The EDC's Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission released the results of a study that measured the impact the film and entertainment industry has on our region. The most telling number of the study is the total sales of our local film, digital media and entertainment industry. At $845.5 million, we've seen significant growth in this sector. However, it is where this growth is happening that is of most interest.

It appears that a shift is happening from location based projects, such as feature films, to more digital production that is not location specific. That's important because it means that local companies are being forced to modify how they do business. Many have effectively made the transition to new digital formats. The result has been growth and the ability to compete for projects on a national and international level.

Orlando's traditional "bread and butter" – the production of commercial spots – has also increased and provides a consistent base of work for many local companies.

These results underlie the importance of the EDC Film & Entertainment Commission's work to help local companies understand the requirements necessary to compete in a global market. They also highlight the importance of training provided by UCF, Full Sail, and local community colleges in preparing today's film and digital media workforce.