Subject:
Title
Production Agreement with Country Mile Entertainment LLC, for production of the feature film, “Christmas in Clearwater”.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Production Agreement with Country Mile Entertainment LLC, for production of “Christmas in Clearwater”.
• Agreement for $134,400.00 is for production of “Christmas in Clearwater.”
• 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 $100,000.00 and the tourism value the production brings to the County.
• Funding is allocated as follows:
o $22,400.00 - reimbursement for local expenditures
o $22,400.00 - additional tourism promotional deliverables
o $22,400.00 - in-production marketing deliverables
o $67,200.00 - distribution and post-production marketing
• Funding is paid on a post-production basis with distribution-based incentives contingent upon receiving proof of distribution.
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Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities.
Summary:
Production Agreement for “Christmas in Clearwater,” is for a 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 “Christmas in Clearwater” is based on reimbursement up to $134,400.00 and based on qualified local expenditures exceeding $100,000.00. Funding for “Christmas in Clearwater” also includes additional tourism promotional deliverables, in-production marketing deliverables and distribution and post-production marketing. The County will receive marketing benefits including hosting a media day, testimonial video and behind-the scenes still photographs of the production highlighting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Clearwater Beach, 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 $134,400.00 of a production’s total qualified local expenditures which includes up to $22,400.00 for reimbursement of local expenditures, up to $22,400.00 for additional tourism promotions, up to $22,400.00 for in-production marketing, and up to $67,200.00 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 “Christmas in Clearwater,” and determined an award of up to $134,400.00 for the production’s impact to tourism, positive brand exposure, and distribution. This film will be shot at various locations in Clearwater, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Clearwater Beach.
In exchange for support of “Christmas in Clearwater” 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 around 290 room nights and $275,000 in direct local expenditures that are a result of this film being produced in Pinellas County.
The Production Company is working closely with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and its public relations and marketing team to maximize exposure both locally and nationally.
Fiscal Impact:
$134,400.00 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