This episode of Savannah Chamber Connect features Walker Dalton of the Savannah Regional Film Commission discussing how the commission markets the region, supports productions with permitting and customer service, leverages Georgia incentives and local rebates, and highlights Savannah’s diverse locations, film tourism, and workforce pipeline including SCAD; he also notes recent and current projects such as Comeback King, Road House 2 stunt work, and other units, plus relationship-building travel like Georgia Night in LA.
Retired Army Captain Tyler Merritt shares how Nine Line Apparel grew from unit morale shirts into a major brand, explains its rapid product testing and operations, and details Nine Line Foundation efforts supporting nonprofits and initiatives like accessible homes and homeless veterans.
Claudette Schomburg outlines the Savannah Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting Council and how businesses and volunteers can get involved. The show previews the free, public 2026 Business Expo and Business Connection on Sept. 24 at Kehoe Iron Works, including booth and sponsorship details.
Learn more about the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
MEET OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: STERLING SEACREST PRITCHARD
Walker Dalton, Executive Director Savannah Film Commission
Walker Dalton has worked in production and photography for over 20 years. Starting out as a photo editor on Saban’s Power Rangers and moving up to producing photo shoots for ABC, Disney, and NBC. While at NBC he moved into producing the Emmy awards winning Jay Leno’s Garage web-series which then became broadcast show on CNBC for 7 seasons. He left LA in 2018 to produce fashion and documentary films film for the Savannah College Art and Design where he found a love and passion for Savannah production community.
Savannah Film Commission - https://www.filmsavannah.org/
CPT (retired) Tyler Meritt - Founder, Nine Line Foundation
https://www.ninelinefoundation.org/meet-the-founder
Nine Line Foundation was founded in 2013 by CPT Tyler Merritt, USA, a member of the Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. When Tyler, his wife, Angela and brother, Daniel created Nine Line Apparel, their vision was simple: to create a high quality clothing brand to be enjoyed by patriotic Americans around the globe. In the past few years, their brand has grown, and Tyler decided to give back to the community through expanding the Nine Line brand and incorporating the Nine Line Foundation.
Council Update: Ribbon Cutting Council
Member Services Coordinator, Savannah Chamber of Commerce
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:38 Today’s Guests Preview
01:56 Film Commission 101
02:52 Savannah as Backlot
05:58 Incentives and Economics
10:05 SCAD Talent Pipeline
13:24 SCAD Film Festival Impact
15:18 Recent Productions Highlights
19:12 Winning Long Running Series
19:57 Industry Relationship Trips
21:43 Film Work Is Blue Collar
23:15 Meet the Film Commission Team
25:21 Superstar Spotlight Intro
27:55 Side Hustle Scaling
30:08 Giving Back Mission
31:23 Foundation Impact Stories
34:26 Product Systems Culture
37:25 Savannah Business Advice
39:54 Retail Expansion Plans
45:16 Ribbon Cutting Council
49:56 How Ribbon Cuttings Work
53:36 Join Or Host Events
57:18 Business Expo Details
59:57 Sponsor Thanks Wrap