This episode is brought to you by the Savannah Economic Development Authority

When many people think of Savannah, they think of a scoop of Leopold's Ice Cream. The brand has become synonymous with the Hostess City and is a reason why Stratton Leopold felt he needed to revive it when he came back to Savannah after a long career in the film industry. On this week's episode of Difference Makers, Leopold talks about his family's history in Savannah, growing up in the city, his time in the film industry, the evolution of the store and what he sees in the future for Leopold's Ice Cream and the film scene in Savannah.

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(11:16): His decision to chase different ventures after high school

(13:50): First taste of the entertainment industry

(22:53): Returning to Savannah and Leopold's

• Savannah native serves up mega-star hits and multi-scoop cones (SMN, Aug. 24, 2007)
• Leopold’s Ice Cream: A family affair (SMN, Mar. 25, 2010)

(30:41): Celebrating 100 years of Leopold's

• Leopold’s Ice Cream celebrates 100 years (SMN, Aug. 10, 2019)
• The Secret Life of Sweets in Savannah: Leopold’s Ice Cream releases book looking at past 100 years (DoSavannah, Feb. 13, 2020)

(35:26): Restoration of the original shop

• Leopold’s ice cream sign restored ‘like new’ (SMN, Dec. 9, 2012)
• Leopold’s Ice Cream opens at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SMN, Nov. 17, 2017)

(40:26): Experience in the film industry and where it is headed

(48:08): Savannah and its film roots

• Direct spending by film/TV industry at record high for Savannah (SMN, Dec. 19, 2018)
• SCAD dean column: Why film loves Savannah (SMN, Dec. 15, 2019)
• Film industry gives $266M boost to local economy in 2019 (SMN, Jan. 18, 2020)

(51:33): The future of film in Savannah

• Georgia’s anti-abortion law leaves local film industry workers in uncertainty, wondering what comes next (SMN, July 6, 2019)

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