The unfortunate accident occurred near the community of Homosassa, approximately 60 miles north of Tampa. Photographs from the aftermath reveal the single-engine aircraft resting inverted on a roadway. Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are ongoing, as they seek to determine the cause of the crash.
Mensch, aged 62, served as the president and general manager of the studio for over eight years and was a respected figure in the Atlanta community. The company expressed deep sorrow through a statement, highlighting the loss of a cherished team member and sending heartfelt condolences to his family.
Steve Mensch was influential in boosting Georgia’s reputation as a hub for film and television production, largely due to his advocacy for the state’s film tax credit of more than $1 billion annually. These incentives have significantly contributed to making Georgia one of the busiest locations for film and TV projects in the United States.
His career in the industry began with Feature Systems, a company providing equipment for movie productions. Mensch later joined Turner Broadcasting, where he managed studio operations and advanced to director of strategic production partnerships. During his tenure, he advocated for substantial state support to enhance the movie and television sectors.
Ric Reitz, an actor and collaborator on tax credits, acknowledged Mensch’s efforts in presenting Georgia as a competitive site for entertainment production even before the 1996 Summer Olympics. Mensch was instrumental in establishing the Georgia Production Partnership, an organization dedicated to lobbying for the entertainment industry.
In 2016, after planning and building major studios in international markets and domestic locations, Mensch was recruited to assist in developing and managing a major studio in Atlanta. The facility spans 330 acres of a former army base and serves as a pivotal location for numerous productions.
Mensch’s passing coincided with the release of ‘The Six Triple Eight,’ a historical film produced at the Atlanta studio, depicting an all-Black, all-female World War II battalion. His legacy includes a considerable contribution to the studio’s projects and the broader industry landscape.
Survived by his wife, Danila, and three children, Mensch’s death resonates deeply within the community he helped to cultivate.
Steve Mensch’s death marks a significant loss to the film industry and the local community, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Georgia’s thriving entertainment sector.
Source: Apnews
