With Assembly Atlanta, self-described as the metro area’s “newest and most expansive studio complex,” coming together in nearby Doraville, Discover Dunwoody is finding more ways to connect with the entertainment industry. “Having more movies, television and other entertainment produced in this area means that increasing numbers of business and leisure travelers will come to the area, stopping at hotels and visiting our restaurants,” said Ray Ezelle, executive director of Discover Dunwoody, the official destination marketing organization for Dunwoody.
To broaden its influence and increase awareness within the entertainment industry, Discover Dunwoody is partnering with such organizations as Georgia Production Partnership, Women in Film and Television Atlanta, and Georgia Entertainment News, according to an announcement from Discover Dunwoody.
“Of course, we have worked for many years with DeKalb Entertainment Commission. We’re in the process of learning more about the entertainment industry and the best way for us to do this is form ties with the industry’s organizations,” Ezelle said. “The opportunities to produce economic development growth and to create jobs—directly and indirectly—that pay well and provide exciting career paths are enormous.”
Discover Dunwoody recently announced a partnership with Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA) as a corporate sponsor for the organization’s 2024-2025 term. This collaboration, coinciding with WIFTA’s 50th anniversary, signifies a significant commitment by Discover Dunwoody to support and empower women in the entertainment industry, Ezelle explained.
“We are so glad to be teaming up with WIFTA during this milestone 50th year. This partnership will assist WIFTA members when they need it most while growing awareness of everything Dunwoody has to offer travelers and locals alike,” he continued.
In celebration of this partnership, Discover Dunwoody will be sponsoring 50 WIFTA memberships for production coordinators, travel associates, and procurement coordinators. “There are many women who would like the benefits of WIFTA membership but are held back by the cost. We’re pleased to be able to help 50 women clear that hurdle. This initiative reflects Discover Dunwoody’s dedication to fostering growth and development within the entertainment sector, contributing to the legacy of WIFTA’s half-century commitment to women professionals in the field,” Ezelle added.
Discover Dunwoody also recently launched its Recognition Program for Production/Travel/Procurement Associates, an initiative “to honor the exceptional efforts and contributions of individuals within the entertainment industry, specifically in the areas of production, travel, and procurement.”
“These are hard-working professionals whose contributions often are overlooked,” Ezelle said. “It is our honor to recognize them.”
In an announcement of the program, Discover Dunwoody said that program aligns with its mission “to support and elevate professionals in the entertainment industry” and helps Dunwoody connect to the professionals who can book room blocks in Dunwoody, which Ezelle noted is “12 minutes from set to bed” from Assembly Studios, calling Dunwoody “a great option with 2,100 hotel rooms, 300 places to shop and 200 places to eat.”
On Feb. 16, Discover Dunwoody announced Maria Vanessa Reyes as its February recipient of the Travel/Production/Procurement Associates Recognition Program, saying that her “inspiring journey serves as a testament to the determination and dedication required to turn dreams into reality.”
A Venezuelan journalist with a master’s degree in film and TV production, Reyes “has become an integral part of the film industry in the United States, primarily in Atlanta. Her freelancing work for Swirl Films, a Gray Media production company, has solidified her position as a go-to production coordinator for major projects,” according to Discover Dunwoody, which said in the announcement that Reyes “aspires to continue growing in the industry” with goals to transition into roles such as line producer/UPM and “explore the creative side of the film industry as a creative producer and producer for films and TV shows.”
“Maria Vanessa Reyes is not just a success story; she’s a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals in the film industry. Discover Dunwoody proudly recognizes Maria for her outstanding contributions to the local film community, and we’re excited to see more of her future accomplishments,” the announcement states.
For more information about Discover Dunwoody and its entertainment initiatives, visit Funwoody.Com.
