Page 6 - The American Lawyer Trailblazers - South 2022

Georgia

Leslie F. Spasser

Polsinelli

What was the genesis of the idea/path that has made you a trailblazer?
The issues of privacy, ownership and bias in the AI space combine to form a mix of technology, operational, be-
havioral and policy questions that current laws are not yet equipped to address. Analyzing and advising clients on
these issues allows for creativity and requires deep engagement with clients’ business and technology organiza-
tions. I embrace these challenges and the opportunity to partner with clients to enable the use of AI applications
while understanding and taking steps to mitigate the associated risks.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
As IA becomes ubiquitous, I help clients to develop policies and business practices to protect their intellectual
property and to enjoy the benefits and efficiencies AI offers while acting, and requiring vendors to act responsibly.
What bearing will this have on the future?
Regulation of AI is on the horizon. So if I can help clients anticipate and take proactive steps to get ahead of the
regulations, they will be much better positioned to respond when regulations are issued, instead of trying to ret-
rofit their policies and practices to comply.

Stephen Weizenecker

Barnes & Thornburg

What was the genesis of the path that has made you a trailblazer?
I got involved in the continued development of the Georgia Entertainment Industry Incentive Act because of my
volunteer activities with Georgia Production Partnership, and involvement with another group of lawyers who
were trying to bring film and TV production to Georgia. My involvement with the Georgia Film Academy train-
ing came about when the program was initiated by Governor Deal. The Attorney General at the time, Sam Olens,
was asked to work on this program and he reached out to me to help him and his staff with this new program. A
partner in my law firm, Howard Fabrick, had worked in the past with labor unions in Texas to create their educa-
tion program. Using his experience and my knowledge of the film industry, we were able to help the Georgia Film
Academy become one of the most effective workforce development programs.
What sort of change has resulted from the concept?
The Georgia Film tax credit and the advent of the Georgia Film Academy has resulted in Georgia becoming a
thriving center for production behind only California and New York and one of the top production locations in the
world. There has been over $4 billion in economic impact from the film and entertainment industry. Numerous
sound stages have been built to house all of this activity. Many Georgians have learned how to provide goods and
services to this growing industry.
What bearing will this have on the future?
Thanks to the Georgia Entertainment Industry Incentive Act and the strength of its crew and large number of
sound stages, Georgia will remain one of the top locations for film and television for years to come. Most impor-
tantly, the Georgia trained people will go to other filming destinations and bring their knowledge with them. Also,
Georgia will remain the backdrop of some of the best content like Black Panther, the Hunger Games, Stranger
Things, etc. and recognized by fans of these films and TV shows.

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