Atlanta Film Festival 2025 (Day 8) Creative Conference - From Theatre to Film: Living the Double Life

From the venue:

From Theatre to Film: Living the Double Life

A common question film crews hear from theater folks is, "Do my skills have relevance in the film industry?" The simple answer is Yes! Join us as this panel of theatre artists-turned-filmmakers reveals the hidden similarities and differences of living the double life in theater and film and teaches you how you, too, can market yourself and work successfully in both industries.

Moderator:

Amber McGinnis

Amber McGinnis is an award winning filmmaker and theatre director based in Atlanta. Her dark-comedy debut feature film INTERNATIONAL FALLS (now on Hulu) proudly premiered at ATLFF in 2019 before playing at over 20 festivals around the world. She continues to pursue and promote work in both mediums, and will challenge anyone who says she has to choose to a cage match.

Panelists:

Producer, Director Actor Erika Miranda

Erika Miranda is a Mexican-Norwegian actor, producer and director. She received her BFA in Acting from The Theater School at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Erika has pursued additional training from institutions such as the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and Upright Citizens Brigade. Her theater credits extend from Chicago to LA to Atlanta. Some of Erika’s recent TV work consists of acting in a Blumhouse horror film, and FOX’s Monarch and Hulu’s Tell Me Lies. Erika founded Cafecito Productions, an incubative production company in Atlanta, GA. Their first production, Mi Casa, can be found on all HBO platforms. Cafecito’s second film, Sweetie, is a part of the Give Me An A anthology produced by Tasha Halevi, and can be viewed on all VOD platforms. Films produced by Cafecito Productions have been screened at festivals across the country, including Cleveland International and Palm Springs Short Fest. Trailer Trash Magic, Erika's directorial debut, won the GA Film Impact Grant, and premiered at LALIFF in 2024. Erika Miranda was the Executive Producer of SheATL Arts (of SheNY). SheATL is a festival where Erika, alongside staff, mentors up and coming playwrights through the development and production process. Erika has been awarded top accolades in the past couple of years, some of which recently include being named One of the Amazing Women in Film by Oz Magazine (2023). Featured in Telemundo’s Atlanta con Sabor: Latinos in Entertainment Segment (2023). One of Georgia’s Top Industry Influencers by Georgia Entertainment, 2024.

Actor, Director, Choreographer Candy McLellan

Candy is an actor, director, choreographer and does casting for theatre in Atlanta. She also is a tv/ film actress who has appeared in shows like Will Trent, The Resident, Creep show, Florida Man, Hawkeye, P Valley, and many more.

Director, Actor Eric Mendenhall