Description: Explore how Georgia's creative entrepreneurs are navigating industry transitions and building sustainable futures through two unique perspectives. Featuring Darius Evans on reshaping Georgia's film landscape beyond the "Hollywood of the South" narrative, and muralist Elaine Stephenson on forging an independent artistic path while creating community support systems.

Key Topics:

· Evolving from service industry to authentic local production

· Building sustainable creative businesses during industry shifts

· Government support for independent creators and local voices

· Navigating business formation and contracts as creative entrepreneurs

· Creating supportive networks for underrepresented creative voices

· Balancing creative work with personal responsibilities

· Developing community-centered creative ecosystems

· Advocating for local creative industries

· Prioritizing authentic expression over external validation

Featured Guests:

· Darius Evans - Co-president of Georgia Production Partnership; Independent film and TV producer; Leader of Georgia Film Week initiative

· Elaine Stephenson - Independent muralist, designer and artist; Founder of ATL Art Gals; Public art specialist

Notable Quotes: "It has to be local based. It has to be independent based... Everything that we built to service Hollywood now has to be used to service independent producers." - Darius Evans

"It's just really important to me to help support other female creatives and women-owned businesses... We need to support each other and really emphasize community over competition." - Elaine Stephenson

Connect with our guests:

· Darius: Georgia Production Partnership (georgiaproduction.org)

· Elaine: ArtsyElaine.com and ATL Art Gals

Georgia Film Week: March 17-21, 2025. Visit georgiaproduction.org for details and registration.

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Keywords: Georgia film industry, creative entrepreneurship, public art, murals, independent film, creative advocacy, women in arts, creative community building, industry transitions, local production, sustainable creative careers