Monica and Kalena met at DreamHack ATL 2025 to talk about esports, the future of esports worldwide, and Monica's journey in the gaming industry.

Let me re-introduce John Bonoccorse. When I met Jon-Bon (as he is known across the industry) at his lovely home, not only was he well into his career as an assistant director, we also chatted about his co-ownership of the toy store Rhen’s Nest. Its flagship store is currently at Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta. His interview was one of my original episodes, so please forgive the lack of refinement. Let’s listen to Jon-Bon!

Let’s re-introduce Greg Waddle! At the time of this interview, I met Greg at his storage unit, where he kept his set decorator and grip equipment. Now, he’s president of Local 479 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts(IATSE for short). He’s a political strategist and a tireless advocate for economic development and workers rights here in Georgia. Let’s listen back to Greg’s interview.

Let me re-introduce Linda Burns. When I moved back to Atlanta in 2005, the very first place I volunteered my time was at the Atlanta Film Festival. This festival is put on every Spring by the Atlanta Film Society, where Linda has been diligently guiding and instructing the next generation of filmmakers for over two decades. When I sat with her in 2017, she gave me insight on her producing career. Have a listen!

Let’s re-introduce Matthew Jackson. At the start of my own career here in Georgia, Matthew was one of the first people I met. We connected because of our respect for one another’s discipline and hard work. Matthew is a seasoned camera technician in the IATSE Local 600, with many years of credits as an Assistant Camera crew member. Listen to his interview he gave me back in 2018.

Meet Orlando Thompson! When folks in our line of work talk about filmmaking savants, Orlando is someone who immediately comes to mind. Not only has he done just about every crew position on a film set, his nearly 20-year career seems to just be beginning. Though he currently resides in Hawaii, Orlando is a Georgia-bred filmmaking artist. We got a chance to chat and reminisce on our time on set together, his life in the global fine art world, and his passion for editing in particular.

Sean takes his film production work very seriously. His love and respect for this art form started early in his life. His career in the Locations Department took off here in Georgia, but that is the least interesting thing about Sean. He spoke with me last month about his company River Bear Films, his foray into organizing the Simply Weird Film Festival, and his aspirations for the future.

Meet Sedrick Lakpa! Born and raised right here in Atlanta, GA, Sedrick was front and center for the film and television industry when Hollywood came to town. From his beginnings as a production assistant to his current work as a director, he involves himself in local media and content development. I was happy he made time in his busy schedule to talk with me about his love for the culture and stories of Atlanta. Sedrick hopes to see more homegrown storytellers come to the forefront.

Meet Courtney Ward-Thompkins! Another colleague of mine who got her start as a production assistant, Courtney’s career blossomed here in Georgia. Today, she works in production management for some of Hollywood’s biggest production companies. She is also the creator of Avala Productions as a documentary producer. She joined me remotely from her home in Texas to talk to me about her career.

Meet Jason Underwood! Jason and I have worked together in different Location Departments throughout the years. With years of Location Manager credits under his belt, Jason recently made the transition to being a vendor supporting Georgia’s film industry. I sat with him to reminisce on his career, speak on lessons he learned, and to speak on the decision to take the position of Atlanta General Manager for Pacific Production Services.

Meet Deanna Durbin! She is a working wardrobe stylist and the creative director of Elva Mae. I sat with her at the premiere networking club in Atlanta, The Gathering Spot, to discuss her personal and professional journey. To Deanna, being a stylist is more than just picking the right clothes for her clients. Her mission is deeper.

Carrie and Kalena go way back! Both ladies have had to veer a bit in their careers. They met up for lunch to discuss how Carrie has successfully done so.

Back in 2023, Kalena sat down with Chuck to talk about he and his team were holding up following the Writers Guild and SAG/AFTRA strikes. Many filmmakers had to pivot their plans and figure out how to pay bills with work being brought to a halt.

Leshaun and Kalena talk about his job at the Office of Film, Entertainment, and Nightlife. They also discuss how the strikes had an impact on the City of Atlanta.

D'Mytrek Brown sits down with me to talk about his career as a food stylist.

Last year, Arma wa considering her next pivot during the strikes. Here her interesting stories about all the different hats she's worn.