A quiet runway representing the tragic loss of Steve Mensch.
The film community in Atlanta mourns the death of Steve Mensch, president of Tyler Perry Studios, who died in a plane crash at 62. He was known for his contributions to the industry and kindness.
Atlanta has been left in shock with the recent news of the passing of Steve Mensch, the beloved president and general manager of Tyler Perry Studios, at the age of 62. He tragically died last month when his single-engine plane crashed near Homosassa Springs, Florida. Only Mensch was on board at the time of the accident. This unfortunate event has sent ripples through the film community in Atlanta, where Mensch was not only a prominent figure in the industry but also cherished by many.
Mensch had a lifelong passion for flying, which tragically ended in a fatal plane crash. As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board conduct investigations into the incident, many are reflecting on Mensch’s contributions to the film industry and his zest for life.
Steve Mensch was a vital part of the Atlanta film scene, serving as an active member of the board at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF). He even played a role as a judge, and in 2021, he took on the responsibility of festival chair. To honor his memory, the AJFF dedicated a memorial page in its 25th anniversary program guide, aptly naming it “An Industry Trail Blazer, A True Friend To All.”
Described by peers as kind, humble, and generous, Mensch had a knack for making everyone feel appreciated. He was known for countless quiet acts of kindness, effectively connecting the various members of the Atlanta production community. His contributions extended beyond his role at the studio; he also served on the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment in Georgia, chairing the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition.
Under Mensch’s influence, Georgia’s television and motion picture production industry experienced a remarkable boom, ranking first in film production in America last year as reported by Business Facilities Magazine. Production in Georgia was valued at a staggering $2.6 billion in the last fiscal year. Mensch famously likened the state’s success to a stool with three legs: studio infrastructure, a trained crew base, and robust government support.
Before his impactful tenure at Tyler Perry Studios, Mensch managed studios at Turner Broadcasting for a decade. He spent a year working in China before returning to Atlanta to take over Third Rail Studios in 2015. Tyler Perry recognized Mensch’s remarkable talents and brought him on board in 2016 to lead the transformative project at Fort McPherson, turning it into a state-of-the-art production facility that boasts over 40 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and 12 expansive sound stages.
A memorial service was held at the Tara Theatre, attended by notable figures, including Mayor Andre Dickens and Tyler Perry himself. As the community gathered to pay their respects, it was evident how much Mensch had touched the lives of those around him. His warmth and leadership at the studio set the tone for an inclusive and creative workplace.
Leaving behind his wife, Danila, and three children, Mensch’s legacy in the film industry will not be forgotten anytime soon. His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Steve Mensch Family Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Through mentorship and unmatched dedication, Mensch will be remembered as a true friend to all, a guiding light in the community, and an eternal staple in the heart of Atlanta’s entertainment industry.
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