Watch out Hollywood – A new generation of Atlanta filmmakers are going to take over
Atlanta’s film industry is booming and along with A-list actors, Hollywood TV executives, and big budget production, there is an underground filmmaking renaissance in Atlanta. In a new series, How to Make It in Atlanta, we will explore the little lesser known actors, models, filmmakers, and extras that are growing in the background of Georgia’s growing film industry.
I recently had the unique opportunity to speak with indie filmmaker Trenton Harris about the growing Atlanta film industry. A graduate from Georgia State University with a B.A. in film and theater, Trent Harris has worked on several major motion pictures as a background extra to a production assistant. In fact, Harris recently worked on the #1 movie in America, Ride Along 2, which filmed in Atlanta, Georgia.
So how does an aspiring filmmaker make movies in Atlanta, Harris believes it starts with networking. “First ,I would tell everyone that networking is the key to working in the film industry. Networking can go as maybe being an extra or stand in or a show. Doing that you can network with the crew or etc. That’s how I broke into the film industry. I would also tell filmmakers to create there own content and get out there for people to see it.”
I would also tell filmmakers to create there own content and get out there for people to see it.
Harris also shared some insightful tips for aspiring actors. It all begins with independent “Actors would need to network and build a reel. The best way for them to do that is to work on independent projects or taping monologues.”
But, overall Harris argues that it requires hard work and dedication because, you never know who is watching. “I had an AD tell me on a show I recently did tell me to always work as hard as I can because you never know who is watching . Turns out the producers , DP and director all knew my work and loved having me on the show.”
“Actors would need to network and build a reel. The best way for them to do that is to work on independent projects or taping monologues.”
You can check out Harris’ new project, The Takeover coming this Winter. Watch the trailer below:
