EXPLORING FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT IN CHAMBLEE
Break Free from the Past with EMDR Therapy
Are you carrying the weight of past trauma, anxiety, or painful memories that continue to affect your daily life? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain heal by reprocessing distressing experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming or cause unwanted symptoms.
Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, childhood trauma, grief, or anxiety, EMDR can help reduce emotional distress and restore a sense of calm and control. At our clinic, we offer a safe, supportive environment with experienced EMDR-trained therapists who will guide you through the healing process at your own pace.
You don’t have to stay stuck. Start your journey toward healing today. Please contact erika@emerald-its.com or call or text 980-355-9681 for more information.
FOR EVENT DECOR THAT POPS!
Elevate your events with Balloonacy’s enchanting décor services, tailored to infuse festive spirit into every occasion. For private or corporate holiday parties, our expert team designs stylish decor that transforms the venue into a magical setting, creating the perfect ambiance for celebrations of all kinds!
Exploring hometown talent, creativity, and THE place for storytelling
There is a distinct magic to July. The days are long, the energy is vibrant, and summer always brings an undeniable urge to break free from our routines and discover something new. This month our theme is Explore, and we are turning our lenses toward a side of our community that is quite literally redefining the landscape around us. While we often look at exploration as a journey to far-off places, some of the most groundbreaking creativity in the world is happening right on our doorstep.
In this issue, we invite you to explore the incredible world of Assembly Atlanta and the booming film and entertainment industry that has anchored itself in our local area. What was once a historic industrial footprint has been masterfully transformed into a world-class,135-acre creative playground. From massive soundstages to backlots, this state-of-the-art facility has turned our corner of the metro area into a premier destination for global storytelling. And let's not forget about the real talent we have in Chamblee OnStage. Catch an upcoming performance and see for yourself!
In addition to this local Hollywood boom are the economic and cultural ripple effects that are felt throughout Chamblee every single day. Our local boutiques, bustling restaurants, and creative entrepreneurs are thriving as a new wave of artists and industry professionals call our community home. In the following pages, we go behind the scenes to highlight the incredible workforce, the cutting-edge technology, and the neighbors who are making Georgia's film and entertainment a powerhouse.
We hope this issue inspires you to explore Chamblee with a renewed sense of pride and wonder. The next time you see a production truck downtown or catch a familiar backdrop on your television screen, remember that our city isn’t just growing—it’s helping to shape the cultural zeitgeist. Thank you for exploring with us, and here's to a July filled with curiosity, creativity, and endless discovery.
KEVIN PARKER, PUBLISHER
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Kevin Parker | kevin.parker@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tana Poncsak | tana.poncsak@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Janet Howard | janet.howard@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Natalie Fox | nataliefoxcreative@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Alyssa Kreplin | alyssakreplin@kw.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
inside the issue
Chamblee OnStage Spotlights
Student Talent and Leadership
The
Lights, Camera, Gather
Filming
Here’s
JULY 2026
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Council member Paul Stovall chats with professionals at a recent Chamblee Business Networking Event. 2: Networking and connecting at Chamblee’s Business Networking event held at the Distillery of Modern Art. 3: Renewing old connections and making new ones at a recent Chamblee Business Networking Event. 4: Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock wears ethnic embroidered clothing called Vyshyvankas in celebration of Vyshyvanka Day. 5: Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock stands among Public Works employees recognized at a recent council meeting. 6: A fighter jet at Peachtree DeKalb Airport is ready for rides and tours. 7: Into the wild blue yonder! It’s a beautiful day for rides and tours.
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CITY OF CHAMBLEE
business monthly
Hopstix Celebrates Nine Years
Congratulations to Hopstix as the restaurant celebrates nine years of business in Chamblee. Hopstix is known for its Asian-fusion food and award-winning craft beer. Here's to many, many more years in Chamblee!
Chamblee Welcomes Brookhaven Family Dentistry
Moondog Pub and Grub Celebrates a Milestone
Scan to read more
Brookhaven Family Dentistry has relocated to Chamblee. The locally owned, and community-focused dental practice is now located at 3669 N Peachtree Road, Suite 200. Brookhaven Family Dentistry is known for taking a minimally invasive approach to dentistry. Welcome to Chamblee!
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Moondog Pub and Grub recently celebrated one and a half years of food and fun in Chamblee! Moondog Pub and Grub not only offers great food, it's home of the Atlanta Packer Backers and a packed event calendar!
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Photography by City of Chamblee
Photography by Janet Howard
Photography by City of Chamblee
SPOTLIGHTING STUDENT TALENT AND LEADERSHIP
THE STUDENT BODY TAKES CENTER STAGE AT CHAMBLEE HIGH SCHOOL’S AWARD-WINNING PERFORMING ARTS TRIFECTA
ARTICLE
BY NATALIE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MR. TIMOTHY SIMMONS
Chamblee OnStage brings artistically minded students front and center, onstage and off. Chorus, drama, and musical theater all thrive under this one umbrella. They’re given great responsibility when it comes to every production: they manage choreography, costumes, and musical selection. A dedicated leadership team, newly selected each year, provides a solid structure. The creative collaboration doesn’t stop with the performing arts students; engineering students often come in to build sets! Mr. Timothy Simmons, Choral Director, and their dedicated parent board have the final say on major
“It’s about making the audience feel something and striking an emotion within the people that are listening to our songs.”
Chamblee OnStage Director Timothy Simmons stands with his students at a recent performance.
decisions and handle logistical details such as transportation and mid-rehearsal mealtimes. Cross-disciplinary integration thrives through Chamblee OnStage.
Mr. Simmons joined the program two years ago to build out their choral program at the forefront. Singing is the backbone of musical theater, and his entrance has further elevated Chamblee OnStage’s performances. Trisha Kamat, Sydney Dickerson, and Sydney McMillan represent the type of passionate commitment to the arts that Chamblee OnStage’s student body is known for. "My biggest appreciation for music is the way we make others feel things,” Trisha shares. “It's about making
the audience feel something and striking an emotion within the people that are listening to our songs." All three upperclassmen make it clear that their time spent in this program has brought creative, emotional, and practical rewards. The discipline demanded to put on a powerful show cannot be underestimated.
High school arts programs aren’t solely geared toward those looking to pursue careers in that particular industry. They instill skills that bring invaluable benefits to building a successful adult life. Working well in a team environment, multitasking, maintaining consistent timeliness, and developing confidence in presenting in front of large
groups add immense value to many potential professions. There’s also a special sense of satisfaction each person involved experiences after a successful performance. Joy comes from sharing their work with younger students, serving as a source of inspiration for up-and-coming students, encouraging them to put themselves out there and get involved. “We do something called the Choral Cluster,” Sydney Dickerson excitedly explains. “We invite students from nearby elementary schools and middle schools to come to perform some of their own songs and to watch us perform.” It was attending one of these Choral Clusters as a young girl that led her to join the chorus once she
“We invite students from nearby elementary schools and middle schools to come to perform some of their own songs and to watch us perform.”
entered Chamblee High School. “I was like, ‘Wow, they sound amazing. I want to be a part of that.’”
Chamblee OnStage demonstrates how a public school arts program can achieve extremely high standards, despite not being an art-centric school. Rigorous dedication to technique, particularly in singing, has brought high marks across statewide competitions. "A misconception is that public school choirs are usually just bad,” Sydney McMillan says. “And that's not the case at all. All you need is a good teacher and motivated students. Because we're great,” she finishes with pride.
Speaking with Mr. Simmons and his three students highlights the joy and passion inherent in collaborative creative pursuits. These art forms take time, focus, and bravery. By sharing these efforts alongside other students, teachers, and supportive parents, a sense of cohesion is formed that enhances community enjoyment. Add to that the audiences they’re able to share their hard work with, and Chamblee OnStage brings students into a culturally important and soul-defining
pastime. They even open their doors to students not enrolled in the musical theater class to take part. The performing arts truly are for everyone, and accessibility is key to their future.
Technical rigor and emotional impact collide at Chamblee OnStage. By grouping choir, drama, and musical theater, their program crafts pieces and performances of great value. Band and orchestra join in on the fun too, often performing live for their shows in the pit, widening the net for talented students to get involved and show off their talents.
Mentorship and inspiration flow freely, and the power in affecting audiences increases motivation and overall satisfaction for all. At Chamblee OnStage, students are involved and included in leadership, with the freedom to make many creative decisions and contribute to the program’s growth. It sets the stage for creative confidence and long-term professional capacities. And at the end of the day, singing and performing bring them all joy, which is the truest life-enhancer of all.
Follow along at chambleeonstage.org to stay updated on upcoming productions.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
ARTICLE BY NATALIE FOX
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ASSEMBLY ATLANTA
LIGHTS, Camera, GATHER
Assembly Atlanta is becoming Northeast Atlanta’s entertainment hub
The colossal power inherent in cinematography and community development is personified in Assembly Atlanta. This fully functional studio, on 135 acres of land in Doraville, contains an ever-evolving vision. Gray Media, in partnership with NBCUniversal, is dedicated to contributing to the state of Georgia’s entertainment industry long-term. Over the past 30 months, they’ve churned out a plethora of top-tier projects. This ideal filming home is set to expand its reach by welcoming all locals into its brand-new outdoor amphitheater. A proper bandshell, affectionately coined “the Pringle chip” by those in the know, has the goal of becoming the entertainment center of northeast Atlanta. Gathering together, in the pursuit of connective entertainment, is what Assembly Atlanta is all about.
Initial concepts by CEO Hilton Howell included a handful of soundstages across 10 acres. In partnership with developer Jay of The Company, Assembly Atlanta’s scope went from 10 acres to 135 acres. This plot of land in Doraville came up for sale at a time so perfect, it felt like kismet. Now, 30 months in, the company considers itself in Phase Two of its long-term vision. The aim? To become a wholly unique mixed-use development, providing toptier services to productions of all kinds, in service of the greater Georgia community.
Justin Campbell, vice president of Studio Operations, is a native Georgian (born and raised in Snellville) with a degree in Telecommunication Arts from the University of Georgia. Justin worked for twelve years in physical film production,
rising through the ranks from production assistant to production supervisor. His exemplary hard-won passion makes him the perfect logistical engine for Assembly Atlanta. Justin previously worked with Netflix, Fox, CBS, and ABC. This wide-ranging track record directly impacts his ability to balance creative visions with financial constraints, further enhancing the experience of every project that films at Assembly Atlanta.
Furthermore, as the main conduit of NBCUniversal, his background blends well with managing the studio’s high-level assets available to every artist. “It's incredible the access we have to the resources and the assets of Universal that no other studio in the state has,” Justin says with conviction. They provide a “white glove service” that’s truly unique, with 24/7 site management and round-the-clock work order fulfillment. "We put in catwalks, which are like service runways,” Justin explains. “We’re the only purpose-built facility in the state that has that in every single soundstage." Each soundstage also includes state-of-theart sound attenuation to drown out the sounds of nearby 285, Marta, and the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport’s flight path. They’re also each equipped with 100 tons of HVAC, geared to combat Northeast Georgia’s unpredictable weather. The studio spaces aren’t only for filming, either; they’ve been utilized for corporate events, immersive experiences, and even sports leagues. “We wanted to bring new brands and have places put their flag in Georgia,” Justin shares, “to create sustained and, hopefully, permanent partnerships here.”
“The reason we all get together and create this content is to tell a story and bring people together...”
Over 80 of the 135 acres are undeveloped, overflowing with chameleonesque capabilities for location shoots: their land has transformed into Colleton County, South Carolina, for Hulu’s “Murdaugh Murders” starring Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette, and Savannah, Georgia, for Apple's “Cape Fear” starring Amy Adams and Javier Bardem. Other notable projects include the Atlanta-based “Fight Night” and the popular new soap opera “Beyond the Gates,” set in the Washington D.C. suburbs.
With every notable project on the books, Assembly Atlanta adds a surge to the local economy. “We’ll have people working here daily when it’s fully booked and operational,” Justin tells me. "The impact is like when you throw a rock in a pond and that ripple effect... it does that in the local economies, the small businesses, and Georgians."
This specific art form requires a wide range of local industries, from lumber transport to truck drivers, grips, and electricians. Casting an even wider net, a localized film and television set provides business to nearby restaurants, dry cleaners, and catering. The cast and crew spend a large chunk of their time on location, and thus, local businesses benefit.
That ripple effect is set to expand on an even wider scale with the opening of Assembly Atlanta’s Outdoor Amphitheater. This highly unique timber structure is the first of its kind in all of North America. Newly open to the public, their opening public event in late June, in conjunction with Telemundo, the FIFA World Cup watch parties set the stage for all the merriment to come. Events like these are primed to welcome community members for connective entertainment experiences we all look forward to. It’s a chance to get people on site and have them realize that Assembly Atlanta isn’t only Georgia’s premier film studio; it’s a space designed for gathering, with a long future ahead that will welcome the public for unparalleled community events.
“We wanted to bring new brands and have places put their flag in Georgia, to create sustained and, hopefully, permanent partnerships here.”
Film and television carry vast cultural and societal importance. Storytelling in this medium cultivates community not only through gathering and watching alongside others, but by offering a lens that steps into others' stories, experiences, and cultures. Empathy intensifies, we feel less alone, and have the opportunity to engage with artistic expertise that inevitably enhances our view of the world.
Assembly Atlanta is just getting started, with seven active productions scheduled to film on its lot in the third quarter of the year. “The reason we all get together and create this content,” Justin says, “is to tell a story and bring people together to experience it.” When looked at through the macrocosm, popular media influences trends, tastes, and long-term aspirations. Justin recalls first wanting to work in the film industry because it looked “fast-paced and exciting” when he saw it depicted on screen. This work requires lightning-fast problem-solving, which adheres to tight deadlines and budgetary restraints. “And is it fast-paced and exciting?” I ask him. Without missing a beat, he says with a smile, “Oh yes.”
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
Al Fr es co STYLE
Spending time outdoors and enjoying friends and family over good food and drinks is a great way to enjoy the season’s beautiful weather. From the fresh flower arrangements, produce, and herbs, this earthy spread is brimming with character and flavor. The earthy ceramic and clay vases give the perfect vessel to fill with organic cut herbs and handpicked wildflowers. We arranged a beautiful medley of Queen Anne’s lace, mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, lamb’s ear, nigella, buddleia, oregano, dill, feverfew, and geranium to name just a few of these beautiful blooms. We love a good home-cooked menu mixed with a signature drink, so we paired our meal with a delicious craft cocktail. Buttermilk brined fried chicken was a must for this outdoor party. A delicious peach bread pudding with salted vanilla caramel cream rounded out our meal for the perfect sweet treat. We wanted to share a few of our favorite recipes for you to try at home. Enjoy!
FARM-TO-TABLE ENTERTAINING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS
Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
Dried spice mix
• 2 tablespoons white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons cayenne
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 teaspoons onion powder
• Palm kosher salt
Buttermilk Brine
• 4 cups buttermilk
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1/2 of spice mixture
Dredge
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Whole cut up chicken or 2 bone-in breasts, 2 thighs and 2 drumsticks
To cook
• 4 cups shortening
INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinate chicken in brine for up to 24 hours. Place chicken in large Ziploc bag and pour marinade over top. Add fresh sage and store in fridge. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a baking rack with a sheet pan for raw chicken and one for cooked chicken. Add remaining spice mixture to flour mixture. Whisk together well. Heat shortening to 350 degrees. (Preference is cast iron Dutch oven) Pull chicken out of buttermilk mixture and let drip. Coat firmly in flour mixture and set on raw chicken rack. Complete each piece of chicken. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in oil and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Place on cooked chicken rack. Put cooked chicken in oven to complete cooking for 15 minutes. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving!
Peach Bread Pudding
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 loaf brioche
• 5 fresh peaches
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. Dice peaches into medium dice. Place peaches, white sugar, and butter in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved and peaches are soft. Mix all other ingredients together. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan and add peach mixture with brioche pieces and then add milk mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting.
El Ahumado
“Spanish for Smoky”
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 ounces Reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce aperol
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 1/4 ounces luxardo cherry syrup
• 1 spritz of Mezcal
INSTRUCTIONS:
Lightly sweet, pleasantly bitter. The Mezcal adds just a hint of smoke to make a beautifully balanced, interesting cocktail.
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN CHAMBLEE.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from July-December 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.
Curating beautiful spaces that tell your unique story.
www.perrypriceinteriors.com
Filming in Chamblee
Here’s a little bit of a behind the scenes when productions come to Chamblee
Living in the Atlanta area, residents may be used to seeing the small and usually bright yellow signs with black letters indicating that filming is taking place somewhere nearby. Part of the fun is deciphering the code to figure out what’s being filmed. Then heading to the theater once the film is released to see familiar places in the background on the big screen. For some of the more well-known and iconic television shows such as The Walking Dead and Stranger Things, you can find online lists of filming locations for self-guided tours.
While we’re exploring film and entertainment in Georgia, and more specifically in Chamblee, we contacted the city to find out about the process involved when a production company finds the perfect location in Chamblee.
Ashley Youmans is the director of Economic Development, the department that’s responsible for Film Production Permits for the city of Chamblee. Ashley says the Film Production Ordinance outlines what’s required, and a permit is required for any production of any size on public or private property with the exception being a news broadcast. An application for a film permit is required for all productions that includes detailed information and all relevant attachments, such as a site plan, a traffic control plan if there is a need for street closings, and more. The production company is also required to distribute a notification letter to any nearby residences and businesses that could be affected by filming and any street closures. Chamblee requires the completed Film Permit Application to be submitted at least five business days before the start of filming, so there's enough time to review the application and route it to the various city departments as well as the DeKalb Fire Marshall. Permitting also includes fees based on type and the various needs of the production.
ARTICLE BY TANA PONCSAK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
While recently there’s been noise about a decrease in the amount of filming currently in the state, Ashley says that from 2024 to 2025, filming in and around Chamblee almost doubled. “In addition to seeing more applications, we saw bigger productions,” Ashley says, adding that total collected fees from Film Production Permits in 2024 was just shy of $13,000 compared to $54,850 in 2025.
Ashley Youmans, director of Economic Development for the city of Chamblee
Photography Provided by City of Chamblee
According to a July 26, 2018, TIME Magazine article, “How Georgia Became the Hollywood of the South: TIME Goes Behind the Scenes,” by Eliana Dockterman, the state worked to attract Hollywood in 2008 when then governor Sonny Perdue signed what was deemed a “generous tax incentive” for filming productions in the state. Since then the film industry has seen its share of ups and downs, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From a numbers standpoint, Ashley says there have been fluctuations over the last few years, but in 2025 21 Film Permit Applications were submitted,
which was an increase over the previous years that she attributes, at least in part, to the opening of Assembly Atlanta.
At the time we spoke with Ashley, she indicated that a television series had recently wrapped up a day shoot in the city, and a documentary was also filming during the week. Now at the mid-year mark, final numbers for 2026 remain to be seen, but Ashley notes that Film Permit Applications typically pick up during the summer and seem to be on a similar track compared to prior years.
To learn more about film permits and filming in Chamblee, visit chambleega.com . For more information about filming in DeKalb County, visit decidedekalb.com . To learn more about filming in Georgia, what’s filming, how you can get involved, visit georgia.org
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS JULY
events
JULY 1ST
Storybook Time at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden | 10:00 AM
Come hear nature-inspired stories at the Atlanta Botanical Garden led by Ms. Ally. The engaging stories are about bees, flowers, butterflies and other garden friends and perfect for ages 1 - 4 years accompanied by an adult. The location is in the Children’s Garden Amphitheatre. For more information about Storybook Time, other events, and tickets, visit atlantabg.org.
JULY 1ST
FIFA Fan Festival
Centennial Olympic Park | 11:00 AM
Join the fun as the FIFA Fan Festival continues from July 1 to July 15. It's a massive soccer festival celebrating the FIFA World Cup. The festival features watch parties, live music, food and family-friendly activities. For more information and tickets, visit atlantafwc26.com
JULY 4TH
Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race
Lenox Square | 7:00 AM
It’s a July 4th tradition that brings more than 60,000 runners and walkers together. And for the first time in history, there’s a new title partner for the iconic race, Northside Hospital. The 10K race starts at Lenox Square and participants will cross the finish line in Piedmont Park. Spectators are welcome to cheer along the way! Visit atlantatrackclub.org
JULY 4TH
Chamblee July 4th Concert & Fireworks
Chamblee City Hall | 6:00 PM
Robin Thicke will headline this free Independence Day concert as part of the Chamblee Summer Concert Series. The event includes food, entertainment and fun! So come to Chamblee's biggest Independence Day celebration to party with your friends and neighbors. For more information, visit Chambleerocks.net.
JULY 11TH
Quarter Final Watch Party
Plaza Fiesta | 5:00 PM
Gather together at 5 p.m. on July 11 at the Plaza Fiesta for the Quarter Final Watch Party. Be ready for good food and fun as you cheer your team to victory and a chance to compete in the Final. Then on July 19 return to the Plaza Fiesta for the Final Watch Party. For more information, visit chambleega.com.
JULY 25TH
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Piedmont Park | 11:00 AM
What's better than a cold treat on a hot day? The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival! The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival is set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 25 in Piedmont Park. The fun-filled day will include unique wellness activities, live music, food, a wellness zone, and of course, ice cream and more. Visit icecreamfestival.com for more info.
Shop Local
At Nuts ‘n Berries Neighborhood Market
Nuts ‘n Berries is more than your favorite health food store. We’re your neighbors, too. For over 40 years we have proudly served the greater Brookhaven & Chamblee communities. Count on us for everything you need, from fairly priced local better-than-organic meat and eggs to premium vitamins & supplements to support your healthy lifestyle. We’re more than a grocery store – we’re your health partners. Guided by the belief that food is medicine, we’ll help you nourish your body with the right nutrients, and assist you in solving health puzzles, every step of the way. With 1,000’s of products you can feel good about, we’re close to home and dedicated to keeping you and our entire community healthy.