Subject:
Title
Production agreement with RCR Cinema, LLC for production of “DNA Secrets.”
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the production agreement with RCR Cinema, LLC for promoting the County in connection with the made for TV production of “DNA Secrets.”
• The production agreement is for $97,125.00 and will be paid on a post-production basis upon receipt of all deliverables detailed in Exhibit A.
• The production resulted in a total of approximately $388,500.00 in direct local expenditures, 177 room nights and 27 local hires.
• Filming took place at various locations in Safety Harbor, Dunedin, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
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Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Summary:
The Production Agreement is to promote and market tourism as it relates to the production of “DNA Secrets.” The Agreement is based on a combination of 10% reimbursement for approved, documented, and detailed local production expenses and for the marketing value the production brings to the destination. In exchange for up to $97,125.00 in monetary support, the County will receive marketing benefits that include perpetual use of approximately 20 behind the scenes promotional photographs, 20 beauty shots of the area, testimonial video that includes at least three above-the-line cast and crew providing favorable references to filmmaking in the County, city signage, location/business mentions, and more as detailed in Exhibit A.
Background/Explanation:
In the absence of state film incentives, the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is positioning the destination as a location for small budget film and digital projects, social media productions, and music videos. Through the Film Commission’s Business Development Marketing Program, the CVB will pay qualified productions up to 10% of approved local expenditures and for the marketing value the production brings to the destination.
The funding for this production is based on a combination of $58,275.00 for positive brand exposure and reimbursement of up to $38,850.00 for 10% of approved local expenditures. Funding is paid on a post-production basis upon receipt of all deliverables.
This production was filmed in various locations throughout the County including the Clearwater Historical Society, Clearwater Historical Courthouse, Philippe Park, Palm Court Motel, and private residences in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. The exposure generated is only one aspect that results from local film productions. The County also benefits from the 27 local jobs, 177 room nights, and approximately $388,500.00 in direct local expenditures that are a result of this film being produced in Pinellas County.
Worldwide distribution of this made for TV film has been sold to Artist View Entertainment. Although post-production is still in process and the airing has not yet been scheduled, it is anticipated this film will air on Lifetime or similar channel and be available through streaming platforms still to be determined.
Fiscal Impact:
Production Agreement: $97,125.00
Funding to support the Production Agreement is provided through the CVB’s Annual Operating Budget. The source of funding is the Tourist Development Tax Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign the Production Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Director, Convention and Visitors Bureau
Partners:
Tourist Development Council
Attachments:
Production Agreement