Film and TV productions shut down around the country as COVID-19 spread. Film Florida, a not-for-profit trade association, has a new president who thinks shows biz productions could be a major part of Florida’s economic recovery.

Florida is home to the coming-of-age series David Makes Man. It was filmed in Orlando and produced by Warner Horizon Scripted Television. It premiered on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and HBO Max licensed the first season for streaming.

“When an average feature film or TV series films in a location, they spend roughly $20 million in the local community in just 3 or 4 months while hiring approximately 1,500 Floridians,” says Gail Morgan, new president of the Film Florida Board of Directors.

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As I look out my office window overlooking the bay, a horizon of dark rain clouds reminds me of the at times bleak summer coming to a close.  But there was sun before those clouds, and there will be sun again after they pass.  Yes, it has been a rough few months, but we accomplished much last fall, and have a bright future.
 
Audiences will be treated to a brand new NatGeo/Disney+ Series, The Right Stuff, on October 9th. A perfect reminder of the amazingly talented crew, and fantastic locations (including Tampa Bay!) productions, can take advantage of throughout central Florida.  Secrets of the Zoo is also currently streaming on Disney+ helping to bring a much-deserved spotlight on all of the fantastic work the staff at Zoo Tampa provide daily.
 
We also look forward to various features and shows that shot this past year premiering in 2021.  Fear of Rain (Katherine Heigl / Harry Connick Jr), Lady of the Manor (Melanie Lynskey, Justin Long), and Black Veil (Dan Myrick, Jeffrey Reddick), to name a few.  It’s not just the recent past that’s bright; several feature projects are prepping now in the Tampa Bay area we hope to have filming soon!
 
With states continuing to reopen and economic sectors ramping up, we believe Film can be and should be an economic driver embraced by every community.  An average feature film or TV show can spend millions and hire hundreds over a few months.  This is business we WANT in Tampa Bay and continue to work hard to bring to our region. Though work opportunities are still slightly lower than normal, the volume of calls and project e-mails our office receives are on the uptick.  We are excited for the next few months and will be working hard to remind producers why Tampa Bay is such a great place to film.

I would-be remiss if I didn’t mention our continued spotlight series, highlighting local crew and business monthly, which continues to get better and reach a larger audience.  We have also started a new live ‘talk with’ series as we reach out to local talent and business owners to answer questions topical to our community. As an office, we are doubling down on marketing and business leads.  We will finish strong this calendar year and look forward to a busy 2021. Tampa Bay’s film community can, and will, roar back.
 
Tyler

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Tampa Bay Photographers