Hi I'm Lindsey and I'll be taking you through the inner workings of the film and commercial production world in Tampa and surrounding areas.

Wanna know how you can get involved in the production community here in Tampa Bay? Maybe you're a film buff and want to know more about the next movie setting its sights on Tampa? What's shooting, casting calls, trips and tradeshows...it's all right here! Subscribe to my RSS feed to the left, and be notified of my latest blog posts.

 

See you at the movies!

Whew? Is everyone as whipped as I am? Things are starting to get busy around here, thanks in part to the beautiful weather and of course, to the 2009 Super Bowl which is now just weeks away!

We've hosted a number of productions in the market recently including a PSA for Metropolitan Ministries, a catalog and online shoot for Delia's, a commercial for Bright House Networks, a documentary shoot for The Discovery Channel. Coming up this week we've got Goodyear Tires, Nike Canada, and a commercial spot for Everest University.

And lately we've seen a dramatic increase in student film projects, compliments of the University of Tampa's Film and Media Arts program.

Hope to see you at tonight's Tampa Film Review. Don't forget they've moved to a new location -

Romeo’s Art Gallery
1515 E. 7th Ave
Ybor City

Oh and is everyone watching Rookies? I've DVR'd every episode but can't bring myself to watch them. Next episode featuring Tampa Police Department's finest airs on Tuesday at 10pm on A&E.

Hey Everyone! Film intern Amy here. In case you have missed out this far, the next Tampa Film Review will be held on Friday, November 14 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Romeo’s Art Gallery. It is located at 1515 E. 7th Ave in Ybor City. There is a selection of amazing films that will be screened including:

Ceu: by David Tinoco. A young man suffers from depression after an unclear tragedy. He has given up all hope until he is suddenly stirred by an unexpected source and given hope.

Conversations with patrons at the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen in Clearwater, Florida: by Joyce Cooper: A documentary on the soup kitchen.

Return to Sicily: A New Journey by Raymond Chiaramonte: A documentary on one man’s discovery of his roots.

Attrition: by George Denison: The guilt of murder is too much for one man to bear.

Loneliness (Girl): by Allison Koehler

Intermingle: by Joe Sanchez: Sean is on the search. However the closer he gets to the man he's been searching for, the closer he gets to who he really is.

How To Kill a Vampire and How To Kill a Werewolf: by the Weekend Film School
 
Don’t miss out on screening this month’s films!

You might recall hearing about a cop reality show filming here in Tampa earlier this year. The show is called Rookies and was produced by Tiger Aspect and The Greif Company. Well, the show is finally premiering tonight on A&E.

Here's a snipet from the network's press release -

Remember your first day at your new job? Now imagine being a police officer.  ROOKIES, shot on location in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana and Tampa, Florida, puts viewers in the squad car as each rookie heads out on patrol for the first time. 

Each week viewers will join the journey as rookies learn how to patrol the tough city streets with their field training officer (FTO). These veteran cops teach the rookies how to survive.  Some of these rookies will have what it takes – and others will be asking themselves if they can take the heat in one of the toughest jobs in America.

ROOKIES premieres Tuesday, October 21st at 10 PM ET/PT on A&E with two back-to-back half hour episodes.

In Tampa, Florida we’ll meet rookies like Amy Hess. She may look like the girl next door but she is one tough cop.  Her first week includes participating in her first SWAT hit.  Rookie AJ Cafaro, a former bar manager, goes on his first search warrant then witnesses his first dead body.  The call most rookies dread going on is the ‘”Signal 7” or dead body. Rookie April Levine gets two of these calls her first week.  She has the harrowing task of putting human bones in a plastic bag and lifting a five day old corpse.

Sounds reminiscent of Cops, eh? We'll see if this show serves Tampa well. Tune in tonight at 10pm for two back-to-back espisodes on A&E.

I've got so many things to touch on...not sure where to start...

I mentioned in my Clip Film Festival post that I was going to be jurying the Clip Film Festival (formerly the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival) from October 2-12. Well, the festival wrapped on Sunday and all I can say is "wow". The festival was programmed by the lovely and talented Stephen Mintz who comes to us from the Reel Pride Film Festival in Fresno, California. Let's just say he's super talented. The films were terrific, the crowds were energized and the festival just had a warm and fuzzy, upbeat feeling throughout. They really know how to make a gal feel welcome.

Since I sat on the jury, I feel obligated to share the jury award winners with all of you -

Best Documentary: Pageant
Best Feature Film: XXY
Best Short Film: I'm Jin Young
Best Director, Documentary: Ron Davis/Stewart Halpern, "Pageant"
Best Director, Feature Film: Shamim Sarif, "World Unseen"
Best Director, Short Film: Edward Gunawan, "Laundromat"
Best Actor: Tye Olson, "Watercolors"
Best Actress: Christine Evangelista, "Goodbye Baby"

I look forward to future dealings with the entire Clip group (who are all probably dead asleep as I type this). Congratulations on a wonderfully successful festival guys!

A quick update on the Tampa Bay Area State of Film & Entertainment Industry Summit we hosted Thursday night at Nova 535 in downtown St Pete. We had a great turnout - 150 in total. Thanks to all of you who came, listened and were motivated to make change. We're finalizing our "what to do now" sheet and will have that available soon.

I would be remiss not to mention how AMAZING film director Martha Coolidge was during her several days spent at UT two weeks ago. Had a chance to meet her thanks to Tom Garrett, film professor and rock star extroidonaire, who organized a "ladies luncheon" for some of his female film students, myself and Jennifer Parramore, film commissioner for the St Pete/Clearwater Film Commission. Martha was the most approachable and honest film director I've ever met and I know we all enjoyed her company very much.

Ok, I'm walking away from my computer now. I think this blogging thing is becoming addictive. I know Jeremy is happy to hear that. So long for now...

Hey Everyone!! Intern Amy here.

The Gasparilla Film Festival and the Historic Beach Theatre have teamed up with Enigma Films to bring you three days of horror filled madness.

The Halloween Horror Picture Show weekend begins Friday October 24th and continues through the 26th with a blend of Classic and Independent horror films for your enjoyment! Come to the Historic Beach Theatre in St. Pete for the festivities!

Kick off the weekend on Friday the 24th dressed as your favorite evil dead character for the screenings of:

1:30pm  Robot Monster
3:00pm  Son of Godzilla
5:00pm  I Bury The Living
6:45pm  House on Haunted Hill
8:30pm  The Evil Dead II
10:45pm  Army of Darkness  

Saturday will begin with Free Family Friendly Movies with face painting, vintage horror trailers and a costume parade for the kids!  After 7pm, come dressed as your favorite Zombie for another night of fun while listening to a live performance from Funeral Daizes. The movies screened are:

10:00am  Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
12:00pm  Munsters Go Home
2:00pm  Gremlins (audience participation and gremlins in the theater)
4:30pm  Ghostbusters
7:00pm  The Tingler (another William Castle Classic with audience participation)
9:00pm  Night of the Living Dead
11:30pm  The Rocky Horror Picture Show

On the last day, Sunday the 26th, they will begin with the re-screening of a few Family Friendly Films of:

10:00am  Ghostbusters
12:00pm  Gremlins (with audience interaction)
2:15pm  The Tingler (with audience interaction)

The weekend finale begins at 4:30 with a few short indie horror films of:

The Reaper   
Frankenstein vs The Wolfman
Side Effect
Lamp Post Lake
In Darkness
Alarum

Following will be the screening of three independent feature films:

5:45pm  A Gothic Tale
8:15pm  Live Evil
10:00pm  Shadowland

Don’t miss out on a weekend of horror right before Halloween! For more information, visit the website at www.halloweenhorrorpictureshow.com and purchase your tickets!

Be there and be scared!!

Intern Amy here!  

The 19th annual Clip Film Festival (formerly the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival) is upon us with so many great events, I’m not sure where to begin…

October 3rd – Festival Gala
Time 9:00 PM
Location Don Vicente De Ybor, 1915 N Ave Republica de Cuba
Gala Night - An Evening of Hip Elegance (Black Tie Preferred)
Music - Dancing - Entertainment - DJ Andy - Silent Auction
Join us after "Tru Loved" at the historic Don Vicente De Ybor (14th St and 9th Ave) for an evening of elegance.  Your ticket includes open bar, food, and entertainment (included in Crown Circle Diva and Simply Fabulous Pass).

October 8th- The St. Pete Twirling Project Performance
Time 8:30 AM
Location Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin Street
Come watch the St. Petersburg Twirling Project Perform outside of the Tampa Theatre on Wednesday night. This event is free to the public.

October 11th- SURGE, the official Men’s Party
Time 9:00 PM
Cost  $15
Location Czar Ybor, 1420 E 7th Ave
It’s the official Men’s Party for clip, the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival! Join more than 1,000 people for one night of epic entertainment at Czar in Ybor City. SURGE features three completely different entertainment venues and three very distinct types of music all under 1 roof! Doors open 9pm-3am. Open to adults 18+ (men and women welcome), and 100% of proceeds go to clip.

October 11th- SUGAR, the official Women's Party
Time 9:00 PM
Cost   $15-$30
Location The Honey Pot, 1507 E 7th Ave
The largest Girl party in Tampa Bay! Join over 700 women for one craved evening - it only happens once a year! It will be a feast for the senses.

October 12th- Sister Merry Widow's Masquerade Ball/Closing Party
Time 9:00 AM
Location gBar, 1401 E 7th Ave

For a complete list of films and events log on to http://www.tiglff.com/. The festival runs from October 2nd through October 12th and I know a local film commission manager who’s sitting on the jury so you’d better check it out! Nobody throws a better party!

Hey Everyone! U.T. is proud to be hosting Martha Coolidge on Wednesday October 1st and Thursday October 2nd. She is a famed Hollywood producer, writer and director and here for a limited 2-day engagement.

Martha Coolidge is an Emmy nominated director for a variety of her work. She gained success by directing numerous films containing a feminist perspective and was elected the first woman president for the Directors Guild of America. Along with her earlier credits are many documentaries and shorts.

The schedule for the week is:
OCTOBER 1st
10 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. - "Real Genius" & Behind The Scenes Screenings
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – “Valley Girl” & Behind The Scenes Screenings
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Conversations with Martha Coolidge,
8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Q&A w/ Martha, and "Material Girls" Screening

OCTOBER 2nd
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - "Ramblin Rose," followed by director's workshop
                                    and "Directing Actors for Film"
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" Screening

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of Hollywood’s most famous directors this Wednesday and Thursday at the University of Tampa in Reeves Theater located on the 2nd Floor of Vaughn.

All events are open to the public and seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

I apologize for the lapse in blogs but I've been a busy lady. Spent last week in New York City, celebrating Independent Film Week with other members of Film Florida. Our annual Florida Wasabi Party was a big hit, as always (think it's the free beer or the free sushi that keeps em' coming back for more...??), and some great connections were made. Also had a great meeting with Leslie Cohen, Tampa native and Director of Film Programming for HBO. Then it was off to Boston for a fun-filled girls weekend. The Knights lost miserably to BC but a good time was had by all!

Now it's back to business and the business currently at hand is the planning of our State of the Film & Entertainment Industry Summit on October 9, 2008. The Tampa Bay Area Film Commissions (St Pete/Clearwater & Tampa Bay) have joined forces to host this educational event for our local film community. We realized recently that there are so many misconceptions about how and why our film incentive money was lost during our last legislative session. We hope to educate, rally, and call-to-action the people of Tampa Bay so that we may make Tampa (and Florida) a productive production destination once again. The invite is below - please join us if you're able.

To RSVP for this event, please click here.

See ya there!

Hey! It’s the film intern- Amy! This is your chance to see 15 of the BEST Florida-made short films from the Sunscreen Film Festival. It will be screened at NOVA 535, this Saturday, September 13th beginning at 8pm.Don’t worry if you can’t make the first screening, all films will be screened again at 10:15!

The films will be competing for the title of “Best Florida-made Film” and you get to pick! The winning films (one from each screening) will receive Sunscreen 2009 VIP package each worth hundreds of dollars!

Admission is only $8, including one drink. Find out Saturday night who is best of the best!!!

Hey Movie buffs…Amy the film intern here. The Independents’ Film Festival committee just announced the finalists for the 2008 Best of the Fest. Winners will be announced 7 p.m. September 19th at the Tampa Theatre. Following, is a screening and Q&A with the filmmakers. Don’t miss this exciting festival! For tickets in advance go to: http://www.independentsfilmfest.com

Animation Award
Animal Instincts, Director Cameron Edser and Michael Richardson (Australia)
Emily in the Clouds, Director Clayton Mitchell (Florida)
The Clocktower, Director Cara Antonelli (Florida)

Indie Mini Film Award
Against the Wind, Director Dan Masucci (New York)
Hard Boiled, Director Brian Winter (Virginia)
Thanks to the Whistle Blowers, Director David Puls (New York)

Student Mini Film Award
Basket Boy, Director Pacifique Nzitonda (Africa)
Cuentos Chinos, Director Chris Caraballo (California)
Focus, Director Jesse Newman (Florida)

Student Short Film Award
Betrothed, Director Emily Sheskin (New York)
Latter Day Fake, Director Jolie Hale (California)
No One Doubts the Camera's Eye, Director Tim Compton (Florida)

Indie Short Film Award
El Ojo Unico, Director Adrian Castagna (California)
Red, Yellow, Blue, Director Changhee Chun (New York)
Shy, Director April Rouveyrol (California)

Indie Short Documentary Award--under 30 minutes
Florida's Wild Side, Director Tom Fitz  (Florida)
Flowers of Rwanda, Director David Munoz (Spain)
Silly & Serious, Director Dennis Tupicof (Australlia)

Indie Documentary Award--under 60 minutes
Millennium Musicians, Director Edson Pacheco (Florida)
Secrets of a Medicine Man, Director Nanette Fenton  (Florida)
Seminole Heights, Director Gene Howes (Florida)

Indie Feature Documentary Award--over 80 minutes
American Feud: A History of Conservatives & Liberals, Director Richard Hall, (Maryland)
The Church on Dauphine Street, Directors Rustin Thompson & Ann Hedreen (Washington)
Vaccine Nation, Director Gary Nulls (New York)

Indie feature Documentary Award--under 80 minutes
D.O.P.E., Director Chris Aherns (California)
King in Chicago, Director Seth McClellan (Alabama)
The Life Penalty, Director David Quint (Colorado)

Student Documentary Award
In the Panyard, Director Keli Ross-Ma'u  (California)
Postwar, Florida, Director Josh Kushner (Florida)

Indie Experimental Film Award
EZS: sequenza 1-A.E., Director Alessandro Brucini (Italy)
The Spasm Between the Infinities, Director Jeff Whipple (Florida)
Zunar-J5/9-Doric -48, Director Alexandra Rothert (Germany)

WEE WOW Award
Climbing Downward, Director Jason Berger   (California)
Return to Sender, Directors Emma & Sarah Bailin  (Arkansas)
The Honest Shepherd, Director Lubomir Mihaila Kocka  (Georgia)

Directors' Choice Award
Flowers of Rwanda, Director David Munoz (Spain)
For A Few Marbles More, Director Jelmar Hufen (Netherlands)
Kilowatt Ours, Director Jeff Barrie (Tennessee)

Anyone want to guess who this year’s winners will be?

Hey Everyone, It’s Amy- the Film Intern! The Independent’s Film Festival is coming up in only two weeks and the lineup is looking good.

Check out the schedule -

September 16th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 7pm
Films by Emerging Directors

September 16th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 8:30pm
Films about Indie Music

September 17th- Education Channel $7.50; 7pm
Films that transform catastrophe into beauty

September 18th- Education Channel $25 (in advance); 7pm
Party like a Film Star Fundraiser

September 19th- Tampa Theatre $8.00 (at door); 7:30pm
Best of the Fest award-winning Films, followed by filmmaker chat

September 20th- UT Reeves Theatre FREE; 3:00pm
Junior Filmmakers Showcase

September 20th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 7:00pm
Documentaries in the Sunshine

September 20th- UT Reeves Theatre $7.50; 9:00pm
Urban Film Series

September 21st- Education Channel $10.00; 2:00pm
Actors Workshop (Advanced Registration Required)

Don’t miss out on this unique festival. There is something for everyone!  
If you can’t catch the festival, no worries because the “official selections” will be aired on The Education Channel during September with a live web simulcast! For more information visit www.indiefilmfest.us.

The Tampa Bay Film Commission and the University of Tampa Department of Communication, Film Media Arts, present a discussion with film producer Michael S. Ryan. In the last year, Ryan has supervised "The Savages," wrapped production on the low-budget films "Faye Grim," "Liberty Kid," and "Lake City" and is currently finishing an adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Choke."

Ryan has also been involved with some of the most distinctive and critically acclaimed American arthouse pics of the last few years, including Todd Solondz's "Palindromes," Phil Morrison's "Junebug," Ira Sach's "Forty Shades of Blue" and Kelly Reichardt's "Old Joy." 

Check out this article in Variety - Mike Ryan

Date: Monday, September 08, 2008
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Reeves Theater
Price: Free
Contact: Tom Garrett (941) 544-8888

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in film production on any level. Do not miss this event! See you there!

The guys from Tampa's Weekend Film School are at it again...

Cinematographer - Two Day Class
Dates: October 3 & 4, 2008
Times: Fri - 7pm - 10pm, Sat - 9am - 5pm
Location: TBA - Tampa Bay location
Instructor: - Erik Curtis - Erik is a working cinematographer, who has worked on such films as Miami Vice, Transporter 2, Amityville Horror, Into the Blue, and many others
Tuition: $99

*Class size is limited

Description: This hands-on workshop will allow you to get experience with 35mm film cameras and professional HD cameras. Learn, not only the fundamentals of camera operation, but expand your skills with depth of field control, choosing film stock, how to use a light meter, lighting and exposure, dolly movements, hand-held operation, follow-focus techniques, and much more. You'll learn techniques to turn your bland images into professional shots that will get you work.

Ass soon as I get a location update, I'll post here.

I field a lot of phone calls here at the Tampa Bay Film Commission and one of the most frequently asked questions is about screenwriting. How to get started, where to learn about the craft, etc. Well, the guys from Tampa's Weekend Film School have just the class for all you prospective screenwriters out there.

"How to write a screenplay that sells"

Two Day Screenwriting Class
September 13th & 14th 2008
Tuition - $50 
**$10 Discount for previous TWFS screenwriting students**

Award winning screen writer Joe Davison, will be holding a two day screen writing workshop from conception to completion. Learn how to develop environments, characters, conflicts and resolutions in addition to proper format and construction.

There must be at least 10 students to run this class. If class does not fill up, refunds will be provided.

I hope some of you get involved. Joe's very talented and even better - he's patient! Let's cultivate a community of great screenwriters here in Tampa Bay! Any takers?

The Gasparilla International Film Festival, along with presenting sponsor Knopik Varner Moore and The University of Tampa, will screen the next film in the prestigious Global Lens Film Series, 'The Kite' (Lebanon). 'The Kite' will begin at 8pm on Friday, August 29th at the University of Tampa in Reeves Hall.  The screening is free for all members of the Gasparilla Film Festival.

SYNOPSIS

In director Randa Chahal Sabbag's 'fairytale for troubled times,' sixteen-year old Lamia must cross a border checkpoint between Lebanon and Israel to marry a man she has never met. Neither she nor her betrothed are eager to consummate a marriage to a stranger-a matter further complicated by Lamia's surprising admission that she is in love with the Israeli soldier guarding the border. Sabbag's enchanting drama about marriage and tradition is underscored by delicate symbolism and artful references to politics of Lebanon's territories that have been annexed.

To view the trailer for The Kite, click on the link below:

http://www.globalfilm.org/lens08/kite.htm

Let me know what you thought of the trailer!

Got this note from Pete and Paul Guzzo today. Definitely worth a mention, as I'm sure many of your are regular attenees of this awesome Tampa Bay film event.

"Hey guys, we're moving AGAIN ... this time, we're going BACK to our roots. The new location will be Romeo's Art Gallery, 1515 Seventh Ave. in Ybor City - OUR ORIGINAL LOCATION where we began almost five years ago.The next Tampa Film Review will be held on Friday, September 12 from 8 – 10 p.m."

This month’s films will include:

Without Mercy by Dan Brienza

Survivors of Rimic by Joel Wynkoop

Secret by David Tinico

The Beauville’s new music video, Snow, by Ground Up Films

Visit www.thetampafilmreview.com for more.

I'm not able to make this month's film review so who's going to go and deliver a full report? I would love to hear about it!

I just got word about this local film being picked up for distribution. These are great and talented guys - so very happy for them!

Pop Gun Pictures, Manic Entertainment, Crytzer Enterprises, and Oddtopsy F/X are proud to announce the domestic release of 100 Tears; a Tampa based horror feature.

100 Tears is the first of its kind to be shot in and around the Tampa Bay area. The film is directed by Tampa resident and master special effects artist; Marcus Koch. This is his second feature to be shot in the bay area. The film was written, produced, and stars Bay area resident Joe Davison of Pop Gun Pictures.

The film is due out this October through Anthem Pictures
http://www.anthemdvd.com/catalog.htm

100 Tears has been to fifteen film festivals including The Over the Top Fest in Toronto, The Dark Carnival Film Fest, and Freak Show Horror Film Fest in Orlando, in which it won Audience Choice Award for best horror.

Leslie Crytzer of Crytzer Enterprises, yet another Tampa resident, is one of the executive producers on this massive achievement for the Tampa artists. Leslie Crytzer also has a supporting role in the film along with Alanna Baker and Christine Geyer who are also Tampa Bay Area residents. Manic Entertainment headed by Elmar Berger, is based out of Germany and is helping the film reach world wide audiences.

The film stars Bay Area residents; Jack Amos who plays the cleaver swinging serial killer known as Gurdy the Clown, Georgia Chris; who plays Jennifer Stevenson, the films heroine journalist who chases Gurdy down to his warehouse, Joe Davison; who plays Mark Webb, Jennifer’s fun loving side kick, and almost the entire supporting cast are Tampa Bay Area residents.

New Jersey resident Raine Brown also stars in the film as Christine Greaston the over animated sociopath daughter of Gurdy the Clown.

The film has been released in Germany and in France and is slated to be released in the UK and Japan later this year.

Check these films out when you get a chance, and be sure to let me know what you think!

Whew! We made it. Our offices were closed yesterday due to Fay, though I dont think I actually saw one drop of rain. In fact, it may be windier today than it was yesterday. I'm a big believer though in the "better safe than sorry" philosophy so I didn't mind the day off from work *wink, wink*.

As promised last week, I have an update of all the winners from the 48 Hour Film Project. So, without further ado....

Best Use of Character
Leftover Films for "Food for Love"

Best Use of Prop
Kelby Cross High A/V Club for "The Rice Inn"

Best Use of Line of Dialogue
Cosmic Waves Production for "Temptation"

Best Costumes
Team JumpCut for "Crime’s a Cookin’"

Best Choreography
Team JumpCut for "Crime’s a Cookin’"

Best Sound Design
Leftover Films for "Food for Love"

Best Graphics
Fireplace Films for "Scarlet"

Best Musical Score
Jim Prosser for "Crime's a Cookin’"

Best Cinematography
Curtis Graham for "A Minute Too Late"

Best Editing
Paula Peterson for "A Minute Too Late"

Best Writing
Bobalu Films for "Square One"

Best Actor
Nathan Jokela for "Square One"

Best Actress
Kaitlyn Terpstra for "The Sale"

Best Directing
Sean Michael Davis for "A Minute Too Late"

Best Film
Team JumpCut for "Crime’s a Cookin’"

Audience Award Winner: Group A
"Square One" by Bobalu Films

Audience Award Winner: Group B
"Crime’s a Cookin’" by Team JumpCut

Congratulations to all the winners!

The Film Florida meetings were very productive and I learned a lot from my fellow film commissioners and industry professionals. At the center of our meetings was the state's lack of incentive funding, after a $20 million cut during the last legislative session. We brainstormed a number of ideas to get the money back for next year - stay tuned for details!

Which film was your favorite?  Drop me a line or two!

That's right folks, I'm on the road again. This week I'm headed to the south end of the Tampa Bay area, Manatee County for a quarterly Film Florida meeting. Film commissioners and industry professionals who belong to the Film Florida organization will converge on Manatee County for three days of meetings, workshops and networking.

The calendar includes marketing brainstorming sessions, tradeshow updates and a legislative think-tank, designed to help us earn back some of film incentive that was cut from this year's legislative budget.

I'll be back next week...hopefully with new ideas for marketing the Tampa Bay Film Commission as one of Florida's leaders and with a complete list of all the winners from Friday's 48 Hour Film Project awards party at Nova 535. It was a terrific party with a huge turnout. Coco and Kerri Bermudez deserve a HUGE round of applause for their accomplishments with this year's project.