Inaugural “Funwoodies” Awards Celebrates Atlanta’s Unsung Film Heroes One Week Before Oscars

Hosted on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, The Behind the Lens awards featured an evening of celebration and recognition with food, beverages, music and an awards ceremony with several categories ranging from construction coordinator of the year to the visionary award. The event was hosted by Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Dunwoody, Mark Galvin and Executive Director of Women in Film and Television Atlanta, Robyn Watson. The event was organized by an executive committee, including Chair Beth Talbert, Vice-Chair Bari Holmes and Entertainment Coordinator Ashley Rossolillo of Discover Dunwoody.

“This event represents the culmination of our community’s collaborative spirit and shared vision. We’ve created not just a gathering, but a meaningful experience where unsung heroes of film and entertainment are recognized and thanked,” said Chair of Behind the Lens Awards, Beth Talbert, “The enthusiastic participation we witnessed reinforces the value of thanking the people who have struggled over the last few years.”

Award recipients include:

• Construction Coordinator of the Year was awarded to both Adam Johnson and Marlow Sanchez, recognizing their contributions to sustainable construction practices and solutions in set design.
• Jay Heiskell, global senior account manager at American Express Global Business Travel, received the Marriott Travel Planner of the Year award for his work in production travel logistics.
• The Location Manager of the Year award was presented to both Kyle Carey and Tony Holley for their ability to discover filming locations while maintaining community relationships.
• Ebony Blanding of RE:IMAGINE was named Distinguished Production Associate of the Year, selected by a committee representing Assembly Atlanta, WIFTA, and Universal Production Services.
• The evening’s highest honor, the Visionary Award, was presented to Hilton Howell, chairman, president & CEO of Gray Television, for his approach to studio design and commitment to supporting below-the-line worker.

“I’d like to thank Discover Dunwoody, Georgia Entertainment, and NBC Universal. (You) have brought an enormous amount of awareness to the incredible talent we have right here, in Georgia. It is an honor to be among those recognized tonight,” said winner of the Visionary Award, Hilton Howell.

The awards ceremony was made possible through the support of Diamond Sponsors including NBCUniversal, Assembly Atlanta, Classic Tents & Events, Georgia Entertainment, and Marriott International.

The event was further supported by numerous destination, silver, and bronze sponsors, including The Macon Film Commission, The Gwinnett Film Commission, MBS Equipment Company, and multiple prominent studios and production service providers throughout Georgia.

The success of this inaugural celebration has already created excitement for next year’s ceremony, with plans underway for the 2026 “Funwoodies” to continue recognizing the contributions of behind-the-lens professionals in Georgia’s entertainment industry.

For more information on the “Funwoodies” Behind the Lens Awards, please contact Beth Talbert.