Tampa Film Fan

film florida annual meeting — and more — june 6-8

Attention filmmakers and film fans:  the Tampa Bay Film Commission is once again hosting the annual Film Florida meeting on June 6, 7 and 8 right here in the Bay area.  A membership-based non-profit coalition of local film commissions and labor/industry associations, Film Florida provides a leadership role in Florida’s film and entertainment industries.  Activities during the three-day meeting include a public forum, a mix-and-mingle reception, the annual board meeting, an advisory council meeting and the Legends Award ceremony.  On June 6, Film Florida and the Tampa Bay Film Commission are partnering with CreativeTampaBay to present a free public forum to give filmmakers valuable information on film funding, making film pitches and the latest technology trends.  Here’s the full schedule as it stands now:

4–6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Italian Club: Tampa Bay Film Forum Panel and Discussions (no charge) –

Concurrent Session 1:

• A.  Funding 101 – Learn how Florida production companies have been successful making feature films, including drafting budgets, comparing state incentives and raising funds.  Panelists include Ed Machek from Ring Productions, Steve Matzkin from Fresh Produce Films, Robert S. Fingerman from Fingerman and Macke (NY), and Bryan Crino from Skyway Capital Investments.
• B.  The Perfect Pitch – Maritza Guimet from the south Florida company Florida Media Market will teach filmmakers how to perfect their plans and make the pitch that gets them the film project resources needed.

Concurrent Session 2:

• A.  Hot Technologies in Moving Pictures – Judd French from Digital Media and other panelists will present new digital cameras, leading-edge equipment and the latest trends in technology.
• B.  What’s Your Pitch? – After learning perfect pitch tips from Maritza Guimet, attendees can try their pitches out on the panel of funders and producers.  Each participant will get three minutes to make his/her pitch with the audience present.  The judges will then critique the pitch and give recommendations for improvement.  (Reservations for this session are suggested.)

6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Italian Club: Creative Tampa Bay/Film Florida Reception (no charge for food, cash bar) – Meet the forum panelists and network with local and state production and creative industry professionals.

1–5 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at the Marriott Waterside: Film Florida Annual Board Meeting (no charge) – The public is invited to participate in the annual statewide board meeting and hear from the State Film Office, statewide industry leaders, labor organizations, film commissions and related associations.

6–8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, at Stumps Supper Club: Film Florida Legends Award ($25 per person, cash at the door) – Join in as they honor the 2007 Legend Award winner (name not yet announced).

9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Friday, June 8, at the Marriott Waterside: Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council (no charge) — Feel free to stop by and learn about the Governor’s Entertainment Advisory Council.

Tampa film commissioner Krista Soroka and CreativeTampaBay executive director Donna Manion will appear on this Thursday’s Tampa Bay’s Media Talk to talk about these events.

Visit CreativeTampaBay’s website to learn more.

(cross-posted at www.sticksoffire.com)