It’s no secret that there’s a shortage of qualified talent in the Atlanta area — and Georgia as a whole — to meet the growing demands in the film industry.
There’s simply a lack of qualified crews in the designated film capital of the South.
There have been complaints there aren’t enough people here with both the training and on-the-job experience to finish projects on time and within the designated budget.
It’s WIFTA president Cheryl Jenkins’ vision to change that.
“I want WIFTA to be a major powerhouse in Atlanta,” she avers.
WIFTA, which is an acronym for Women in Film and Television, is one of approximately 40 chapters in the WIF network and it’s the most diverse.
In her nearly two years as president of WIFTA, Jenkins says her job isn’t complete. “It’s about women helping women, providing opportunities and services to women with a number of years in the business and to those newcomers alike. We have to get in the trenches and provide not only the education, but also the funding to finish the project. It’s even necessary for us to have a political voice,” she affirms.
WIFTA is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014.
The event promises to be an elegant affair with passed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music and remarks by special guests from Georgia’s film and television community, including Denise Hendricks, senior product at HLN; and Teya Ryan, president and CEO of Georgia Public Broadcasting.
“We have access to major producers and actors in the industry. We have been recently certified to recommend writers to FOX writers program [FOX Writers Intensive]. Because we are in such a growing industry, we must get people [in Atlanta] Hollywood ready, ready to be hired for jobs coming into the market, ready to pitch original content and get their films done,” she closes.
WIFTA invites the Atlanta community — from those working in or affiliated with TV film production to those who enjoy watching television shows and films — to attend its 40th anniversary celebration.
The WIFTA’s 40th anniversary celebration will be held Saturday Nov. 8, 2014, starting at 6:30 p.m. at The Wimbish House, which is located at 1150 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30309. The event is open to the public. Tickets are available online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wifta-40th-anniversary-celebration-and-fundraising-event-tickets-13053053033.
