PhilanthroFilms, Inc. Hard at Work

Quitman—If you did not know about the upcoming film industry booming in the small-town Quitman, then you have been missing out on some of the best short films by locals. PhilanthroFilms has been the fiscal sponsor for several educational and student produced films that were open to the public for viewing in both Brooks and Lowndes counties.

Philanthro Films Inc. is a 501©3 charitable organization. Their mission is to work with communities to attract film and entertainment productions and train the local workforce with hands-on experience in the film and entertainment industries.

Workforce development, that PhilanthroFilms, Inc. helps to train these students includes:

·      High School Summer Film Camps (2021, 2022, 2023)

·      Audio/Visual/Film Instructor Workshops (Spring/Summer)

·      Writer’s Forum Workshops

·      Background Actor Bootcamps

·      Internships/Job Shadowing Opportunities

·      South Georgia Film Office and Database Management

Thus far, all workforce development has been provided to the community at no charge. One of the most recent workforce development workshops was “Train the Trainers”. In this workshop educators from Brooks County, Lowndes County, Colquitt County, Valwood, Clinch County and the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta participated in practical hands-on training for audio video technical/film educators. These educators took the training in order to prepare their students in their classrooms for jobs in the film industry.

Kendrick King, Lowndes High School AVT instructor said, “I currently have 90 students and over 300 students on the waiting list for AVT/Film pathway. Now I have a practical way to train my students on how to operate on a live film set.”

The most recent High School Summer Film Camp for (2023), finished its camp on July 20^th. Students last day was posted on their social media Facebook page saying,

 “And that is a wrap on Summer Film Camp 2023!

Today students started off the day filming B-Roll for their interviews at our beautiful historic home, shared script ideas, and explored the many costumes and props we have acquired.                   

We had a great visit with a local artist who shared his story of creating numerous film sets, art and event spaces. We were all inspired by his message, "If you can dream it, it can be in your reality".

Although film camp has come to an end and the wrap party is this evening with family and friends, students will be prepared to create whatever they dream.”

PhilanthroFilms Inc. works diligently with South Georgia Film Office to build the workforce, not only through upcoming students, but also for adults. Anyone may come to these workshops to learn and events.

Will the recent strike of writers and actors impact this area with PhilanthroFilms, Inc.? It already has minorly. With writers and actors on strike there has been a substantial slowdown in the industry on writing new content. PhilanthroFilms, Inc. feels that strike minorly since their focus is more on producing new talent in these areas.

However, production of major movies, coming to South Georgia could be impacted. According to Anna Helhoski’s “Hollywood on Strike 2023: What Happens Next? (2023), “The duration of the actor’s strike is anyone’s guess.”

PhilanthroFilms, Inc. CEO Cathy Parker said, “We are still going to work with students, to educate them and anyone else who may want to be in a position for film and we are hoping that the strike will end sooner rather than later.”

Parker also invites everyone who wants to know more about the business to stop by and see them. They are located at 101 E. Screven Street, Quitman, GA.

If you would like to know more about what events are coming up or workshops you can visit www.philanthrofilms.org. If you would like to know a bit more about South Georgia Film office and what incentives they are using to bring more film production to South Georgia or their plans for the region you can visit their website at www.filminsouthgeorgia.com. You can also follow them on their social media Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PhilanthroFilmsNonProfit.