Atlanta vs. California Part II and Fashion's Night Out Atlanta coming soon... @FNOnyc can't wait!
August 23, 2011
By Joy A. Kennelly
ATLANTA VS. CALIFORNIA again
Last night was fun spending time with LA friends who have moved here before us and were celebrating a milestone birthday. It's nice to affirm we've all made the right decision and to hear stories of how dead it is back home in LA for others in the entertainment industry.
I don't know when those who still live there and want to work in film and TV will realize this fact, but Atlanta is slowly, but surely, becoming the new Hollywood what with 12 films in production this September alone and 23 TV productions considering bringing business to Atlanta too now.
Ever since other Southern states have ended their tax incentives (dumb move which they will realize after it's too late), all the work is shifting here and those of us established, or becoming established, will stand to benefit the most once everything truly ramps up.
It's been interesting to hear the perspective of locals who feel like outsiders are coming in to take advantage of them by virtue of the fact this is a work-to-hire state and there is no union involved. I disagree and said so, but unless you've lived outside your comfort zone to experience something new it's hard for people to understand all movement can be forward movement if you go with the flow.
That's what I'm learning to do out here. Things move a little slower, people speak slower, there's a genuine interest in holding real conversations; there truly is something to Southern hospitality which I've experienced everywhere I go; men are Southern gentlemen who open doors, hug hello and good-bye, and stand aside to let us ladies enter elevators; and lights take forever to turn green.
My only pet peeve out here are the lights and traffic at rush hour which I thought for sure I'd left behind once and for all. I may have to call John Lewis and ask him to look into this issue.:) I met him during Jane Harmon's pre-Inaugural breakfast gathering and look forward to connecting with him again down the road. Also, want to meet the rest of our state representatives because it's nice to know you're in a state where real issues matter and business is supported.
FASHION'S NIGHT OUT ATLANTA
I love the fact there is a dynamic fashion scene too. Just researched all of Atlanta's Fashion's Night Out events and love the fact there are going to be some red carpet events and other high-end fashion shows I will hopefully be sharing with you soon.
I was beginning to think my days of attending red carpet, fashion, and celebrity filled events had drawn to a close now that I've moved here, but am pleasantly relieved to see that is not the case. It just takes a little bit to tap into, but it's definitely here and probably even more high-end than Los Angeles simply by virtue of the fact it's East Coast and closer to NY.
Here's a link to my previous fashion coverage of all the LA Fashion Weeks I've attended over the years in case you're curious what the LA fashion scene is like: http://www.fashionindustrynetwork.com/profiles/blogs/my-la-fashion-week-coverage-on and for video coverage check out my last Actress client, Yari DeLeon attending Sue Wong's private garden collection this past March:
Can't wait to see and participate in Atlanta's fashion scene!
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