Gibson seeks to boost film industry in Florida

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, wants the state to again be more involved in the film and television industry. Gibson on Friday filed a 10-page proposal (SB 1576) that would create a film investment corporation. But the proposal comes as the House continues to move forward with efforts to abolish a number of state agencies and boards, including the Office of Film & Entertainment and an entertainment industry incentive and tax-exemption program. The House proposals, which also seek to reform the tourism-marketing agency Visit Florida and eliminate business-recruitment agency Enterprise Florida, go before the House Rules & Policy Committee on Monday. Gibson's bill doesn't outline the amount of money that could be run through the new corporation --- via state, federal, county, municipal and private sources. But it would require the state Department of Economic Opportunity to be advised of each contract and for all ongoing investments to be published online. House Republican leaders have been skeptical about state funding for the film and television industry, particularly a 2010 incentive program in which $296 million was set aside. That money was expected to last five years but instead was quickly depleted as it was awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Meanwhile, the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council has estimated that the state has lost out on about $650 million in film and TV production over the past three years by being unable to compete with neighboring states that offer incentives. Gibson's bill would require a seven-member unpaid board to "make investments in productions that it estimates will generate maximum economic impact to the state by providing high-wage jobs for Florida residents and significant in-state expenditures."