When Randy Davidson reflects on the success of Georgia’s film and TV industry, he doesn’t just talk in box office numbers or production tax incentives—he talks about community.
That sense of belonging and pride was front and center at a recent gathering hosted by Davidson, the founder of Georgia Entertainment, where creatives, industry stakeholders, and policymakers came together in Buckhead on July 10 to celebrate the thriving local industry.
“We’ve built something real here,” Davidson said. “This isn’t Hollywood or New York—it’s Georgia. And what we’re creating is just as impactful, but grounded in community.”
The event was more than a networking mixer. It was a celebration of the people shaping Georgia’s entertainment scene—from producers and writers to investors and local leaders. Davidson and his team have spent years cultivating this space, offering Georgia not only as a premier destination for film and television production, but also as a hub for business innovation and workforce development in the industry.
Davidson recently returned from a series of international festivals where he promoted Georgia’s creative economy, including Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto. “We were proud to represent Georgia on the world stage,” he said. “When we tell people what’s happening here—what’s filming, who’s building studios, how many local crew are getting hired—they’re amazed.”
Next up? Another trip to the Toronto International Film Festival this September to keep the momentum going.
And while Davidson is quick to focus on the bigger picture of economic growth and infrastructure, he also knows the celebrity sightings don’t hurt. His favorite recent moment? Spotting Jason Momoa in Buckhead.
“Jezlan, our president, and I were just having lunch at Southern Gentleman after a meeting,” Davidson recalled. “This huge guy walks in—looked like he just stepped out of a WWE ring—and behind him is Jason Momoa. We were stunned.”
While the bodyguard kept watch nearby, Momoa and a companion quietly enjoyed lunch in the corner. It’s moments like that, Davidson says, that underscore what makes metro Atlanta so special.
“You can be out getting tea in the middle of the day and run into Aquaman,” he laughed. “You’re not chasing celebrities, but they’re part of the fabric of the community here now.”
From filming locations like The Vampire Diaries in Covington to high-profile productions throughout the metro area, Georgia has solidified its reputation as a cinematic powerhouse.
But for Davidson, the real success is the network being built behind the scenes.
“The stories we hear, the talent we meet—every event, every connection is a reminder that Georgia is not just a location. It’s a movement.”
