Alpha Tyler got her start in casting as an intern on James Cameron’s “Titanic.” Since then, she’s worked on shows like “Martin” and as the casting director for Tyler Perry. Ready for a career change, Alpha became a professor of performing arts at SCAD in 2016 and is also the faculty adviser for SCAD’s Casting Office. Alpha talks about her career path and explains how SCAD’s Casting Office acts as a resource for students and alumni. The school is the only academic institution in the country offering a minor in casting.Plus, reporter Nicole Carr talks about her investigation for ProPublica that revealed texts sent by film executive Ryan Millsap in which he shared racist and antisemitic sentiments.Mentioned this episode:Nicole Carr’s follow-up article on texts sent by film executive Ryan MillsapAtlanta Film FestivalNetflix’s “A Man in Full”Production on “Peacemaker” season beginsStarz’s “P-Valley” This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sean Albertson approaches editing film the way he does cooking a meal: Try a little of this, what should I add here, does all this work together? Sean shares his editing philosophy, working on the horror film “Imaginary,” and how he’s plugging in to the industry here after his recent move to Atlanta.Mentioned this episode:What’s filming in GeorgiaAJC on “Tulsa King”This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Civil War epic film “Gone with the Wind” premiered in Atlanta 85 years ago. Much like the book, it was met with critical acclaim and continues to be considered by many as one of the greatest films of all time. “Gone with the Wind” isn’t without problems, however. Morehouse College Professor Stephane Dunn and Georgia State University Professor Emeritus Tim Crimmins discuss the film’s problematic representation of slavery, the South, and race, as well as its premiere in Atlanta in 1939.This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legalized segregation was a system of discrimination put in place by whites in power, used to oppress Black Americans. Segregation during Jim Crow touched nearly every aspect of life in the American South, including movie theaters and the content of the films played therein. Film and media Scholar Nsenga Burton and Matthew Bernstein, professor of film and media studies at Emory, explore the history of film and theaters during segregation in Atlanta. Plus, WABE’s Blues and Jazz Classics host, H. Johnson, tells his story of how segregation impacted him as a movie-lover. This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Georgia General Assembly's 2024 session ended on Thursday and HB1180, which proposed changes to the state's film tax credit, did not pass. WABE's business reporter Marlon Hyde has the details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From zombie attacks to a white-tablecloth dinner, if an actor needs to eat something on screen, there’s a good chance a food stylist created something from an unexpected recipe. Food stylist Elizabeth Grove talks making edible blood, historically accurate food, and concoctions found only in science fiction for the screen.HB1180, the bill that would have made changes to Georgia’s film tax credit, did not make it to the governor’s desk before the session ended. Check out our bonus episode with WABE’s business reporter Marlon Hyde for all the details. Mentioned this episode:Art Beats & Lyrics DocumentaryGeorgia Tech’s Global Media Festival This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Georgia Film Office was created by former President Jimmy Carter in 1973, when he was governor of the state. Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner, has been at the Film Office since 1996, working to bring film and television productions to the state. Lee explains how she and her team accomplish that mission and tells the story of how the Film Office and film scene in Georgia have changed during her nearly 30 years in the industry here. Mentioned this episode:Hulu’s “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told”Kenny Nguyen on Bravo’s “Top Chef”“Naked Gun” Reboot to film in AtlantaNAACP Image Awards This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When composer EmmoLei Sankofa moved to Los Angeles to begin her career in film and TV composition, things didn’t flow quite as smoothly as she hoped. EmmoLei shares her story of working and making important connections in Los Angeles, and then moving back to Atlanta, where she would become an NAACP Image Award nominated composer for her work on “The Other Black Girl.” Some of EmmoLei’s other credits include “Three Ways,” “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Girls,” and “Step Up.”Mentioned this episode:NAACP Image AwardsOscars WinnersWomen’s Comedy Film FestivalThe Preacher’s WifeThis episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With proposed changes to Georgia’s film tax credit making their way through the state legislature as HB 1180, film accountant Jessica Feder believes that the film and TV industry here could look drastically different in the next decade. Jessica talks about her work as a film accountant and shares her concerns with the proposed changes to the state’s film tax credit.Mentioned this episode:BMF Season 3Hulu’s forthcoming Freaknik documentaryTyler Perry’s Perimeter on BET+The 96th Oscars are this weekend This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shay Bentley Griffin is one of those people in the industry who can say they helped make the Georgia’s film and TV industry what it is today. From casting on early shows like “I’ll Fly Away,” to working to create the film tax credit, Shay never gave up on making the state a viable location for a film or TV production. She talks about the early days of film and TV in Georgia, why she decided to stay, and what needs to happen next for Georgia’s industry to remain successful. Plus, the Georgia state House of Representatives passed HB 1180, which would make changes to the film tax credit if passed into law. The bill now heads to the state Senate. Mentioned this episode:FX’s “English Teacher”“SNL 1975”BronzeLens Film Festival’s 2024 Women Superstar HonoreesTyler Perry’s “Mea Culpa” and comments about AI in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen. For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The second-largest film and TV production facility in the world is just over twenty miles from the heart of Downtown Atlanta, in Fayette County. Trilith Studios not only counts 32 sound stages (with two more on the way), the Georgia Film Academy, and all the functions of a one-stop production facility, it also includes the Town at Trilith. We head to the 1000-acre development for a tour and then have a conversation with Frank Patterson, president and CEO of Trilith Studios.Plus, WABE digital editor, Kenny Murry, joins to talk about his list of Black history productions filmed in Georgia.Mentioned this episode:Usher is developing a new TV showTyler Perry’s forthcoming series “Beauty in Black”“The Madness” resumes production in AtlantaThis episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iyana Halley lived in Atlanta during high school and then began acting in Los Angeles but says, these days Atlanta is a great market to get your start. Halley talks about her starring role in “One Night Stay” from BET+, acting in “Beast” alongside Idris Elba, and the fan response she got after playing Taylor, Gregory’s girlfriend, on “Abbott Elementary.”  Atlanta-based filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper also joins the show to talk about her new docuseries “James Brown: Say It Loud.” The series, which was produced by Questlove and Mick Jagger, debuts on A&E February 19th & 20th at 8pm.Mentioned this episode:Will Trent Season 2 starts February 20thThe Color Purple streaming on MaxThis episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia state legislators have introduced a bill that would make changes to the state’s film tax credit. WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde talks with Jewel about House Bill 1180.One thing you can’t say about Gary Anthony Williams is that he isn’t staying busy. From voice-acting to live-action, among his 256 (and counting) IMDB credits are “The Boondocks,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Doc McStuffins,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.” Gary shares his acting origin story, going from Fayetteville to Atlanta to Los Angeles, and explains how he incorporates family and community into his role as “Pops” in the animated Disney series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.”Mentioned this episode:Delta partners with African American Film Critics AssociationActor Carl Weathers died January 30This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mercedes Cook never thought she’d be a costume designer. Even though it wasn’t on her radar, she’s found success in the film & TV industry. Mercedes talks about designing costumes for Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Malcolm X, and other civil rights leaders for “Genius: MLK/X,” as well as her work on “The Chi.” She also shares tips on how to get started in costuming.Mentioned this episode:Now filming in GeorgiaMoon Girl and Devil DinosaurNathan Deal’s op-ed in the AJCThis episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s state legislature is in session and Senate Bill 366 has been filed, which aims to make audits and economic analyses of tax credits, including the one for film productions, more visible. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali shares what he’s hearing at the state capitol as lawmakers hint at additional legislation that could make changes to the film tax credit.Plus, AJC entertainment reporter Rodney Ho on the return of Netflix’s “Rhythm + Flow” as well as Tyler Perry’s upcoming BET+ show “Perimeter,” and 3 Arts Entertainment’s Jermaine Johnson talks about “American Fiction’s” Oscar nominations.Mentioned this episode:SB 366Rodney Ho’s reporting on “Rhythm + Flow” as well as “Perimeter”WABE’s “Sounds Like ATL”This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to the film and television industry, Rashidi Hendrix sees lots of potential for growth. The partner at Independent Artists Media explains what he sees as the next steps Atlanta’s industry must take to become an established market like Los Angeles or New York, how he stays creative as a manager, and shares lessons learned from the pandemic and two strikes.And, as awards season continues, Jewel has the latest winners, including a few projects filmed in Atlanta.This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When he isn’t busy leading university courses on directing and screenwriting, Booker T. Mattison is making films. The University of Georgia professor and filmmaker talks about working in film and TV in Georgia and how he applies lessons learned from the industry to the classroom. Booker’s recent projects include “The Sound of Christmas” on BET+ and “Twisted Marriage Therapist” on Tubi.Plus, awards season is here and Sammie Purcell, associate editor at Rough Draft Atlanta, joins to talk about the Golden Globes and Emmys.This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the final episode of 2023, a special look back at the television show “I’ll Fly Away,” which filmed in Georgia from 1990-1993 and thoughtfully tackled issues related to race, racism, family, and more. WABE digital editor Kenny Murry reflects on how he discovered the show and what he heard from cast and crew when interviewing them for his retrospective last year. Actress Regina Taylor explains why she was drawn to her character, Lilly Harper, and Shay Bentley-Griffin shares her experience casting for “I’ll Fly Away” and what work was like in the Georgia’s film and TV industry during the eighties and nineties.If you have a moment, please vote for The Boom to win the Anthem Awards’ Community Voice Award.This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The State of Georgia is all in on workforce development for TV and film production. C. Scott Votaw, assistant vice chancellor with the University System of Georgia, explains how the Georgia Film Academy (GFA), which he leads, trains Georgians in a variety of film and TV careers. Scott shares how you can take GFA courses, the GFA’s work with unions and production companies to provide internships, and how the GFA adjusts their curriculum to address the changing production landscape as technologies evolve. Mentioned this episode:SAG-AFTRA members vote to approve new contractDeadline Interview with Duncan Crabtree-IrelandJuror #2 scheduled to finish production in SavannahThis episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There is no one path to a career in the film and TV industry. Writer Brian Egeston had an entire career as an engineer before diving headfirst into writing for TV. Brian talks about going from the intense schedule of shows like “House of Payne” to the pace of NBC series “Perfect Harmony,” as well as the feature film “On a Wing and a Prayer.“Mentioned this episode:SAG-AFTRA contract details“Reasonable Doubt” show moves production to AtlantaKevin Hart’s “Die Hart” season three wraps This episode of The Boom was produced by Kevin Rinker and Jewel Wicker. Additional production and editing by Scotty Crowe. Original music by Matt Owen.For more information, visit wabe.org/theboomSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.