Film summit connects Cherokee students with industry professionals

<p><em>Woodstock Community News| Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>Upper-level film students from across Cherokee County recently gained hands-on industry experience during the eighth annual Cherokee Student Film Summit, a partnership between the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) and the school district designed to build the local workforce.</p><p>The summit connected Audio/Visual Technology and Film (AVTF) students with Georgia-based professionals, including "Stranger Things" sculptor Sherrie Penn and scenic artist A.K. Espada. Workshops covered diverse topics ranging from motion capture technology used in films like "Avatar" and "Happy Feet" to live sports production and vertical storytelling. According to organizers, the event aimed to provide insight into career paths both within and outside the entertainment sector.</p><p>Beyond technical training, the event emphasized transferable skills applicable to various industries. Professionals highlighted the importance of collaboration and problem-solving, with Penn noting that creative skills often apply to corporate fabrication work as well. COED President Heath Tippens stated that events like this help build a local talent pipeline that supports the existing film community and strengthens the county’s overall economic future.</p><p>Following the summit, students will showcase their original work at the Cherokee Student Film Festival. The festival is scheduled for March 24 at Woodstock Arts and will be free and open to the public. Additionally, COED will host the Metro Atlanta Film Summit on March 13 to facilitate networking among regional film professionals.</p>