Full Sail Studios Gateway Project Opens

This week, Winter Park-based Full Sail University opened its much anticipated Full Sail Studios Gateway Project, a 2.2 acre landmark project. The project includes:

• Full Sail Live Venue - a 22,000 square foot multi-purpose facility

• new complex with state-of-the-art game production studio and recording studio

• outdoor plaza courtyard

• expansion to the on-campus professional film studio backlot

The Live venue will offer students the chance to work behind-the-scenes on a variety of on-campus events to be held, including live productions, panels, guest lectures and more. The film studio backlot is the final phase to the existing backlot that will now offer 19 different outdoor scenic environments. Internationally renowned Full Sail University has 28 entertainment degree programs with more than 8,800 students.
Film Professionals ...On Your Mark, Get Set, Apply!

The film industry nationwide is abuzz with news of the State of Florida's recently passed Film and Entertainment Incentive which goes into effect on July 1. To promote use and significance of this fund, the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission teamed with Women in Film & Television Florida (WIFT) to co-host a "Business of Entertainment" symposium this past week at The Plaza Theater in downtown Orlando. The day-long event attracted close to 100 film and entertainment industry representatives. The EDC's own Suzy Spang, vice president of entertainment and technology, served on a panel discussing the Florida tax incentive. Panel members agreed that this revamped incentive program is great news, allowing Florida to compete on a more level playing field with states offering higher incentives. Watch Suzy describe below how the new incentive is a "game changer" for film and entertainment in the State of Florida. ---------------- Incentive Program Materials Available Online Florida Entertainment Industry Financial Incentive Program materials are now available at: http://www.filminflorida.com/ifi/incentives.asp. For more information, a teleconference will be hosted by the Governor's Office of Film & Entertainment as follows: Incentive Teleconference Call Information Date: June 2, 2010 Time: 1:00pm EST - 2:30pm EST Call in number: 1.888.808.6959 Conference code: 4104765 The purpose of the call is to provide an overview of the program, point out differences from the previous program, provide information about the application process, and respond to pre-submitted questions. High caller volume is anticipated. We recommend that you review online materials prior to the call and submit questions by close of business on Tuesday, June 1st via email to: film.incentive@myflorida.com. Note: Incentive applications will be accepted no earlier than 12:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, June 9th.

Metro Orlando "Film Sweet Film"

The 19th Annual Florida Film Festival - a 10 day celebration of the best in independent films - wraps up this weekend in Orlando. In its history, this "home grown" festival has become a marquee international event. On average, more than 23,000 people attend each year, where they experience premieres of the best in cutting-edge cinema; a star-packed attendee list; and a mix of industry parties and special events. The eyes of the world's film industry are upon us, and the EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission has learned to take full advantage of the spotlight. Again this year, our Film Commission participated in and sponsored two events: a panel discussion on "The Art of the Producer" with veteran film producers and a VIP party for filmmakers whose work is showcased during the festival. Past participation has paid dividends leading to additional filming in the region. The Florida Film Festival is a program of the Enzian, a Maitland-based nonprofit organization which exists to entertain, educate, inspire and connect the community through film.

Movie Filmed In Orlando Coming To Big Screens Nationwide

Local production company, DNP Studios, is set to release their fourth feature film, Letters to God, shot entirely on location in Central Florida. The movie is is the 4th feature film to be distributed by Vivendi Entertainment for Possibility Pictures, the movie arm of DNP Studios. Directed by David Nixon, one of the producers of Fireproof and Facing the Giants, the movie was shot at Universal Studios soundstages and backlot, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Give Kids The World and various locations around Winter Garden. The Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission - a division of the EDC - assisted with location scouting and film permitting throughout the production. "We knew that we could make the same kind of Hollywood movies right here in Orlando. Many movie production companies come to Orlando to use the location. They bring in talent and technicians to direct, act and produce, then they go back to LA to finish the movie. But we did it all here with the local film community," stated Nixon. A tale of inspiration, hope and redemption, Letters to God is the story of what happens when one boy's walk of faith crosses paths with one man's search for meaning--the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them. Letters to God opens locally with a red carpet premiere Wednesday, March 31 at the Plaza Cinema Cafe in downtown Orlando. The film is scheduled to be released in 750 theaters nationwide on April 9th.

Film Festival Celebrates Women

LUNAFEST kicks off tonight at the Enzian Theater in Maitland. The fundraising film festival features films by, for and about women each year on International Women's Day. The festival is hosted by Women in Film & Television Florida and sponsored in part by Florida Hospital and will highlight women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine films by women filmmakers. Screening begins at 6:30 and showtime is 90 minutes. For more, visit www.enzian.org.