With Georgia now topping the list of filming locations worldwide, a new academy has launched to help aspiring film and television hopefuls learn all aspects of the production industry. Great Fortune Films Academy is now accepting applications for the workshop which presents a unique opportunity for local filmmakers to learn from and work alongside accredited industry professionals.
Founded by award-winning filmmaker Latisha Fortune, the academy will take place over the course of three weeks, beginning January 3, 2020. The curriculum will include a weekend workshop intensive held at Nu Ground Studios (location site for Netflix’s Sweet Magnolia and CBS’ Macgyverseries). This will be followed by two weeks of working on the feature film Close to Home. Upon completion, participants will also earn professional IMDB credit.
The workshops will be led by Fortune who has over 15 years of experience in filmmaking, producing and managing all facets of film and television projects. Her experience highlights include work on several Tyler Perry productions, Oscar-nominated film The Blind Side, The Bobby Brown Story and “American Soul.” She also produced and co-produced her own films, including the forthcoming feature film Really Love (Charles D. King’s MACRO). She is also a board member of Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WITFA) and a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA).
“I am excited for this opportunity to help mentor and teach the next generation of industry professionals the macro and micro functions of planning a project for television and/or film,” said Fortune. “Unlike other programs for new pros, Great Fortune’s curriculum takes a holistic approach to production training, engaging budding professionals in all set departmental roles and career paths in the film and television industry. With this academy, we aim to equip participants with the tools needed to establish, sustain and have longevity in the field.”
Additional lead instructors include Lola Kayode (BET’s “American Soul,” Just Call Me Darling, My Last Day) and Ayanna Wilks, whose credits include serving as production property manager for Marvel’s Black Panther, The CW’s “Black Lightning,” and BET’s “Being Mary Jane.” The academy will also host several guest speakers with varied credits on several television series and films, such as “Stranger Things,” “The Walking Dead,” The Hunger Games, Hidden Figures, X-Men, The Hate U Give, Little and Ride Along.
Great Fortune Films has partnered with film education and support from non-profit organization Sisters Creating Content, as well as Atlanta-area schools, including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Clayton State University. Sponsorship for the academy is provided by Nu Ground Studios, Columbia Residential, Women in Film and Television Atlanta, Last Looks Casting and Krafty Kiki.
The deadline for applications is December 20, 2019. Eligible participants must be between the ages of 18-25 and reside in the Atlanta area. To apply, complete online completion atgreatfortunefilms.com.
To connect with Great Fortune Films and Great Fortune Films Academy, follow the company onFacebook and on Instagram at @GreatFortuneFilms and @GreatFortuneFilmsAcademy. To learn more about Great Fortune Films, visit bit.ly/GFFAcademy and follow the conversation online at #GFFAcademy.
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PRess Theory
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About Great Fortune Films
Great Fortune Films is a television and film production company spearheaded by filmmaker Latisha Fortune. Since 2008, Great Fortune Films has produced over one dozen short films and television pilots, including The Doorpost Film Project Award-winning Before I Wake and The Black Cage; both films were also finalists in the 2010 BET Lens on Talent Film Contest. Short film Standing Reign w as awarded ‘Best Film of Atlanta’ in the 48 Hour Film Festival, ‘Best Short’ in the TOMI Film Festival of New Orleans, ‘Best Narrative Short’ in the International Black Film Festival of Nashville and was also chosen for distribution on the “Best of 48 Hour Film Project 2007” DVD. Great Fortune Films produced the docu-reality series TWIIN (2016), The End Again (2014), Really Love (MACRO, 2020). In addition to Great Fortune Films Academy, Great Fortune Films has several projects in development for 2020 including the forthcoming feature films, Close To Home, Symphony Of Her, Barrs and Her Imperial Majesty. For more information, visit greatfortunefilms.com.
About Sisters Creating Content
Sisters Creating Content, Inc. (SSC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by entertainment media professionals, Michel’le N. Barlow, Lola Kayode, Rachel Ligon, and Jennifer Hatcher. SSC seeks to educate, inspire and prepare aspiring filmmakers for successful careers in various fields of the television and film industry. The organization sets out to make an impact on the future of entertainment by supporting the artistic works of writers, directors, producers creating content that will feed the entertainment market with diverse voices and stories. For more information, visitsisterscreatingcontent.com.
