Local Voices, Global Impact: The Power of Community-Driven Creativity
Hey Creative Bestie!
Sorry this is a bit later than usual! I just got back from SXSW in Austin and have been playing catch-up ever since. The convergence of film, music, technology and entrepreneurship created this incredible atmosphere of possibility. The festival was packed with inspiring moments and meaningful connections that reminded me why we build creative communities in the first place. I loved meeting fellow podcasters, filmmakers, and creative entrepreneurs who are building authentic work outside traditional systems. If we chatted in Austin, please reach out, I'd love to continue our conversation!
NEW EPISODE: "Can Local Voices Reshape Creative Industries?"
Our latest episode of Could Be Pretty Cool News features Darius Evans, co-president of Georgia Production Partnership, and muralist Elaine Stephenson. Together, they explore how Georgia's creative entrepreneurs are navigating industry transitions and building sustainable futures.
Some key highlights from our conversations:
Darius's vision for Georgia's film industry becoming "uniquely Georgia" rather than "Hollywood of the South"
How independent producers can fill the gap as Hollywood productions shift elsewhere
Elaine's journey from corporate graphic design to running her own successful mural business
Building business infrastructure as a creative entrepreneur (forming LLCs, handling contracts, securing insurance)
Creating supportive networks like ATL Art Gals to uplift fellow female artists
Both guests emphasize that building from within our communities creates more sustainable creative ecosystems than chasing external validation.
Can Local Voices Reshape Creative Industries?
Listen Here
The Young Creator Electorate: Gen Z on AI
I'm thrilled to announce our special project, The Young Creator Electorate, produced in partnership with the Georgia Public Broadcasting Student Voices Collective.
These young creators offer refreshingly nuanced perspectives, from embracing AI as a collaborative tool to expressing concerns about copyright, authenticity, and the potential displacement of early-career opportunities.
This collaboration showcases the importance of amplifying young voices in conversations that will shape their creative futures.
Speaking at SETC in Baltimore
I'm excited to be speaking at the Southeastern Theatre Convention (SETC) in Baltimore on March 22 at 12 noon! My session on "Dramaturgical Podcasting 101" will explore how theatrical storytelling techniques can elevate podcast narratives and create more immersive listening experiences.
We'll cover how podcasts can help theaters introduce audiences to unfamiliar or challenging new works, providing context and building excitement before opening night. I'll share strategies for creating audio content that engages potential audiences while deepening their understanding and appreciation of theatrical productions, particularly useful for new works that might be harder to sell through traditional marketing channels.
If you're attending SETC, please come say hello! I'd love to meet more creative besties in person.
Catch Me on TV!
In completely unrelated news, I'll be on your TV screens! I was a contestant on the Fox game show Person, Place or Thing? and the episode airs this evening. Check your local listings to see how I did!
I can't reveal the outcome (no spoilers!), but I can tell you it was one of the most exhilarating creative challenges I've ever faced. The pressure of thinking on your feet with cameras rolling gives you a whole new appreciation for performers who make it look easy. Tune in to see if my podcast knowledge translates to game show success!
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Best of luck in all your endeavors!
Kacie Luaders | Founding Producer, Could Be Pretty Cool