Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Piedmont Park Conservancy today announced that the popular outdoor movie series “Screen on the Green” will be held at Piedmont Park this year. The Conservancy had previously canceled the series earlier this year when its main corporate sponsor, Peachtree TV, withdrew.

Comcast, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines and Georgia Natural Gas are the new corporate sponsors of the series which will continue during its traditional Thursday night timeslot during the summer. Delta will be the main sponsor.

“As you know, we thought we would have to cancel the 'Screen on the Green' series this summer,” Reed said during a press conference held at Piedmont Park's Magnolia Hall. “However, when four wonderful companies, who have always been strong advocates for the city, learned earlier this month that 'Screen on the Green' would not continue this year, they stepped up with really, really strong support.

“On behalf of the city of Atlanta, our residents and our visitors, I'm extremely grateful for your support and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Reed said that the majority of the line-up will consist of films already announced, though the conservancy has yet to confirm the slated films.

Reed also acknowledged that security would be a high priority for the series after a melee tainted last year's showing of “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.” The Atlanta Police Department, as well as private security, will monitor the crowd during the festival, Reed said.

Reed stressed that new Hollywood blockbusters would take a backseat to “classic” films this year. The series will return on Thursday, June 2, according to park officials.

Here is the line-up as listed on the conservancy's website:

June 2 - Back to the Future, 1985
June 9 - Imitation of Life, 1959
June 16 - Sixteen Candles, 1984
June 23 - Viewers Choice – The Birds, 1963 vs. Frankenstein, 1931
June 30 - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1971

For more information, please visit www.piedmontpark.org.

Top photo: Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed (by Ryan Watkins)