While the rest of the country debates the future of indie filmmaking, Atlanta’s production community gathered last week to shape it—on the ground, in real time. Hosted at Cinelease Studios – Three Ring, the Space to Create event brought together filmmakers, producers, financiers, and tech innovators to spotlight a shared vision for the next era of content creation—and the infrastructure that’s evolving to support it.
The tone? Grounded and optimistic. The takeaway? Georgia’s production ecosystem isn’t shifting away from the big-budget studio model—it’s expanding. Cinelease is proving that a soundstage can be both a home for major tentpoles and a launchpad for agile creators working across film, gaming, live entertainment, and digital-first platforms.
A Studio Designed for Creators of All Scales
The event doubled as a living showcase of Cinelease’s long-range vision for Three Ring: part fully equipped production hub, part creative campus. Guests toured the facility’s 140-foot green screen, dedicated writer’s bungalows, and on-site talent support spaces. More than just square footage, it’s a turnkey setup that scales for everything from indie shoots to virtual production.
“This is about giving creators what they actually need,” said one attendee on the tour. “A place that feels like it’s built to move fast, adapt, and get your project made.”
Cinelease’s message was clear: the infrastructure that has supported blockbuster productions is also opening up to a wider creative class—without compromising on quality or ambition.
Conversations That Matter
The core of Space to Create was a slate of panels and fireside chats that skipped the fluff in favor of real strategies and insight.
“Resources and Strategies for Producers and Content Creators” kicked off the day, moderated by Olivia Schmitz of Cinelease Studios – Three Ring. Panelists Meredith Riley Stewart (Halcyon Content // Aegis Creative Media), Paris Schulman and Ryan Monolopolus (Rite Media), and Genevieve LeDoux (Silver Comet Studios) delivered sharp insights on producing smart, building the right teams, and navigating today’s fragmented production landscape.
In the afternoon, Chelsea Spivey of Revolution Entertainment Services hosted a deep-dive panel on creative finance with John Thomas (Element CPA), Melanie Krinsky (Western Alliance Bank), Josh Harris (Peachtree Group), and DiAndria Green (Bennett Thrasher). The discussion tackled real-world funding challenges—from tax strategy and debt financing to ownership models that give creators more freedom and flexibility.
Fireside Chats with Movers and Makers
The fireside chats brought a candid, personal lens to the industry’s evolution. In one standout session, Ty Walker of Braveheart Entertainment shared his perspective on creating emotionally resonant stories for today’s niche and global audiences. Another featured producer Patrick Caligiuri alongside Georgia Entertainment’s Randy Davidson and Jezlan Moyet, where the focus turned to emerging monetization strategies and how platform shifts are reshaping creative business models.
“There’s a realization among creatives and the companies supporting them that more collaboration and alignment is critical,” said Davidson. “This event showcased how the future will evolve between intellectual property creators and those supporting the monetization of ideas.”
Not Just a Showcase—A Signal
More than a facility tour or industry mixer, Space to Create was a signal. It marked a clear moment where Cinelease Studios – Three Ring positioned itself as a space that supports both high-volume studio productions and the next generation of independent creators. In today’s climate of rising costs and tighter timelines, that flexibility isn’t just attractive—it’s essential.
As the industry evolves, Cinelease isn’t pivoting—it’s expanding its reach to meet the needs of a broader creative community while continuing to serve the studio system that has long trusted its stages.
If you’re placing bets on the future of content creation, keep your eyes on Atlanta. And keep your lens pointed at Cinelease.
Meredith Riley Stewart, Ryan Monolopolus, Paris Schulman, Genevieve LeDoux
