Subject:
Title
Production Agreements with Bluewater Media, LLC for production of “Lost In” Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the two Production Agreements with Bluewater Media, LLC for production of “Lost In” Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2.
• Production Agreements are for two episodes of “Lost In” for a total payment of $59,522.00.
• Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB’s) review committee evaluated the two productions and determined the incentive award based on qualified local expenditures projected at $102,630.00 per episode and the tourism value the productions bring to the County.
• Total maximum funding for both episodes is allocated as follows:
o $30,788.00 - 15% of total local expenditures
o $8,210.00 - 5% for additional promotional deliverables
o $10,262.00 - 5% for production marketing deliverables
o $10,262.00 - 5% for distribution and post-production marketing
• Funding is paid on a post-production basis with distribution-based incentives contingent upon receiving proof of distribution.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities
Summary:
The production agreements for “Lost In,” Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2 are the result of the Film Commission’s Screen Industry Incentive Program (Program), which awards funding to local productions for promoting and marketing tourism in connection with film projects. The agreements are based on a combination of up to 15% reimbursement for qualified local expenditures, up to 5% of local expenditures for additional promotional deliverables, up to 5% for marketing deliverables, and up to 5% for distribution and post production marketing. Details are included in Exhibit A of each agreement.
Background/Explanation:
In the absence of state film incentives, the Film Commission, a department of the CVB, administers an incentive program to position the destination as a location for small budget film and digital projects, social media productions, and music videos.
During 2024, the CVB with a consultant performed a review of the incentive program, which was previously known as the Business Development Marketing Program. After receiving input from industry and the public, the incentive program was updated with the prime objective, to ensure it drives tourism and promotes the County. The updated program was renamed as the Screen Industry Incentive Program. The revised Program was presented to the TDC on August 21, 2024, and effective beginning in Fiscal Year 2025.
Funding for production of “Lost In,” Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2 is based on up to $28,734.00 for the production’s impact to tourism, positive brand exposure, and distribution. Up to $30,788.00 of funding is based on reimbursement of qualified local expenditures. Program funding is paid on a post-production basis with distribution-based incentives contingent upon receiving proof of distribution.
“Lost In” is a travel show that covers food and culture in cities across the U.S. By contributing to this project, the County receives positive media value through deliverables such as hosting a media day, social media tags in a campaign promoted by the production company and host DJ BBQ, additional footage, stills, and more. The production will also feature County locations, beauty shots, and signage. Episode 1 will cover the Tarpon Springs sponge docks, the city’s rich history and Greek heritage. Episode 2 will cover the food and craft beer scene in addition to the arts and culture scene within the cities of Safety Harbor and Dunedin.
“Lost In” will be broadcast across 131 domestic markets and available through streaming Video on Demand platforms such as Amazon Prime, TUBI, localnow, Fawesome, and Roku.
Fiscal Impact:
$29,761.00 Episode 1
$29,761.00 Episode 2
$59,522.00 Total Funding
Funding to support the Production Agreements 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 Agreements 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 Agreements
Season 2, Episode1
Season 2, Episode 2