Final Acts takes Grand Prize in Macon Shorts Competition
SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 29, 2011 - Macon's Grand Opera House was the hottest venue in Macon on November 15th during Gateway Macon's sold out gala to unveil the winners of two competitions: Macon Music and Macon Shorts. Lisa Love, Georgia’s Director of Music Marketing and Development, served as master of ceremonies alongside Beth Dunwody, Executive Director of the Gateway Macon Initiative.
Macon Shorts film competition received submissions from around the globe. The films had to include at least three Macon locations and be shot in town. Before the awards were given, each of the finalists were introduced and spoke about their experience filming a movie in Macon. Finalists included: Superhero by Kristin Wright, The Razzle by Joseph Guay, both of Atlanta, and Final Acts by James Kicklighter of Savannah.
Judging was conducted by a panel made up of Carrie Preston (HBO's "True Blood"), Lisa Sheridan (ABC's "Invasion"), Gabe Wardell (Former Director, Atlanta Film Festival), and Lee Cuthbert (Locations Specialist, Georgia Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment). Final Acts by James Kicklighter won the Grand Prize, also recieiving the Sense of Place Award.
Said Kicklighter, “When I started conceptualizing the film with the JamesWorks Entertainment team, we wanted to craft a project that really showcased the song and soul of the south, honoring the remarkable lineage of artistic talent that has come out of Middle Georgia, coupled with its plethora of historic and scenic locations. The people of Macon have opened their doors to us with hospitality and friendship, so now we hope that Final Acts encourages audiences around the country to visit and experience the city for themselves in 2012.”
About Gateway Macon
The Gateway Initiative is a community collaboration of 36+ organizations that are collectively promoting Macon, Georgia’s creative edge, uncommon spaces, and unique opportunities. Funding of the innovative initiative by the Peyton Anderson Foundation was announced Oct.1, 2010. A primary goal is to connect efforts to promote Macon to a regional, statewide and national audience. The Gateway Initiative is a multifaceted, highly strategic plan of work that builds on the momentum of existing efforts among the community’s diverse organizations to encourage investment and promote Macon’s sites, events, cultural scene, livability and affordability.
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