Subject:
Title
Production Agreement with The Statement, LLC for production of the feature film, “The Statement.”
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Production Agreement with Statement Movie, LLC for production of “The Statement,” a Sony Pictures Classic feature film, produced by Anonymous Content LLC.
• Agreement for $250,000.00 is for production of “The Statement.”
• Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB’s) review committee evaluated the production and determined the incentive award based on qualified local expenditures projected at over $1,000,000.00 and the tourism value the production brings to the County.
• Funding is allocated as follows:
o $62,500.00 - reimbursement for local expenditures
o $62,500.00 - additional tourism promotional deliverables
o $62,500.00 - in-production marketing deliverables
o $62,500.00 - 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:
Production Agreement for “The Statement,” is for a Sony Classics Feature Film and the result of the Film Commission’s Screen Industry Incentive Program (Program). This Program awards funding to local productions for promoting and marketing tourism in connection with the film projects. Funding for the “The Statement” is based on reimbursement up to $250,000.00 and based on qualified local expenditures exceeding $100,000.00. Funding for “The Statement” also includes additional tourism promotional deliverables, in-production marketing deliverables and distribution and post-production marketing. The County will receive marketing benefits including video testimonials, behind-the scenes still photographs of the production in Pinellas County highlighting landmarks, film credits, and more, as detailed in Exhibit A of the Agreement.
Background/Explanation:
In the absence of state film incentives, the Film Commission, a department of the CVB, administers the Screen Industry Incentive Program to position the destination as a location for film and digital projects, social media productions, and music videos. The maximum funding award is $250,000.00 of a production’s total qualified local expenditures which includes up to $62,500.00 for reimbursement of local expenditures, up to $62,500.00 for additional tourism promotions, up to $62,500.00 for in-production marketing, and up to $62,500.00 for distribution and postproduction marketing. Funding is paid on a post-production basis with distribution-based incentives contingent upon receiving proof of distribution.
The CVB’s review committee evaluated “The Statement,” and determined an award of up to $250,000.00 for the production’s impact to tourism, positive brand exposure, and distribution. This film was shot at various locations on St. Pete Beach, including The Don CeSar Hotel.
In exchange for support of “The Statement” the County will receive positive media value through deliverables such as hosting a media day, behind-the-scenes photographs, testimonial video, and more. In addition to the media value and brand exposure generated, the County also benefits from over 200 local jobs, room nights and $100,000.00 in direct local expenditures that are a result of this film being produced in Pinellas County.
“The Statement” is a feature film with a highly remarkable cast, including Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti, John Turturro and Evan Peters. The Director, Tom McCarthy, is an Oscar-award winning director. Members of the cast and crew will be involved in the coordinated promotional efforts of the project comparable to worldwide studio release.
Fiscal Impact:
$250,000.00 Total Funding
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 this 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