Star spotting 10/5: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Paul Walker, Jason Momoa

Jennifer Lawrence, Jason Momoa and Jim Carrey are all hard at work on Georgia sets.

Leading up to next month's release of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the mega-franchise is in full-swing filming mode yet again. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" is back in Atlanta, stars and all. Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Julianne Moore in particular have been spotted all over the city, with more of the sprawling cast expected in town over the next several weeks. So far, filming has taken place at Screen Gems Studios, Downtown at the Georgia World Congress Center, at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville with the film currently set up at Pullman Yard in Atlanta's Kirkwood neighborhood.

When Lionsgate decided to split the final book in the series into two films, it was rumored that "Mockingjay - Part 2" would film together with "Part 1." While no official word on this has been issued, it would make sense if there is any truth to the rumors about certain top cast members looking for houses to rent during their stay. Francis Lawrence returns from "Catching Fire" to direct the final installments of the franchise. In addition to Lawrence, Hemsworth and Moore; the cast includes Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Dormer (who will be in attendance at the Savannah Film Festival to accept an award later this month), Patina Miller, Lily Rabe and Wes Chatham.

"Dumb and Dumber To" may not have been a highly anticipated sequel, thanks to two decades passing since the first film and a terrible prequel ("Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd," also shot in Atlanta) acting as a major buzzkill. But fans of the comedy classic have warmly welcomed the franchise back into the fold now that the Farrelly Brothers, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are all back in action. Filming started right around the same time as "Mockingjay - Part 1" in Atlanta's Cabbagetown and Grant Park neighborhoods. Production has so far moved around the state to Grantville and Monroe  and will film in Marietta next week. Kathleen Turner, Rob Riggle, Cam Neely and "The Walking Dead" star Laurie Holden co-star in the film. Jennifer Lawrence has also signed on for a cameo; the news breaking after she was spotted having dinner with Daniels and the Farrelly Brothers at Watershed a couple of weeks back.

"Fast & Furious 7" is another big Hollywood film that has been shooting most of its principal photography in Georgia. Filming has taken place throughout Downtown Atlanta and Grant Park, as well as in Norcross with more shooting scheduled in Forrest Park. Franchise staples Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Dwayne Johnson and Lucas Black will all appear, as well as new additions Jason Statham, Kurt Russell, Djimon Hounsou and Tony Jaa.

Atlanta review: "euphonia" (****)

Maria Decotis stars in "euphonia"

Perhaps the best example of experimental film out of the 2013 Atlanta Film Festival is "euphonia." The film struggles to sit still under the 'experimental' label, however, as it possesses relatable central characters, an even tone and an easily mappable and insular plot. This is perhaps the best-looking feature to ever be made for only $700, and most definitely the best-sounding. An ode to sound tech, "euphonia" is a beacon of Georgia independent film and exactly what experimental film should look and sound like.

Medient & Pinewood to build movie studios in Metro Savannah, Atlanta

Medient Studios Inc. has announced plans for a 1,500 acre movie studio near Savannah. The company is billing the project as the largest movie production facility in America, with various buildings and venues comprising the project. Only a quarter-of-a-million square feet of sound stage exists in preliminary plans, but video gaming space, a 9,000-seat auditorium and a glass-enclosed 25,000-capacity concert venue are included.

Estimates for the cost of the studio range from $90-300 million, including the $10 million for the land acquisition over a 20-year lease. The lot is located along Interstate 16 near Old River Road in the extreme southern portion of Effingham County near Bloomingdale and Pooler, with easy access to both Savannah Hilton Head International Airport and Downtown Savannah. Construction is expected to begin by June and the studio is expected to create 1,000 jobs.

Medient is a Los Angeles based, publicly listed company with strong ties to India. Plans are ambitious, but still vague as no timeline yet exists and the master plan has yet to be submitted to Effingham County. The Effingham County Industrial Authority has already voted unanimously to approve plans. While it is hard to imagine that the final product will be on the same scale in terms of design, these studios are nonetheless great news for Metro Savannah and Georgia's film industry alike.

Georgia indie "euphonia" to premiere at SXSW

There is a lot of intrigue surrounding the new Georgia indie film "euphonia." A purposefully lowercase title... a tagline of "listen." that also serves as an official synopsis... a mysterious and quick-cut trailer full of wild sounds... a 55-minute runtime that sits just inside the line of 'feature' classification. I have only now heard anything about the film– and I still don't know much– but it is premiering as part of the Visions program at Austin's SXSW Film Festival in March.

Written and directed by Danny Madden and starring Madden's younger brother Will along with a few other friends, "euphonia" was made on an astounding $700 budget. Shot it in and around Peachtree City and Atlanta, I have a hunch this will pop up at the Atlanta Film Festival as well (but we'll know for sure soon enough).

Check out the very exciting trailer after the jump.

Get passes to a free screening of "Joyful Noise"

Want tickets to an advanced screening of "Joyful Noise" starring Dolly Parton & Queen Latifah?

The film was shot on location all over metro Atlanta, including Conyers, Dallas, Decatur, Newnan and Peachtree City. Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah play members of the same Georgia church who battle over who is going to lead the church choir in a singing competition. The film looks light and sweet and reminds us a bit of "The Fighting Temptations" from a few years back (another Georgia production).

Get your screening passes after the jump.