Written by on Jan 27, 2012. Posted in Incentive News

Florida seeks bigger film fund to boost regional location filming

Florida’s filming industry is looking for more money for its film fund. Back in 2010 the state launched filming incentives worth up to 30%, with the money coming from a film fund worth more than USD240 million over five years. It’s been a popular programme and much of the cash is now allocated.

This week the National Association of Television Program Executives convened in Miami and highlighted the importance of keeping its filming incentives competitive. Six different TV shows and major studio productions like Tom Cruise’s Rock of Ages have drained the film fund over the past two years and there’s a danger that projects will film elsewhere if more money isn’t available.

When CSI: Miami, for a long period of time the most-watched show on the planet, doesn’t shoot in Florida, but it’s set in Florida - that doesn’t help.

Susan Simms, Florida Office of Film and Entertainment

Susan Simms is Head of Florida’s Office of Film and Entertainment operation in Los Angeles and according to the Miami Herald commented: “It’s a very challenging sell to begin with. When CSI: Miami, for a long period of time the most-watched show on the planet, doesn’t shoot in Florida, but it’s set in Florida - that doesn’t help.”

Florida’s appeal has strengthened since the filming incentive was launched and it scored a major feature hit in 2011 with the massive success of Dolphin Tale. The industry recently lobbied for an extension to the incentive programme past 2015, but it seems its more immediate challenge is to increase funding in the short-term.