Imagine \u201cThe Walking Dead\u201d in Bithlo or \u201cStranger Things\u201d in Pine Hills.<\/p>\n
It could have happened.<\/p>\n
The pop culture megahits, still available on streaming platforms, were filmed in Georgia, which offers generous tax incentives for motion picture and video production while Florida, once ranked as high as third in the nation for production work, dumped its incentive program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were going gangbusters in the \u201990s,\u201d said Roseann Harrington, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings\u2019 chief of staff, while pitching a film incentive program to county commissioners on Tuesday. \u201cWe were going to be the \u2018Hollywood of the East,\u2019 and we were on our way to doing that when, in 2016, the state ended incentives, and things kind of dried up in Florida, in Orlando and in other parts.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said Georgia then invested \u201ca ton of state money\u201d and replaced Florida among the top three U.S. film locations.<\/p>\n
Commissioners \u2014 who listened to a cast of advocates, including actors \u2014 decided unanimously Tuesday to roll out the red carpet for filmmakers beginning next year. The board approved a tourist-tax-funded program to make up to $25 million over five years available to film production companies that \u201cpositively\u201d\u00a0feature Orange County, Florida; hire local talent; and stay in Orange County hotels.<\/p>\n
The money would be paid as a rebate for production costs after a project is finished and compliance with the terms of the program is verified.<\/p>\n
To qualify for incentives, all projects must include a count of hotel room nights and prominently feature, highlight, or brand Orange County and\/or its municipalities. Promotional content must include clear and recognizable depictions of Orange County\u2019s assets.<\/p>\n
Live events, unscripted reality shows, political programming and talk shows are not eligible for funding. Commercials may seek rebates for production costs but any program or commercial video that solicits money or promotes gambling are ineligible. Also, no porn.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we have this Orange County film incentive, I know we\u2019ll bring the work here,\u201d said Adam Vernier, whose film credits include straight-to-video sequels \u201cBring It On: In It to Win It,\u201d \u201cAce Ventura 3,\u201d and \u201cBeethoven\u2019s Big Break.\u201d He added in jest, \u201cI know you\u2019ve seen them all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eddie Venegas, who described himself as a filmmaker and a Screen Actors Guild-eligible performer, said the film incentive program first proposed by former Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, \u201cis not a gamble but a strategic, data driven economic tool that counties across the country have already proven effective.\u201d<\/p>\n
Film and production schools at Full Sail University, the University of Central Florida, Valencia College and others produce more than 3,000 graduates a year eager for work. Many would prefer to stay in Central Florida but must chase opportunities outside of Orlando.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery production, whether it\u2019s a commercial, a mini-series or a streaming project, creates real, trackable outcomes, jobs for local crews, spending with local vendors, hotel stays, increased visibility for tourism and long term returns on investment,\u201d Venegas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen this firsthand as a principal actor on a national commercial for Visa last year that was filmed in the Mills\/50 District. The impact that it had in just one weekend of work: dozens of Floridians were hired \u2014 dozens of local Floridians living in Orange County specifically, including myself,\u201d he said. \u201cEvery dollar stayed right here. This is clean economic activity with a measurable footprint.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kenneth Brown, who moved to Orlando from Los Angeles in 2020, said the program is already creating \u201cbuzz\u201d for his new home.<\/p>\n
The mayor was most interested in Brown\u2019s screen credit, \u201cSpider-Man 3,\u201d and wanted to know his role.<\/p>\n
He rubbed his bald head and admitted it was a minor role.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was the guy with the dreadlocks standing beside Tobey,\u201d he said, referring to the movie\u2019s star, Tobey Maguire.<\/p>\n