Written by Joe Jackson on Dec 15, 2021. Posted in General Interest

Broward County announces Sandy Lighterman as new Film Commissioner

Sandy Lighterman has been revealed as the incoming Film Commissioner for Southeast Florida’s Broward County. Sandy arrives from Miami-Dade County’s Office of Film and Television, where she previously served as Film Commissioner. She currently acts as Vice President of the state-wide non-profit organization Film Florida, and is a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International. Prior to joining Miami-Dade County, Broward County’s new stalwart enjoyed a 30-year career as a film and television producer.

"As Broward County's new Mayor, my main priorities include supporting job creation in diverse industries and working toward a Broward County that is a model for the nation," announced Mayor Michael Udine. "Hiring a Film Commissioner, offering incentives to filmmakers, and providing funds to build state-of-the-art sound and production studios will help put Broward County on the map in the film, television and streaming entertainment industry."

"Hiring a Film Commissioner is key to the success of bringing new entertainment business to Broward and shining the spotlight on its diversity, locations, beautiful scenery, and all the County has to offer,” explained attorney and politician Steve Geller, who championed installing a new Film Commissioner during his tenure as Mayor. “Luring the entertainment business to Broward is an important economic tool that will garner more jobs, new opportunities for small businesses, and help sell Broward County to the world.”

The Film Commission will be a Division of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD). Its purpose will be to attract film and television productions to Broward County, creating economic growth, jobs and new opportunities for small businesses. "We are excited to add to the success of Broward County and the Film Commission by selecting Sandy Lighterman as our new Film Commissioner," explains OESBD Director Sandy-Michael McDonald. "We look forward to more production and activity here in Broward as well as more collaboration in the region with all those who support film and entertainment."

Sandy holds a bachelor's degree in Mass communications from the University of Miami. She established Miami-Dade's entertainment production incentive programme and in turn attracted several high-level projects. She joins Broward County on 3 January 2022.