• Tyler Perry makes Fort McPherson plans

    Tyler Perry Halts Studio Expansion Due To Sora, AI Advances

    2 Min Read

    Movie mogul Tyler Perry was in the midst of an $800 million expansion of his southwest Atlanta movie studio but has stopped it indefinitely due to the advances of artificial intelligence, also known as ai.

    Perry, who’s latest film, Mea Culpa is on Netflix, says that ai is something that will radically transform the movie business — and he and others need to be prepared. He mentioned that Sora, Google’s new AI text-to-video platform, is a game-changer.

    Tyler Perry Says AI Is ‘Game Changer’ For Movies And More

    “Being told that it can do all of these things is one thing, but actually seeing the capabilities, it was mind-blowing,” he told the The Hollywood Reporter. “I had gotten word over the last year or so that this was coming, but I had no idea until I saw recently the demonstrations of what it’s able to do. It’s shocking to me.”

    Perry is talking about OpenAI’s Sora project, which has not been officially released, but is still a research project. Some demonstration videos have been making the rounds on social media.

    Sora’s latest demonstrations, which have been stunning in their realism and quality.

    Perry told the publication that there’s no doubt that jobs will be lost to AI and that is one of the things that concerns him the most. When asked if he’s using AI in his films, Perry says he’s done so already.

    “I just used AI in two films that are going to be announced soon. That kept me out of makeup for hours. In post and on set, I was able to use this AI technology to avoid ever having to sit through hours of aging makeup,” he told THP.

    Final Word

    AI is not coming down the road, it’s already here. Businesses need to prepare themselves.

    While AI is sure to take jobs, there will also be an opportunity for professionals to specialize in mastering it to some degree.

    See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

     Read More From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Usher gets married in Las Vegas

    Usher Marries Longtime Girlfriend In Las Vegas

    3 Min Read

    It’s official: Usher Raymond, 45, has tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea, 40, in Las Vegas. Usher came clean on his Instagram with the release of several photos of the nuptials.

    When Did Usher Get Married?

    Usher and Jennifer got married on Feb. 11 on Vegas, which is where the singer performed at Super Bowl LVIII. Instead of opting for a huge ceremony with hundreds of people, the couple got hitched via a drive-thru wedding package.

    It was reported that Usher’s mother Jonetta Patton witnessed the nuptials and signed the marriage certificate as such.

    Usher Raymond and his kids

    Goicoechea, who is Italian and Puerto Rican, was reared in Miami.

    In an interview with People, Usher said he felt a type of way when fans learned that he had married his first wife, Tameka Foster.

    “I think I became very closed and then felt attacked in many ways,” he said. “It was a bit unconventional in a time when I felt like my female fans were judgmental of the woman that I chose.” 

    Looking back, he says that colorism played a major role.

    “She was a dark-skinned woman, and maybe they didn’t want to love her in a way because of maybe some reason that had to do with themselves,” he explained while adding, “I don’t know. Or maybe she was not the best reference because of how she handled herself. That’s not for me to be concerned about. I did my part and what I thought was right.”

    He also told People.com that his hit album Confessions was largely based on what his producer Jermaine Dupri was going through, but much of it was his own storyline as well.

    “The reality of where it landed and the expression of what that was about, it wasn’t exactly in order of the way or better yet in the moment when I delivered that song,” Usher said. “We go through things in life and sometimes we make decisions based off of what we feel is best or right, and more than likely, will best serve the child. But the reason why I talked about it is because I’m not the only person who will experience that as men.”

    Final Word

    We at AtlantaFi.com wish the Raymonds all the best not just this weekend, but every Atlanta weekend.

    Usher has two sons from a previous relationship with ex-wife Tameka Foster — “Cinco” V and Naviyd Ely — as well as a daughter — Sovereign Bo and a son, Sire Castrello — with his wife, Jenn Goicoechea.

    There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

    Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!

    Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:

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  • Usher interview

    Report: Usher TV Series In The Works

    2 Min Read

    Riding off his success from his Super Bowl performance, eight-time Grammy winner Usher is producing a series based on his music, according to news reports. The news comes just as the singer has announced a multi-city tour.

    The drama series will be produced in partnership with UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, according to Variety.

    Kenny Meiselas Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Katie Zucker have signed on as executive producers.

    “My 30-year catalog has resonated with so many people no matter where they were in their lives,” Usher said. “I’m happy to be working with UCP to bring the music to life. I hope the series resonates with you the way my music continues to.”

    The drama series is about, “Black love in Atlanta and individuals looking to find a place to call home. The series will explore music, style, sex, romance and secrets that threaten to tear relationships apart,” according to the logline.

    What’s not known yet is who will star in the series and what streaming services will eventually buy it and stream it.

    Usher has also announced a national tour, which comes to his home — Atlanta — and other cities. His new album “Coming Home,” dropped in early February.

    Final Word

    Usher is a busy person. Dude just got married as well.

    There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

    Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!

    Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:

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  • Hamilton review in Atlanta.

    Hamilton Review in Atlanta: Musical, Federalist History Unfurls at The Fox

    4 Min Read

    The crowd was electric the night I went to see Hamilton at the fabulous Fox Theatre. The weather was on the chilly side, so the audience was largely dressed in heavy, layered clothing. I saw a lot of bubble jackets and even some minks.

    Hamilton In Atlanta: What To Expect

    The Fox Theatre, with its rich history in illustrious Midtown Atlanta, is the perfect venue for something like Hamilton. My seat was fairly close to the stage and so I got to see all the action pretty close up.

    The show had good pacing, although I will admit the politics of it all seemed a bit much by the time the musical entered its last stanza. Some of the standout songs for me were One Shot, which was the second tune performed. Also, You’ll Be Back and the 10 Duel Commandments, which borrow heavily from Notorious Big’s song of a similar name.

    Throughout it all, we got to live through the rise of Alexander Hamilton as a political statesman who rubbed shoulders with and who was himself a Founding Father of America.

    Catch Hamilton In Atlanta This Weekend

    Aside from a scandalous turn with a mistress and a duel that ended tragically, Hamilton’s life played out pretty much like you would expect for a politician today.

    Some of the songs were super-catchy, but the rapid-fire rhymes – spoken or sung over pulsing music – largely went over the heads of many an attendee.

    If you know anything about Hamilton, you know that it has become the darling of the play circuit ever since it debuted on Broadway in 2015.

    Since then, the play has garnered significant acclaim and racked up numerous Tony Award nominations, winning Best Musical and also scoring a Grammy Award and a Pulitzer Prize for its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

    Miranda, the show’s creator, appeared on stage for about a year before departing for good in the summer of 2016.

    Miranda got the idea for the musical after reading Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton while on vacation.

    The show begins with an earnest Alexander Hamilton, played spectacularly by Pierre Jean Gonzalez, thinking about his station in life and dreaming big with his comrades.

    Tyler Fauntleroy, who plays John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, impresses throughout with some strong wordplay and pacing to keep the story moving, The Virginia Commonwealth alum and Succession actor shines throughout.

    Deon’te Goodman (The Prince of Egypt and Freedom Riders musicals) seemed to win the audience over with his starturns as Aaron Burr, but Marcus Choi (“Wicked” and the “Flower Drum Song.” excellently cast as George Washington, held his own throughout much of the middle of the musical.

    Without a doubt, Neil Haskell – whose past credits include Glee, So You Think You Can Dance and MTV’s Faking It –  stole the show with his open-mouthed vocals as King George, which the crowd loved.

    The beautiful Lencia Kebebe turned in a star performance as Angelica Schuymer, which helped along with Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama (Peggy Schuymer and Maria Reynolds) to balance out the melodies with some very strong female vocals.

    Final Word

    Hamilton has been out now for nearly a decade and it’s still a formidable force on the stage. That’s a testament to its relevance due to the themes the musical touches on, including immigration, classicism and politics.

    Will Hamilton usher in a new era of hip-hop for Broadway? That remains to be seen.

    More From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Cultivate Food & Coffee Opens in Buckhead Food Hall

    2 Min Read

    Cultivate Food & Coffee, a popular brunch and coffee spot known for its organic roasted coffee and farm-fresh menu, recently debuted its second location at Citizens Market Food Hall in Phipps Plaza.

    What To Order at Cultivate Food & Coffee

    The new Cultivate Food & Coffee features a full coffee bar and popular grab-and-go menu items including:

    • Honey Pot Latte (espresso with almond milk, organic vanilla, and local honey)
    • The Lavender Matcha Green Latte (organic raw ceremonial grade matcha green tea powder, milk, organic honey, and lavender syrup)
    • Café at Pharr’s famous Chicken Salad Sandwiches

    Led by owner Johnny Liu, also known for his success with Atlanta favorites like Café at Pharr and The Hungry Peach, Cultivate has garnered a devoted following since its launch on Howell Mill Road in 2019.

    “We are thrilled to add Cultivate Food & Coffee, one of Atlanta’s most popular coffeehouses, to augment our lineup of unique fast-casual brands serving visitors at Citizens Market Food Hall at Phipps Plaza,” Lindsey Jones, area director of marketing for Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, said in a press release. “To create the best dining experience possible, we wanted to evolve our current offerings with a widely known coffee shop concept admired by locals. This Atlanta-based brand with its large loyal customer base is the perfect partner to add community personality to our diverse food hall options.” 

    Final Sip

    Coffee aside, Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:

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  • Koz

    Mediterranean Street Food Pop-Up KÖZ Opens in Midtown

    2 Min Read

    KÖZ, a Mediterranean Street Food concept, opens for business on February 5, 2024, in Midtown Atlanta, AtlantaFI.com has learned.

    The food pop-up is located at 219 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA, in the back room of Casa Almenara.

    What Is KÖZ?

    KÖZ is a pop-up that offers an authentic Mediterranean Street Food experience. The chef-driven food is prepared over real live fire with wood and charcoal. 

    Named after the Turkish word for Amber, KÖZ will deliver a menu of high-quality, affordable options capturing diverse Mediterranean flavors, according to a press release.

    This spot comes to us from the ventures of seasoned restaurateur Gilbert Yeremian, of Gilbert’s fame.

    Yeremian is responsible for a bevy of restaurants, including Gilbert’s Mediterranean Café, Balance, 10th & Piedmont, HOBNOB, and Casa Almenara.

    The KÖZ menu includes:

    Turkish Barbecue-inspired dishes: Adana Kebab, Lamb Kebab, Charcoal Wings, Seabass

    Vegetarian options: Baba, Hummus, Falafel, and Turkish Shepherd Salad

    Final Bite

    The hours for Casa Almenara are: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri from 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM.

    • Sat:  10:00 AM – 2:00 AM 
    • Sun: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

    Stop by 10th Street to enjoy some authentic Mediterranean cuisine!

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • How To Write A Resume That Will Attract Atlanta's Top Companies

    How To Write A Resume That Will Attract Atlanta’s Top Companies

    3 Min Read

    You’ve got all the skills and expertise for the job, but you’re lacking a standout resume. We’ve all been there at one time or another. The hiring manager won’t give you the time of day without that piece of paper.

    Writing a resume that stands out could actually be just as time-consuming as finding a job. But it’s also very important.

    Here are some ways to write that resume that can get the attention of Atlanta’s top companies.

    How to Write A Resume That Wins Over Atlanta Companies

    Of course, you need a resume, but a lot of people fail to take advantage of a cover letter. The cover letter can steal attention by using powerful action words the employer is looking for.

    Make sure you tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you apply for. Download this free resume template to see how it’s done.

    Every good resume should have a number of key things in common.

    • Keywords that match those in the job description
    • Strong action words in the top third of the page to grab the recruiter’s attention
    • Get it proofread by someone else before you submit

    1. Make Sure Your Personal Information Is Accurate

    There’s nothing worse than adding your name, address, phone number and email address to your email, but one of them is wrong.

    It’s very important than you check that your means of communicating with the job is up to date. That’s the only way they’ll be able to contact you. That leads us to our next point…

    2. Proofread Your Resume

    So many people don’t bother to hire a proofreader to look over the sentence structure, grammar and punctuation of their resume.

    Many recruiters and hiring managers will throw your resume in the trash, if they see errors, especially if it’s for a communications job.

    3. Use Action Words

    If you want to grab their attention, use action words to describe your abilities and skills. Don’t say “used” when you could say “utilized.” Don’t say “came up with” when you could say “devised” or “developed.” Action verbs make a big impact with the hiring manager.

    4. Put The Important Stuff Up High

    The recruiter is not going to wait for you to prove yourself by scanning your resume for important jobs, skills and qualifications. Those things such pop out to them because you’ve showed their importance by putting them up high.

    A recruiter or hiring manager shouldn’t have to scan past the top-third of the page to see your best work. And that note…

    5. Keep It To One Page

    Many experts will tell you that having a two-page resume is not a problem, but here’s the truth Unless you’ve done some really amazing tasks and jobs that you feel the need to itemize, keep your resume to one page.

    Remember, writing a resume involves a good deal of self-editing, so your ability to keep it to one sheet displays not only your ability to showcase only the very best of you, but also your respect for other people’s time.

    Continue Reading…

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  • best Atlanta festivals

    ARTucker Happening This Spring in Tucker

    2 Min Read

    North DeKalb County is shaping up to be jam-packed with fun this year. Tops among the fun-filled activities is ARTucker, a festival you don’t want to miss.

    This is article will tell you everything you want to know about ARTucker, including when it takes place this year.

    What Is ARTucker?

    ARTucker, a free daylong festival in downtown Tucker, showcases local artists and artisans. It’s family-friendly with free children’s activities like face painting, chalking, and includes other family-friendly activities with music, dance, food, and more.

    When Is ARTucker?

    ARTucker, like most metro Atlanta festivals, takes place in the spring. Here is the date and where’s located:

    ARTucker – Festival Details

    • Located at the Church Street Greenspace, 4316 Church Street, Tucker, GA 30084. Convenient parking nearby.
    • Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

    Final Word

    Atlanta is fun in the spring and summer for several reasons. The weather is generally mild and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, picnics in the park, or exploring the city’s many attractions.

    Need some help? Read our guide on outdoor activities.

    The city also comes alive with various events and festivals celebrating everything from arts and culture to great Southern food and music. Additionally, when it’s hot outside in Atlanta, it brings beautiful blooms, especially in places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Atlanta’s best parks, adding to the scenic beauty of the city.

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  • Atlanta casting call

    New Movie ‘Hard Feelings’ Casting In Atlanta Right Now

    3 Min Read

    If you want to appear on the big screen, this may be your big chance. A new film is in production in Atlanta, Georgia, and they are hiring a lot of people.

    Hard Feelings Casting Call In Atlanta: How To Submit

    Here’s how to apply for a role for Hard Feelings, which is currently filming in Atlanta.

    NOW CASTING PAID EXTRAS to FOR MULTIPLE DAYS on the NEW MOVIE, “HARD FEELINGS” in Mabelton, GA .

    CAB Castings, LLC. is looking for PAID EXTRAs (AGES 18-70) to be a part of scenes for the movie, “HARD FEELINGS” filming in Atlanta, GA.

    We are casting for the following specific PAID extras:

    Tuesday, 2/6/24:

    – INNER CITY NEIGHBORHOOD MEMBERS w/ cars that look dated

    *** Please attach Photo of car

    (If chosen w/ your car, you will receive a $25 car bump. We will confirm if with your car during your booking)

    Wednesday, 2/7/24:

    – gas station Patrons w/ cars

    *** Please attach Photo of car

    (If chosen w/ your car, you will receive a $25 car bump. We will confirm if with your car during your booking)

    Thursday, 2/8/24:

    – Grocery Store Patrons- some w/ cars

    *** Please attach Photo of car

    (If chosen w/ your car, you will receive a $25 car bump. We will confirm if with your car during your booking)

    ***Please remember we are shooting in MABLETON, GA.

    ***ALL RACES

    *** Rate: $100/8

    (Please have open availability)

    ***WE ASK THAT WHEN BOOKED AS A PAID EXTRA, YOU BE PREPARED TO WORK AT LEAST A 12HR WORK DAY AS WE DON’T KNOW HOW LONG YOU WILL BE SPECIALLY ON SET… SO PLEASE HAVE OPEN AVAILABILITY FOR THE DAY YOU SUBMIT FOR!!!

    The rate for extras on this production is $100 for 8hrs of work which you will receive in the form of a check in the mail 2 to 3 weeks after filming.

    If available, please email the information below to HARDFEELINGSEXTRAS@GMAIL.COM

    w/ Subject Neighborhood w/ car 2/6

    or

    w/ Subject Line: Gas station w/ car 2/7

    or

    w/ Subject Line: Grocery store w/ car 2/8

    PLEASE INCLUDE ALL INFO BELOW:

    – Name

    – Number

    – Age

    – DATE OF BIRTH.

    – Height

    – Weight

    – Sizes (Shirt, Pants, Jacket, etc.)

    – Race

    – 2 RECENT PICTURES (1 Head shot and 1 Full body)

    -If submitting with your car PLEASE ATTACH A PICTURE OF THE CAR.

    Final Word

    Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel. See our Movies Page for more.

    Are you interested in becoming an actorin Atlanta? You’re in the right place!   

    With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.

    There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.

    See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

     Read More From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • menu from Six Feet Under

    6 Feet Under Opens In Buckhead

    2 Min Read

    Six Feet Under Pub and Fish House, the most important seafood eatery on Atlanta’s eastside has opened a location in Buckhead.

    The new Atlanta restaurant, which is housed in the former space of the ROXX Tavern, is actually a relocation. The original 6 Feet Under was on 11th Street just off Northside Drive and has now closed.

    When it comes to seafood restaurants in Atlanta, Six Feet Under is underrated by many foodies. Just give this new location time and it will be one of the best places to eat in Buckhead (mark my words).

    Is Six Feet Under Worth It?

    Six Feet Under in Grant Park has been serving customers for decades now and there’s a good reason why: The food is good.

    Here’s what one customer said about Six Feet Under recently: “This was my first visit to Six Feet Under, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of its location right in front of a graveyard! In all seriousness, the food was quite enjoyable. I particularly loved the flavors, and their homemade lemonade is absolutely delicious! The service was exceptionally friendly, and I’ll certainly be returning in the future.”

    Here’s what another said about the new Six Feet Under in Buckhead. “I’ve been to the other location but this one is just as good as well! Service is amazing and the food quality is the same. Great portion sizes with meals, I usually get one of the baskets and it never disappoints.”

    What’s On The Menu At Six Feet Under?

    Six Feet Under’s menu features an assortment of seafood, from appetizers like Fried Calamari and Spicy Rat Toes: spicy baked jalapenos stuffed with shrimp and wrapped with crispy bacon; salads Cajun Shrimp Salad, soups like Fish Stew and platters. My favorite is the Fried Seafood Platter and the Blackened Shrimp ‘N Grits Platter.

    Six Feet Under menu

    Where Is Six Feet Under in Buckhead?

    The new Six Feet Under in Buckhead is located at 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd, Atlanta, Ga. 30324. Here is a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

    Buckhead gets another eatery, this time seafood. Check out our guide to Buckhead for more exploratory fun.

    Memphis has its barbecue. New Orleans has its gumbo. Atlanta has its lemon pepper wings and much, much more. The largest city in Georgia’s food festivals and culinary events set the tone for the entire Southeast. 

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