Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment, & Nightlife Platforms On Set ATL for Film Talk Connecting Independent Filmmakers to Resources Across the City

Oct. 7 event at Atlanta City Hall brings together filmmakers, industry leaders, and community organizations as Atlanta’s independent film landscape continues to evolve.

ATLANTA — Oct. 5, 2026 — As the film and entertainment industry continues to evolve, Atlanta’s independent filmmakers are navigating a landscape filled with both new opportunities and new challenges. On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment & Nightlife will bring the community together for Film Talk: Off Set with On Set, panel conversation, industry mixer,  and resource event at Atlanta City Hall.

Through its Film Talk platform, the Mayor’s Office is highlighting On Set ATL, an Atlanta-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and storytellers through screenings, industry conversations, resources and community-building experiences.

“Atlanta’s film community has always been powered by the people who create here,” said Cardellia Hunter, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment & Nightlife. “As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important that independent filmmakers know they have access to a strong network of organizations, resources, and people invested in their success. Film Talk allows us to bring those connections into one room and help ensure Atlanta remains a place where storytellers at every level have an opportunity to create, grow and move their work forward.”

The event will also serve as a kickoff to On Set ATL’s fourth season, bringing filmmakers from across metro Atlanta together with organizations providing resources, professional development, industry access, and support for independent productions.

Bringing Atlanta’s Film Resources Into One Room

The evening will feature community resource partners representing multiple areas of Atlanta’s film ecosystem, including the Alliance of Women Directors, Bankable Consulting, Black Women Film Network, CineFi, DeKalb Entertainment Commission, Fulton Films, Georgia Production Partnership, Women in Film & Television Atlanta, and additional organizations supporting the region’s creative community.

Rather than simply introducing attendees to organizations, Off Set with On Set is designed to create direct connections between filmmakers and the people, programs, and resources that can help them take their next step.

“There is so much talent in Atlanta, but talent alone isn’t enough,” said Martina Lindo, co-founder of On Set ATL. “Filmmakers also need access, visibility, and the right relationships to move their work forward. On Set ATL has always been about closing that gap, and this event gives us an opportunity to connect creatives directly with the people and resources that can help turn an idea into their next project.”

Doors open at 5 p.m., with networking and resource connections giving attendees an opportunity to meet participating organizations and fellow creatives before the formal program begins.

Navigating Independent Filmmaking Now

The evening will feature a panel conversation with working filmmakers and creative industry professionals exploring what it means to build, create and sustain a career in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

The panel will include Kiah Clingman, actress, filmmaker and founder of KiahCan Productions; Lauryn McCollum, TV and film development professional; Christian Nolan Jones, filmmaker and director;  On Set ATL co-founders Martina Lindo and Jhaneal Kelli Hector, and Cardellia Hunter, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment & Nightlife.

Together, the panelists will explore the realities of independent filmmaking, creating opportunities outside traditional industry pathways, increasing visibility for independent work, leveraging Atlanta’s creative resources and continuing to create as the industry changes.

“As working creatives ourselves, we understand how difficult it can be to figure out the next step, especially when the industry is changing around you,” said Jhaneal Kelli Hector, co-founder of On Set ATL. “We built On Set ATL because filmmakers shouldn’t have to navigate that journey alone. This event is about bringing the community together, sharing what we have and reminding creatives that there are people right here in Atlanta who want to see them succeed.”

The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A and an opportunity for attendees to continue building connections with fellow filmmakers and participating resource organizations.

Community as Infrastructure

For On Set ATL, the event represents a larger vision for its fourth season: helping Atlanta’s independent filmmaking community move beyond simply meeting one another toward building an ecosystem where access, visibility, information and opportunity are shared.

As production models change, distribution pathways expand and filmmakers increasingly find ways to develop and produce work independently, knowing how to access Atlanta’s existing creative infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

Film Talk: Off Set with On Set brings that infrastructure into one room — city and county film offices, filmmaker organizations, professional networks, industry resources and working creatives — with a shared goal of helping Atlanta storytellers continue creating and moving forward.

Event Details

Film Talk: Off Set with On SetWednesday, Oct. 7, 2026 | 5–9 p.m.Atlanta City Hall55 Trinity Ave. SWAtlanta, GA 30303

Networking and community resource connections begin at 5 p.m., followed by the panel conversation at 6:15 p.m.

Admission is free, but RSVP is required. Attendees should email their name to setsouthinfo@gmail.com to register.

About the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment & Nightlife

The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment & Nightlife (AMOFEN) serves as the City of Atlanta’s official resource for the film, entertainment and nightlife industries. The office supports Atlanta’s creative economy by facilitating film productions, streamlining permitting, connecting local talent to employment and workforce development opportunities, providing education and industry resources, and building partnerships that strengthen Atlanta’s creative community. Through initiatives including Set South, AMOFEN works to connect creatives, productions, residents and industry stakeholders while helping sustain Atlanta’s position as a leading destination for film, culture and entertainment.

About On Set ATL

On Set ATL is an Atlanta-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and storytellers by creating opportunities for their work to be seen, their networks to grow and their creative careers to move forward. Through screenings, industry conversations, filmmaker resources and community experiences, On Set ATL works to strengthen Atlanta’s independent film ecosystem while creating greater access, visibility, and connection for the creatives shaping its future.

Media Contact:On Set ATLinfo@onsetatlscreenings.com