More than four decades ago, Rocky Johnson made history in Tampa as Florida’s first African-American pro wrestling heavyweight champion.

Now, packing a new autobiography already optioned by his son for film, the father of Hollywood actor and producer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is moving back here.

He hopes the book, Soulman: The Rocky Johnson Story, serves as an inspiration to others.

“My family had to overcome a lot of roadblocks,” Johnson, 72, said at the $800,000 Lutz home his son bought him four months ago. “But here we are. If we did it, anyone can."

Click HERE to read the full story.

Earlier this month, Florida Senator Joe Gruters filed a bill (SB 530) to try once again to create a statewide program to support our film industry. Florida's previous program sunset in 2015, resulting in the loss of 70+ productions, which were estimated to bring $1.3 billion in spending, 220k+ hotel room nights, and over 110k new jobs through 2019. Sen Gruters hopes to change that by introducing a bill that would not only support the film industry moving forward but address many of the criticisms opponents had of the original program.
  
Film Tampa Bay wholeheartedly endorses Sen Gruters bill. SB 530 differs in many ways from the states previous program, putting a premium on maximizing ROI, with a focus on job retention and creation for recent college graduates and veterans. Below are the key points of the bill.
• MAX ROI & economic benefit determines which projects qualify for rebates
• 20% base rebate for approved projects
• $1.5 million minimum spend required in Florida (depending on type of project)
• 70% film days must be in Florida
• 60% cast & crew must be Florida residents
• 3% bonus to encourage family-friendly projects or for utilizing underutilized areas
• Using Florida College graduates boosts a project’s qualifying score
• Florida-based company must be one applying for rebate
• Military Veterans must be part of main cast or crew
• 2 award periods ensures maximum year-round economic impact
 
Film Tampa Bay had the privilege of meeting with legislators in Tallahassee this month asking for their support of both the industry as well as SB 530. We would like to take the time to thank the following Senators who have voiced their support by co-sponsoring with Sen Gruters. A sincere thank you to Sen Anitere Flores- R (Miami-Dade), Sen Gary Farmer- D (Broward), Sen Linda Stewart- D (Orange), Sen Daryl Rouson- D (Hillsborough), Sen Janet Cruz- D (Hillsborough), Sen Lori Berman- D (Palm Beach County), Sen Gayle Harrell- R (Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach County)
 
SB 530 is just the first steps toward achieving a new statewide program. A companion bill will have to be sponsored in the House, at which point the bill will move through various committees before moving on to the floor of the House and Senate for a vote, ultimately landing on the Governor’s desk for his signature. This is an intensive process, with resistance along the way. While we continue to be optimistic, we realize this is an uphill battle. Now is the time to voice your support. We encourage you to reach out to your local Senators to encourage them to support SB 530. Not sure who your local legislators are? You can use this link to find who represents you and how to contact them (http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find).
 
Be sure to follow us on social media, as well as Film Florida to keep abreast of all the latest legislative news. 

Local Production Spotlight Continued…

JOE DAVISON

This month's spotlight is actor, director, filmmaker, improviser Joe Davison. Locals know him from his work as horror film director and his recent acting notch as "Nerdy Tech" in season 2 of Netflix's Stranger Things.

Stay tuned for more about Joe Davison.

JOIN TAMPA THEATRE FOR “THE IRISHMAN”

Where else can you see The Irishman in a historical movie palace? Tampa Theatre has a run of movie times where you can experience Scorsese's new film on the big screen.

Fri, Nov 22 4pm and 8:30pm

Sat, Nov 23 12:30pm, 5pm and 9:30pm

Sun, Nov 24 11:30am, 4pm and 8:30pm

Mon, Nov 25 4pm and 8:30pm

Tue, Nov 26 4pm and 8:30pm

Wed, Nov 27 4pm and 8:30pm

Thu, Nov 28 3pm and 7:30pm

Fri, Nov 29 12:30pm, 5pm and 9:30pm

Sat, Nov 30 12:30pm, 5pm and 9:30pm

Coming Soon 
Second Screen Cult Cinema
MOON (2009)
Wed, Nov 20
6 pm cocktails | 7 pm showtime
Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection
12017 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606

Film Bar Mondays
Mondays 6pm - 9pm
Tampa Bay Locations Vary
Stay up to date by
joining them on Facebook

WIFT Wednesdays
Women in Film & TV
Stay tuned for time and location
on their Facebook page

Recent Productions 
26 productions filmed within
Hillsborough County - October 2019

Notable Commercial
Player Unknown Battle Grounds (PUBG)
Dicks Sporting Goods
FAA National Drone Safety
Mastercard
Tampa General Hospital

Notable TV Show
90 Day Fiance