Subject:
Title
Production Agreement with Last Earthling, LLC, for production of the feature film, “The Last Earthling.”
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Production Agreement with Last Earthling, LLC, for production of “The Last Earthling”
• Agreement for $150,000.00 is for production of “The Last Earthling”
• 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 $1,500,000.00 and the tourism value the production brings to the County.
• Funding is paid on a post-production basis with distribution-based incentives contingent upon receiving proof of distribution. Funding is allocated as follows:
o $20,000.00 - in-production base incentive deliverables
o $40,000.00 - additional tourism promotional deliverables
o $15,000.00 - in-production marketing deliverables
o $75,000.00 - distribution and post-production marketing
• In exchange for support of “The Last Earthling” 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 hiring approximately 250 local crew, approximately 600 room nights and spending at least $100,000.00 in Pinellas County.
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Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities
Summary:
Production Agreement for “The Last Earthling” is for a Feature Film to shoot entirely in Pinellas County. Funding for the “The Earthling” is based on reimbursement up to $150,000.00 and based on qualified local expenditures exceeding $100,000.00. Funding for “The Last Earthling” 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 Pinellas County 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. 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 Last Earthling,” and determined an award of up to $150,000.00 for the production’s impact to tourism, positive brand exposure, and distribution. This film will be shot at various locations in Pinellas County.
In exchange for support of “The Last Earthling” 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 hiring approximately 250 local crew and spending at least $100,000.00 in Pinellas County.
Fiscal Impact:
$150,000.00 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 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