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The Georgia Production Partnership (GPP) will hold its regional meeting at the University of North Georgia (Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û) on Feb. 24 and present to attendees the many opportunities of the Georgia film industry.

The event, which is open to the public, will be held on Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û's Gainesville Campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature guest panelists from across the north Georgia region discussing the film and television industry and its potential impact to the region. Panelists will focus on the unique qualities of the state's small northern cities.

Panelists include: Craig Dominey, camera ready program manager with the Georgia Film Office; Rebecca Shirley, director of the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program for Dahlonega, Georgia; and Dr. Jeff Marker, head of Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û's Department of Communication, Media & Journalism and an associate professor of film.

Attending the event will be regional government and business leaders, promoters of economic development and the film industry in north Georgia, and Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û students in the film and digital media program. The panel will specifically address the utility and prospects of Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û's film degree.

Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û's degree in film and digital media is a hands-on program that allows students to develop an understanding of films as forms of expression, experience the production process and learn how to succeed in the industry.

"The program of study requires students to become competent in all aspects of production but also requires them to develop expertise in a particular role," Marker said. "Students can use this program to pursue careers in all aspects of the process, as directors, writers, producers, editors, cinematographers, or digital effects specialists."

GPP is a not-for-profit coalition of companies and individuals who are active in the state's film, video, music, and interactive game industries. It was founded in 1995 by a small group of film industry members in Atlanta, and has grown to more than 500 members including directors, producers, writers, television and film crews, broadcasting and television studios, lighting and equipment companies, talent agencies, actors, and musicians.

For more information about Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û's film or other communication programs, visit the . To attend the event, before Feb. 20.