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Emmy Award winner and two-time Grammy Award Nominee David Cross is an acclaimed comedian, actor, writer and producer and one of Georgia’s most distinctive creative voices with a remarkable body of work across standup comedy, film, and television. Born in Atlanta, his career stands as a powerful reminder of the caliber of talent that Georgia can produce. He is best known as the co-creator and star of the influential HBO sketch series Mr. Show with Bob and David, and for his iconic role of Tobias Fünke on the Emmy Award-winning series Arrested Development. Cross was also part of the ensemble cast of The Ben Stiller Show, earning an Emmy Award for writing early in his career. His latest stand-up special, The End Of The Beginning Of The End, premiered April 7th exclusively on YouTube with 800 Pound Gorilla Media and produced by YMH Studios.

With a career spanning decades, Packer has built one of the most commercially successful careers in modern Hollywood having grossed more than $1 billion worldwide at the box office From Girls Trip to Think Like A Man, he is one of the most prominent and impactful producers in the industry. With his production company, Will Packer Productions and Will Packer Media, he has centered and elevated Black actors and stories and played a large role in transforming the city of Atlanta into a major player for Hollywood.

Hilton Howell currently serves as the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Gray Television and Atlantic American Corporation, and the Founder and CEO of Assembly Studios. Hilton brings over 25 years of experience in both the broadcast and insurance industries and began his career practicing law prior to entering business. Hilton is on the board of directors of the Broadcasting Foundation of America, the Advisory Council for the Center for Leadership and Ethics for the University of Texas at Austin, and the Advisory Board of Curant Health Care. He is also a former member of the board of directors of the National Association of Broadcasters, and a former member of the NBC Affiliate Board. Hilton was named Broadcast & Cable’s Broadcaster of the Year in 2019 and was honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America with the Golden Mike Award in 2022. Having been appointed by Governor Zell Miller to serve on the board of the Georgia Department of Human Resources and serving as Chairman of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Hilton is an active member of the Atlanta community. He has also previously served as a member of the boards of the Woodruff Arts Center, Skyland Trail, Zoo Atlanta, and Camp Sunshine.

Preston’s career reflects a rare balance of artistic versatility, creative leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to the communities that shape independent and regional filmmaking. From her acclaimed, Emmy-winning performances to her work behind the camera as a director and producer, she has consistently championed character-driven storytelling that resonates across both television and film. Her longstanding ties to the Southeast and continued work within Georgia’s thriving production ecosystem underscore a meaningful connection to the artists, crews, and institutions that define Atlanta’s creative identity.

Alex Orr’s work represents the spirit of independent filmmaking that continues to define and elevate Georgia’s place in the global film landscape. As both a creative force and a collaborator, he has demonstrated a commitment to character-driven storytelling and visually compelling narratives that reflect the depth and diversity of contemporary cinema. His ongoing work within Georgia’s production community speaks to a meaningful investment in the crews, locations, and creative networks that have made Atlanta a vital hub for filmmakers.