Members, Staff Lauded for Promoting the Industry

The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presented its 2018 Governors Award to a group that included SAG-AFTRA local members and staff for their successful advocacy of the 2008 Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, the tax incentives that made Atlanta a production powerhouse.

At the June 16 soiree, SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local President Ric Reitz, Local Board member Wilbur Fitzgerald, Local Executive Director Melissa Goodman and casting director Shay Bentley-Griffin were presented the award for “outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.” Each of the recipients has been working to promote production in the state for more than 20 years.

The Academy stated, “Their vision has brought thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact to Georgia. As importantly, this group of innovators has ignited the Southeast’s creative class by sparking a blockbuster-sized interest in Georgia-made productions. They are a catalyst for positive change. Their impact on television and movies made in the South will be felt for generations on screen and on resumes.”

Photo: From left, SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Executive Director Melissa Goodman, SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local President Ric Reitz, casting director Shay Bentley-Griffin and SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Board member Wilbur Fitzgerald.