Does this mean no Cop and a Half 2?

You probably heard that a bunch of new laws went into effect today: motorcycle safety courses for license applicants, higher parking ticket fines, the one declaring Fridays as wet t-shirt optional work days.

I made up that last one.

Anyway, one I'm writing about is the cutbacks in Florida's incentive program that helps to entice film, TV and commercial production in the Sunshine State. Last year's kitty of $25-million were divided among such productions as Marley and Me starring Jennifer Aniston, the USA network series Burn Notice, the comedy Misconceptions filmed in Pinellas County, etc.

Now that fund has been slashed to $5-million for the 2008-2009 fiscal calendar. Suddenly Florida won't seem like such an attractive location for productions that can go elsewhere -- Georgia and Louisiana are growing players -- and save more money.

Don't think that the state film office is just handing out free money. Productions earn rebates of up to 22 percent for their in-state spending; hiring local talent before and behind the cameras, taking rooms at hotels, eating at restaurants, etc.  St. Petersburg/Clearwater film commissioner Jennifer Parramore says the paperwork proves that whatever the fund rebates is earned back by Floridians at a 7-to-1 ratio.

So, last year's $25-million incentives fund put $175-million into Floridians' pockets. That's a lot of income to lose in these tough times.

The cut in funding is due to the same reasons why you're probably not spending as much these days. Thanks to Florida's balanced budget requirements, such cuts have been necessary nearly from top to bottom. But that also means that if/when the economy bounces back, the film/TV subsidies program should quickly bounce back with it.

At least that's what the state film commissioner and Gov. Charlie Crist's deputy press secretary told me. I'll let you know when the story's ready for publication online and in the Times.

Comments

[Algernon Willorith]

Have you seen that lizard gate at Ms. Parramore's home? It is truly a spectacular piece of work. This single piece of art evinces a basic understanding and appreciation of the creative process that highlights the value of Ms. Parramore and her film commission to Pinellas County. Highly creative people recognize each other when they interact. I'm sure that film people see in Ms. Parramore her creative soul.