City needs to accommodate film production

As a result of last week's Florida Film Production Coalition meeting, the FFPC has some serious concerns about Miami's Film Office. They question whether the office will be able to handle the "potential onslaught of production that is coming into Florida without a solidly structured Film Office in place."

It's mind boggling how the City doesn't realize what a huge industry this is and what the potential is for business, publicity and jobs. The City shows no respect to the filmmakers who can pick up and leave at a moment's notice and just not show up at all ever again. The filming and model shoots that were so prevalent 10 years ago are not so anymore, but with the new tax incentives, they can easily return in a matter of weeks.

People come to Coconut Grove just to scout out Burn Notice, they actually choose the Grove over South Beach when making vacation plans because of Burn Notice. How do we know? Because we get dozens of emails a week telling us and asking us about shooting locations, where to stay in the Grove and where they can see the stars filming. When we write about Burn Notice the readership doubles that day due to the fans who come over to the Grapevine via Google alerts, message boards and word of mouth to read the stories and see the pictures.

SB 1752, the jobs bill containing the entertainment industry incentive language, has passed the House unanimously and is now headed to the Governor's signature.The $242 million in tax credits will induce over $1.2 billion in direct spending by productions choosing Florida for their film, TV and digital media projects. Most of this could come to Miami or not, depending on how the situation goes with the Film office. Does the City want the money spent here? If so, something needs to be done to fix the Film Office today, the Film Office needs to accommodate and woo the filmmakers today.

An email that went out from the FFPC to members says in part: "The Film, TV and Digital Media Industry is requesting a serious commitment by the City of Miami’s Mayor, City Manager, and Commissioners to the Industry. Furthermore, many among us are citizens and taxpayers who provide millions of ancillary dollars to this community."

It went on to say, "The Film, TV and Digital Media Industry is a billion dollar industry in the State of Florida that creates jobs, pours money into the local economy and markets the City of Miami; therefore we require serious attention from City Officials. Projects such as “Burn Notice” and the numerous movies, commercials and print ads that are shot here provide multi million dollar promotional opportunities for the City of Miami in which everyone benefits. Let us not forget that we are a tourism destination and this community benefits from tourism as its 'bread and butter'. "

At the time this story was posted, Burn Notice was filming at CocoWalk right in the center of town, drawing lots of attention and excitement.