EDC staff were busy promoting our region from coast to coast this week. Their goal: to highlight Central Florida's advantages for business, especially in the film and technology industries.
Sheena Fowler, EDC associate director of film & television, was in Miami for the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference. She presented the region as a location for television production and met with several producers and studio heads. The EDC also partnered with Film Florida on a panel session on "TV Set in Florida" designed to showcase the advantages of production in the sunshine state. Next week, Sheena will travel to Washington, D.C. for the RealScreen Summit, the premier non-fiction film and television event to promote Central Florida as a filming location for non-fiction.
Shelly Weidenhamer, EDC director of business development, was in San Francisco for SPIE Photonics West, an annual gathering of lasers, optics and photonics company executives. This specialized industry has a strong base in Central Florida. The EDC also partnered with Enterprise Florida, the University of Central Florida and the Florida Photonics Cluster in representing this important cluster.
This EDC has become recognized as an industry leader in the use of social media efforts to maximize impact before, during and after conference participation and sales missions. This week's activities reflected that. In order to stand out in the crowd, the EDC scheduled tweets designed to attract the attention of festival-goers. Here are a few samples:
At #NATPE? Today @ 1:30 in the Flash Ballroom of the Versailles Tower, attend the "TV Set in Florida" panel by Film Florida
Did you know Orlando based @UCF #CREOL is one of only three Centers of Excellence in optics + photonics? http://ow.ly/8DsJ9 #PhotonicsWest
To follow the Metro Orlando Film Commission on Twitter, click here. To follow the EDC, click here.
Back in October, the Metro Orlando Film Commission worked with Los Angeles-based Beef Films on a television commercial shoot for Rapala, a manufacturer of fishing lures.
The commercial filmed at locations including Lake County, Earl's Barber Shop in Winter Garden, Greenwood Cemetery and downtown Orlando, even including using the offices of the EDC.
This is the sixth project over the last two years in the region for executive producer John Malina. Below, John explains why he finds Central Florida an advantageous place to bring production.
The State of Florida was recognized by P3 Update Magazine's annual ranking of top states for film production. Florida ranked as the 3rd best state for the "most attractive combination of tax incentives, crew base, talent pool, infrastructure, accessibility, significant production revenue and overall popularity among filmmakers."
Florida has historically been recognized as a top ten state for filmmakers but had fallen off the list in recent years. Thanks to the recently revamped Florida film incentive program, the state is back on top.
In addition to the incentive program offered by the state, Metro Orlando has always been a major hub for production thanks to strong film infrastructure, experienced crew, large talent pool base, weather and variety of locations.
In just the last year, a few of the productions that have filmed in Metro Orlando include: Feature films - Tooth Fairy 2, Renee, Transformers 3 and Cassadega; Television pilots - MTV's The Inbetweeners, Big Mike and Bad Mom; and Television commercials - Massey Services, Minute Maid, PepBoys, New York Life and HH Gregg.
With the new addition of IDEAS Insert Stage and recently opened Post Audio Mix Room, Orlando's film infrastructure is growing tremendously.
Already home to such assets as Universal Studios' soundstages and backlot, Full Sail University's newly expanded backlot, House of Moves motion capture studio, film, television and commercial crews in Central Florida have plenty of resources at their disposal.
The region is even more attractive as a destination for production because of the state's film and entertainment incentive program. The entertainment incentives, in addition to Orlando's quality crews, production facilities, and diverse landscape, make Central Florida a competitive location for the film and entertainment industry.
EDC representatives have been on-the-road this month, spreading the word about Metro Orlando as a prime business destination.
Cologne, Germany - The EDC's Gloria LeQuang attended the ITEC Conference, a major defense industry gathering, along with Team Orlando representatives from the Army, Navy, National Center for Simulation and others of our leading community partners. She spoke to companies from across the globe about the benefits of doing business in Metro Orlando, the nation's leading hub for simulation and related industries.
Los Angeles, California - The EDC's Jennifer Pennypacker was in LA for the Produced By Conference in association with AFCI Locations. While there, she met with producers, directors and other film industry leaders to tout the newly revamped film legislation recently signed into law by Governor Rick Scott. The revised incentive - effective July 1 - sends a signal that the State of Florida is making a long term investment in infrastructure necessary to support the film industry.
Montreal and Toronto, Canada - The EDC's Brian Walters traveled with Florida Governor Rick Scott last week on an Enterprise Florida business development trip to Canada. Brian presented to over 20 companies, representing industries including Digital Media, IT/Software Development and Clean Technology, in a "speed dating" format.
EDC staff were busy promoting our region from coast to coast last week. Their goal: to highlight Central Florida's advantages for business, especially in the film and technology industries.
Suzy Spang, vice president of film & entertainment technology, was in Park City, Utah for the internationally-renowned Sundance Film Festival, which focuses on independent films. She met with directors and producers from across the globe, promoting Orlando as the ideal location for filming.
Jennifer Pennypacker, director of film & entertainment technology, was in Miami for the National Association of Television Program Executives conference. She represented our region as a location for television production.
Gloria LeQuang, director of business development, was in San Francisco for SPIE Photonics West, an annual gathering of lasers, optics and photonics company executives. This specialized industry has a strong base in Central Florida.
This EDC has become recognized as an industry leader in the use of social media efforts to maximize impact before, during and after conference participation and sales missions. This week's activities reflected that. In order to stand out in the crowd, the EDC scheduled tweets designed to attract the attention of festival-goers. Here are a few samples:
@filmorlando represents 4,012 square miles and 25 jurisdictions for film permitting in the nation. #Sundance
Well known as the world's premier tourist destination, Orlando is a leading destination for film, TV and commercial production. #NATPE
Did you know? The optics and photonics industry in Metro Orlando has been around since the 1960s. #SPIE #PW11
Parallel Entertainment has returned to Central Florida for the production of Tooth Fairy 2 starring Larry the Cable Guy. This sequel to the popular Tooth Fairy is expected to shoot from Feb. 7- March 11 throughout the area, with production based at Universal Studios Florida.
Tooth Fairy 2 is the third project shot by Parallel Entertainment in Central Florida alongside Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector and Bait Shop. The film will stimulate the local economy with the anticipated creation of over 150 jobs as well as other expenditures. Tooth Fairy 2 is the first film to take advantage of the newly revamped film incentive in Central Florida.
Eek! It's snowing in the south! Even as far south as Atlanta...but not quite in Florida.
Producers and directors of television commercials who are literally snowed in right now are realizing they can no longer film in their original location.
The result? The Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission's phones are ringing off the hook. Since the brutal winter weather started a few weeks ago, we've talked with dozens of industry professionals now considering or planning to film commercials in the sunshine state.
While our weather might be chilly this week (brr...it's 63 degrees out right now)...there is a 0% chance of snow (or any other precipitation), sunshine each day and green grass. This makes Metro Orlando the ideal market for television commercials. And while this time of year is always considered our busy season for commercials, this year could look even better thanks to the blustery weather across the south.
To contact our film office, call 407.422.7159 or for more on filming in Metro Orlando, visit www.FilmOrlando.com.
Thanks to the author and chief sponsor of Florida's revamped film and entertainment incentive, Representative Stephen Precourt, Florida's film, television and commercial production industry has been sizzling. And the news of the 'game changing' incentive is being well documented. Just take a look at the cover story in the current issue of Texture magazine. And now, P3 magazine, a monthly internationally-distributed trade publication, has named Florida a top 10 U.S. film location, citing the state's newly revamped incentive program, diverse locations and deep infrastructure.
As the news continues to spread, film professionals are taking advantage. "Transformers 3" was recently in Central Florida to film at Kennedy Space Center and other locations throughout the state, including Orlando International Airport's Signature Jetport.
Stay tuned for the next wave of exciting productions that will be heading to Florida. To stay up with the latest, become a fan of Film Orlando on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
While producing film seems glamorous, it is also a business prone to paperwork. Local ordinances typically require filmmakers to obtain permits from the city and/or county before filming can begin. If the production is shooting in multiple locations, this can be a nightmare.
From the city and/or county side, filming activity can be so uncommon that when approached with a movie, commercial or television show opportunity, the staff is overwhelmed with questions. Enter the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission - a division of the EDC.
The EDC's Film Commission serves as a one-stop permitting shop for filmmakers, acting as a liaison between production companies and city, county and state services. Our team is also frequently called upon to make arrangements with the appropriate law enforcement agency for traffic or crowd control; the fire department for supervision of pyrotechnic effects; and any other required government service.
Through our Film Commission, the EDC brings consistency, experience and expertise to the permitting process. The result is a streamlined process, a happy community, and a happy production company. Both filmmakers and city/county governments are relieved to not have to manage this process.
The City of Clermont is the most recent addition to an extensive list of Central Florida cities for whom the Film Commission provides one-stop permitting services. This EDC team now represents over 93 communities in our region, adding to the appeal of Metro Orlando as a filming destination.
Ultimately, professional services such as these mean big business for our region. The more efficient and expedited the process, and the more positive the experience, the more likely producers are to return to our region time and again. That means jobs for local crew members, contracts for local vendors, and a thriving industry that contributes an estimated $845 million annually to our local economy.
To determine whether or not you need a film permit, or to learn more, click here.
This week, part-time Orlando resident - and former Orlando Magic player - Shaquille O'Neal (Shaq) was in town to take on teen idol/singer Justin Bieber for the second season of his new ABC series "Shaq Vs." Shaq and Justin faced off during Justin's concert in Orlando on Wednesday, where the duo competed in dancing ability. The EDC's Film and Entertainment Commission assisted the show's producers with location scouting for portions of the show. Air date is tentatively scheduled for August 31.
This week, Winter Park-based Full Sail University opened its much anticipated Full Sail Studios Gateway Project, a 2.2 acre landmark project.
The project includes:
Full Sail Live Venue - a 22,000 square foot multi-purpose facility
new complex with state-of-the-art game production studio and recording studio
outdoor plaza courtyard
expansion to the on-campus professional film studio backlot
The Live venue will offer students the chance to work behind-the-scenes on a variety of on-campus events to be held, including live productions, panels, guest lectures and more.
The film studio backlot is the final phase to the existing backlot that will now offer 19 different outdoor scenic environments.
Internationally renowned Full Sail University has 28 entertainment degree programs with more than 8,800 students.
The film industry nationwide is abuzz with news of the State of Florida's recently passed Film and Entertainment Incentive which goes into effect on July 1.
To promote use and significance of this fund, the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission teamed with Women in Film & Television Florida (WIFT) to co-host a "Business of Entertainment" symposium this past week at The Plaza Theater in downtown Orlando. The day-long event attracted close to 100 film and entertainment industry representatives.
The EDC's own Suzy Spang, vice president of entertainment and technology, served on a panel discussing the Florida tax incentive. Panel members agreed that this revamped incentive program is great news, allowing Florida to compete on a more level playing field with states offering higher incentives.
Watch Suzy describe below how the new incentive is a "game changer" for film and entertainment in the State of Florida.
For more information, a teleconference will be hosted by the Governor's Office of Film & Entertainment as follows:
Incentive Teleconference Call Information
Date: June 2, 2010
Time: 1:00pm EST - 2:30pm EST
Call in number: 1.888.808.6959
Conference code: 4104765
The purpose of the call is to provide an overview of the program, point out differences from the previous program, provide information about the application process, and respond to pre-submitted questions.
High caller volume is anticipated. We recommend that you review online materials prior to the call and submit questions by close of business on Tuesday, June 1st via email to: film.incentive@myflorida.com.
Note: Incentive applications will be accepted no earlier than 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, June 9th.
The 19th Annual Florida Film Festival - a 10 day celebration of the best in independent films - wraps up this weekend in Orlando. In its history, this "home grown" festival has become a marquee international event. On average, more than 23,000 people attend each year, where they experience premieres of the best in cutting-edge cinema; a star-packed attendee list; and a mix of industry parties and special events. The eyes of the world's film industry are upon us, and the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission has learned to take full advantage of the spotlight.
Again this year, our Film Commission participated in and sponsored two events: a panel discussion on "The Art of the Producer" with veteran film producers and a VIP party for filmmakers whose work is showcased during the festival. Past participation has paid dividends leading to additional filming in the region.
The Florida Film Festival is a program of the Enzian, a Maitland-based nonprofit organization which exists to entertain, educate, inspire and connect the community through film.
Local production company, DNP Studios, is set to release their fourth feature film, Letters to God, shot entirely on location in Central Florida. The movie is is the 4th feature film to be distributed by Vivendi Entertainment for Possibility Pictures, the movie arm of DNP Studios.
Directed by David Nixon, one of the producers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants, the movie was shot at Universal Studios soundstages and backlot, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Give Kids The World and various locations around Winter Garden. The Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission - a division of the EDC - assisted with location scouting and film permitting throughout the production.
"We knew that we could make the same kind of Hollywood movies right here in Orlando. Many movie production companies come to Orlando to use the location. They bring in talent and technicians to direct, act and produce, then they go back to LA to finish the movie. But we did it all here with the local film community," stated Nixon.
A tale of inspiration, hope and redemption, Letters to God is the story of what happens when one boy's walk of faith crosses paths with one man's search for meaning--the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them.
Letters to God opens locally with a red carpet premiere Wednesday, March 31 at the Plaza Cinema Cafe in downtown Orlando. The film is scheduled to be released in 750 theaters nationwide on April 9th.
LUNAFEST kicks off tonight at the Enzian Theater in Maitland. The fundraising film festival features films by, for and about women each year on International Women's Day.
The festival is hosted by Women in Film & Television Florida and sponsored in part by Florida Hospital and will highlight women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine films by women filmmakers. Screening begins at 6:30 and showtime is 90 minutes. For more, visit www.enzian.org.
On Monday, February 15, an independent feature film, "Homecoming", will begin shooting in Celebration. Produced by About the Logo, LLC, "Homecoming" is a story of an Army medic who is home on leave from Afghanistan. During her time home, she has to deal with changing relationships with her family, friends and community.
The film will be shooting February 15 - mid-March at locations mainly in Celebration but also in Kissimmee.
The film industry is very competitive and is largely driven by incentives. And as the Florida Legislature prepares to return for the 2010 Session, film industry professionals are focused on working to convert the current statewide incentive into a tax credit. For more information, visit http://filmorlando.com/Resources/hb697.stml.
The 2010 Orlando Filmbook is here! This is the go-to guide for the film industry in Metro Orlando. Everything about filming in Orlando is included - incentives, sales tax, labor laws, locations, permitting, etc. In addition, the Filmbook provides information on all aspects of the film industry - directors, producers and production companies; backlots, stages and locations; crews and technicians; talent services; equipment; production support; and post production.
The Orlando Filmbook is published annually by the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission - a division of the Metro Orlando EDC. The Film Commission provides the following services:
• 24 hour access to the Orlando Filmbook online at www.filmorlando.com
• One-stop permitting for location filming
• Use of an extensive digital location library...accessible anytime, from anywhere
• Preliminary scouting, evaluation of locations, and familiarization tours
• Assistance with local hotels and accommodations
• Support throughout the entire production schedule
And be sure to connect with the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission via social networking on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube to stay updated on the latest film and digital media news.
Women in Film and Television Florida's recent "Jingle Mingle" event gave the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission a chance to do some filming of its own. We asked attendees a question to help in our ongoing promotion of this region as a location for their industry -- Why do you find Metro Orlando a great place for film and entertainment production? -- and captured their responses for posting on our YouTube channel.
Jules Keeley, a local freelance production coordinator/ manager, responded enthusiastically: "Our crews can compare with any in the world...plus we have the resources, infrastructure and the Florida lifestyle."
More praise rolled in from MedStar, the production company behind TV's Forensic Files, which has twice filmed episodes in Metro Orlando in recent months. "The crew is nice and the best we work with, no attitudes, and they know their jobs ... the locations are all great to work with, friendly and Orlando has the look of anywhere we need to duplicate ... We love it here. We will be back in 2010."
Industry satisfaction is important and translates into increased business for the region. In fact, film permits are being processed in increasing numbers by the EDC's Film & Entertainment Commission. Here are a few recent examples:
TV Commercials - Jackson Hewitt, Olive Garden, US Census
Television Series - Forensic Files, Dr. G: Medical Examiner, MTV's 16 & Pregnant
Feature/Independent Films - Touching Lives, Overlap
Up next? The EDC's Film and Entertainment Commission heads to Sundance Film Festival in January to promote Orlando as a location for independent films, and to Washington, D.C. for the Reel Screen Summit to promote Orlando as a site for non-fiction television production.
On the Legislative front, the EDC's Legislative Committee will support our Film Commission's efforts to advocate for incentives designed to keep Florida competitive as a film industry hub. The main push this year is to turn the state's film incentive into a tax credit, which is the industry standard in the U.S.
No, we're not talking holidays...we're talking commercials! Fall officially kicks off the season during which companies and ad agencies from all over descend on Metro Orlando to shoot television commercials. Why, you ask? Because, unlike up north where the leaves have started to change, the leaves here in Orlando stay green year-round. That's good for commercial production since locations in Orlando can represent any season of the year!
As a result, film permit requests have been flowing into the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Office. Recent commercials shot here include: Bright House, Stein Mart, Orlando Health, Rooms To Go, TD Ameritrade, Gillette, Bush's Baked Beans, Cracker Barrel, Honda Boats, Snickers, BOSE, NBC Sunday Night Football Open and David Maus Toyota, to name a few.
Today, the Global Peace Film Festival kicks off in Central Florida. The festival features 39 films (both feature and shorts) from six continents, panel discussions, art exhibit and more.
The Global Peace Film Festival - established to utilize the power of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth - runs through September 27 at a variety of locations throughout the region. More info at www.peacefilmfest.org.
Other major film festivals held in Central Florida throughout the year include the Florida Film Festival, Orlando Film Festival, Hispanic Film Festival and IndieFest.
Orlando, Florida, is one of the fastest growing regions in the country for Hispanics according to the Pew Hispanic Center. And Hispanic Heritage Month - which runs from September 15 to October 15 - is an opportunity to remind us of the contributions Hispanics have made to our community and our nation. Throughout the month, there are several celebrations taking place, including the Orlando Hispanic Film Festival.
Metro Orlando's diversity, combined with our region's reputation as a community that welcomes those from all backgrounds and walks of life, provides a competitive advantage in attracting minority owned and led businesses. Building on the belief that a culturally diverse community makes good business sense, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) established a Minority Channel initiative aimed at encouraging minority owned and led businesses in targeted industries to consider Orlando as the site of choice for relocation or expansion.
Central Florida's State Road 429 was transformed into a film set last week, as Forensic Files, a television series airing on the tru TV network, shot on location in Orange County. The reality TV show, which delves into the world of forensic science - profiling intriguing crimes, accidents and outbreaks of disease - is seen in 142 countries worldwide.
With the help of the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission, series producers located a spot suitable to film their crime re-enactment, while also minimizing the impact on local traffic. Our Film Commission assisted throughout planning and production, providing location scouting and permitting services.
Look for Forensic Files on Friday nights at 10 p.m. EST.
This Man's Life, which filmed on locations including the historic Amtrak Station in downtown Orlando and the Inland Lakes Railways Station in Mount Dora, has been named BEST FLORIDA FILM at the 2009 Rhode Island International Film Festival. The production company behind the film, Stars North™, is based in Celebration, making this company another Central Florida success story.
Directed by Todd Thompson, the film stars Michael Rooker, Bill Cobbs and Betsy Brantley. It follows the story of a man traveling home to claim his father's inheritance when he meets a stranger who seems to know everything about his life. Smithy Sipes co-produced the film with Thompson, who also penned the screenplay with the help of co-writer Peter Raymundo.
The EDC's Film & Entertainment Commission worked with filmmakers throughout production, assisting with site location and permitting.
Signs of economic development success have been seen on many fronts the past couple of weeks. Here is a round up of images reflecting some of the highlights.
Game Launched Florida Governor Charlie Crist got an up-close look at our region's booming digital media industry. He visited Electronic Arts' (EA) Tiburon (pictured above) in Maitland - getting a preview of EA's highly-anticipated NCAA Football 10, which was released last week; the University of Central Florida's (UCF) Center for Emerging Media in downtown Orlando - chatting with students and visiting the House of Moves motion capture studio; and the Employ Florida Digital Media Banner Center located at Seminole Community College's Center for Economic Development in Heathrow.
Dirt Flew New ground was broken at the Central Florida Research Park recently, as representatives from the University of Central Florida, Florida Legislature and Orlando-based military commands gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the Partnership III building. When complete in fall 2010, this building will be shared by UCF and the military, and home to the UCF Institute for Simulation & Training. It will also be "green"; as Partnership III is designed to meet at least the silver level of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. To watch the UCF Reports YouTube video on the project, click here.
Film Wrapped DNP Studios wrapped production on the feature film Letters to God, scheduled for release in early 2010. The film, which employed over 100 local crew and talent, was shot at multiple locations in Orlando, including Universal Studios Florida, Winter Garden and Kissimmee. The EDC's Film & Entertainment Commission assisted with scouting, permitting and other support services.
Away We Go, a feature film shot on location in Metro Orlando, premiered in theaters this past weekend. The movie, which filmed primarily at a home on Lake Harris in Leesburg, stars two popular actors, Maya Rudolph of Saturday Night Live and John Krasinski of The Office. It was directed by Sam Mendes, who received the Best Director Academy Award for American Beauty.
Originally dubbed "Farlanders," the story follows a thirty-something couple on a journey to find the best place to raise their child. The EDC's Film & Entertainment Commission worked closely with film producers on site selection, permitting and vendor identification. The movie was shot over two days, employing 120 local crew members, two local actors and six extras.
The University's of Central Florida's (UCF) Studio 500 - UCF's Center for Emerging Media - has attracted a steady stream of film and digital media work in its first 18 months of operation.
Working with studio partner Vicon Entertainment's House of Moves, faculty and staff from UCF's graduate game-development program, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), have worked on video games for Electronic Arts, 360Ed, and n-Space (including "Hannah Montana: The Movie" video game), national commercials (including Gillette ads starring Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter and Roger Federer), feature films and more.
This week, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the 2009-10 budget preserving economic development items. Among those items, the Film and Entertainment Incentive received $10.8 million - more than double the $5 million that was allocated last year. Thanks to State Legislators and the Governor for recognizing the importance of the film, digital media and entertainment industry to the state of Florida, especially during these tough, economic times.
Starting June 1, filmmakers and others can visit www.filminflorida.com for an incentive application for projects beginning on or after July 1, 2009. Applications are accepted starting June 15.
Last week, i.d.e.a.s. opened its new headquarters in downtown Orlando. This creative production and digital media studio, one of Central Florida's largest, becomes a new "anchor tenant" of the Creative Village evolving in downtown Orlando.
As part of the opening ceremony, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer helped company founder Bob Allen unveil a new "Creative Village" logo. The logo will be used to help identify the growing number of companies that comprise this sector of our economy.
i.d.e.a.s. moved to downtown from their longtime location on the backlot of Disney MGM Studios.
Accelerating growth of Orlando's life science industry. Global domination of the nation's digital media industry. Two bold goals of the Metro Orlando EDC. Real strides were made toward realizing those goals recently with groundbreakings on both fronts.
Nemours Children's Hospital broke ground on its Lake Nona "medical city" campus. The 620,000-square-foot facility will include 95 beds, an 18-bay emergency department, a neonatal intensive care unit and departments specializing in complex childhood diseases. The hospital, scheduled to open in 2012, will be the central hub of a 60-acre pediatric health campus featuring a children's clinic, emergency department, diagnostic and ambulatory programs, education centers and research programs. The Nemours Children's Hospital investment is expected to pump $400 million into the Central Florida economy and eventually create 2,600 new jobs.
In addition, Full Sail University, a Winter Park-based education program that focuses on entertainment-related industries, broke ground on its new Full Sail Studios Gateway project. The 32,000-square-foot, 2.2-acre project will be equipped with a live performance venue, a two-story complex for game production and recording studios, and an expansion to the on-campus professional film studio backlot. The Hollywood-style backlot will complete the existing backlot and will offer 19 different outdoor filming locations.
While Orlando conjures up images of fun and entertainment, it doesn't necessarily bring to mind a hub of filmmaking activity. But the reality is just that - Orlando offers much more than you would expect.
While Orlando's entertainment industry is based in theme parks and attractions, a closer look reveals the high tech production facilities (many of which are based on the backlots of the region's theme parks), talented professionals, diverse landscapes and much more.
Along with feature films, commercial productions and reality TV series find everything they need in Orlando: superior film crews, equipment, post-production facilities and cooperation from both public and private sectors. In terms of filming resources and production variety, Metro Orlando has it all.
For more on what Orlando has to offer, click here.
Digimation, a provider of 3D content and related services to the entertainment and defense industries, will relocate their headquarters from St. Rose, Louisiana to Metro Orlando.
The company's headquarters location will result in 30 new jobs; will generate $750,000 in capital investment; and will lease over 4,000 square feet of space on International Parkway in Heathrow/Lake Mary.
Digimation's first two new hires are already operating here and the team will complete their relocation to Metro Orlando in March 2009.
January 30, 2009
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The PR team at the Metro Orlando EDC is
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Media Contact:Jennifer
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Orlando Film Commissioner Sheena Carlisle Fowler was recently profiled in the Orlando Business Journal. 
