Orlando Film Commission

    In August 2011, Full Sail Entertainment business graduate, Sheena Carlisle Fowler was named Associate Director and Orlando Film Commissioner.

Her main emphasis will be to promote the Orlando area to the film industry. In 2010 the government tax incentive program for the Entertainment Film and television industry, including independent filmmakers, was approved for $242 million dollars in tax incentives over a 5-year period disbursement. For more details and specific information view the website. According to the Florida Entertainment Industry Financial Incentive FY2010-2011 Annual Report for projects that wrapped up in the Central East region, which incorporates the Orlando area, projected total wages were $21,760,641. $9,800,366 of that were tax credits.)

However, what will happen when these funds run out in 2015? Production companies, filmmakers, production crews, and other personnel and services will be left in the cold once again. These businesses probably pack up and travel to the next state that has incentives available. The report mentions that in 2010-2011 there were only 22 projects produced in the entire state of Florida. The Orlando Amway arena cost $480 million dollars to build. It has been estimated that during the NBA 2011 lockout the City of Orlando has lost between $80-$100 million dollars in projected revenues from Orlando Magic basketball games. Countless numbers of businesses and restaurants surrounding the arena have been closing. Employees of those establishments have been reported to be receiving unemployment and food stamps. It appears Ms. Fowler and other City commissioners need to step up their game and begin a new marketing blitz for the Central Florida area.