fake Wood Wallpaper's Blood Car as well as Pop Films' The Signal.

We hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, keep spreading the word to all your friends, associates and others who love independent filmmaking as much as we do.

Martin Kelley is Editor-in-Chief of CinemATL.com. He's also a local screenwriter and filmmaker who co-founded and became co-president of the Atlanta Screenwriters Group, one of the largest screenwriter organizations in the Southeast.

Park City by day... (photo: Dan Slemons)

...and night. (photo: Dan Slemons)

Don't forget to party. (photo: Dan Slemons)

More Opinion:

• Southern Hospitality: Three's the Charm
• Exposition: Women, Film and the South
• Flashback/Flashforward: Black Atlanta on the Rise
• Reader Feedback