Hillsborough County Film & Digital Media Grant Program Application
The Hillsborough County Screen Production Marketing Grant Program is designed to attract film, television, streaming, and digital media projects by offering a cash rebate equal to 10% of eligible local assessed production marketing value, with funding determined by factors such as local spending, audience reach, distribution, on-screen promotion of county attractions, and the extent to which the project takes place in Hillsborough County and its municipalities.
Qualified expenses may include both above-the-line and below-the-line costs, such as location rentals, lodging, transportation, production supplies, set construction materials, props, equipment rentals, and other approved production-related expenditures. To be considered for participation, productions must generate a minimum of $100,000 in eligible spending or assessed marketing value as it relates to Hillsborough County.
Expenses for alcohol and tobacco items are not reimbursable. All reimbursable expenses must have been incurred by the applicant within Hillsborough County for use by applicants doing production and post-production work in and utilizing businesses or residents of City of Tampa, City of Plant City, City of Temple Terrace, and Unincorporated Hillsborough County.
Projects seeking funding must enter into a formal incentive agreement with Hillsborough County and successfully fulfill all approved program requirements and deliverables outlined in that agreement.
Bonus Incentive Opportunities
Productions may be eligible for up to an additional 10% grant, allowing qualifying projects to receive a total incentive of up to 20% of eligible assessed marketing value. These enhanced incentives are awarded to projects that provide meaningful promotional value and help showcase Hillsborough County as a premier filming destination.
Examples of activities that may qualify for additional incentive consideration include:
Featuring Iconic Locations: Highlighting recognizable Hillsborough County landmarks, attractions, waterfronts, neighborhoods, or other notable destinations within the production.
Destination Marketing Efforts: Incorporating visual, verbal, or branded references that increase awareness of Hillsborough County.
Digital and Social Media Campaigns: Executing social media strategies that generate exposure for the county before, during, or after production.
Distribution and Exhibition Commitments: Securing distribution opportunities or hosting premieres, screenings, or related events within Hillsborough County. Distribution plans will be reviewed as part of the application process.
Media and Public Relations Activities: Organizing press events, interviews, publicity tours, or industry gatherings that feature Hillsborough County locations and assets.
Final eligibility for bonus incentive awards will be determined by Film Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County based on the project's overall economic impact, promotional value, and fulfillment of program objectives.