DATE: 8/15/23
TIME: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
LOCATION: Manuel’s Tavern
PRICE: Free
Set safety doesn't just fall under one department. This month at Eat, Drink & B-Indie, join ATLFS for a moderated conversation with our very own Education Manager, Melissa Simpson, and special guests, Kristina Arjona, Renee Hill-Sweet, and Ian Simpson to discuss the responsibilities of each department, the future of set safety, and how we all play a part in keeping sets safe.
Kristina Arjona (She/They) has worked in the southeast film market for over 10 years as a director, 1st AD, actor, and now intimacy coordinator. She is certified through Intimacy Professionals Association and is Mental Health First Aid Certified. Kristina developed the Color Code Protocol, a communication technique and safety standard for working with sensitive material in film, adapted with the help of the sex-positive community, and has spoken about set safety strategies involving intimacy work at several panels and intensives, including the Atlanta Film Festival, Women in Film, and the Women in Production Summit. Her recent intimacy coordinator credits include Netflix's XO, Kitty; Showtime's George & Tammy (starring Jessica Chastain & Michael Shannon); Amazon Prime's The Summer I Turned Pretty; FOX's Welcome To Flatch; ABC's Will Trent; and upcoming features One True Loves (starring Simu Liu & Phillipa Soo) and Miller's Girl (starring Jenna Ortega & Martin Freeman)
Renee Hill-Sweet is an Atlanta based 1st AD. A DGA member since 2000, she began her career as a DGA Trainee in the Los Angeles program. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, Renee credits the surge in Black directors in the 90's to the pique in her interest in filmmaking. She takes great pride in her role as a leader on set. Renee strives to create a safe, collaborative environment for the actors & crew members that she works with. You may have seen her work on shows such as Atlanta and Cobra Kai. Renee's most recent project is Average Joe for BET+
Ian Simpson has worked in the film and television industry for over a decade. He received a degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta in Digital Filmmaking and Media Production. Ian started out as an editor before making the move into locations. He has since worked as a Key Assistant Locations Manager on productions such as Blue Beetle and Haunted Mansion, as well as Assistant Location Manager on productions such as Dynasty and Doom Patrol.