FILMMAKING SPEAKER SERIES COMING TO TAMPA BAY
Film Tampa Bay and Semkhor Collaborate to Bring Series to Tampa

Film Tampa Bay is excited to announce a collaboration with Semkhor to provide educational and professional opportunities to Bay Area students and filmmakers. This collaboration is focused on connecting both aspiring and working film and digital media content creators with a national professional network. This approach will result in the rapid improvement of skills, which in turn will attract more quality productions into the region.

Our first online industry interaction will take place on October 17th at 10am with Andy Garcia. His discussion will focus on a film that he would like to be produced in the Tampa Bay area.

Later in October, the series will feature Paul Schiff: An Overview of the Business & Art of Production. Over the next several months, one to two remote classes will be provided, and then in-person seminars. 

Register for the event by clicking the link here.

Semkhor’s founder, David Shapiro, has a track record of bringing high-profile yet intimate production opportunities to students and local residents alike, through his previous collaboration with Ringling College of Art and Design. Semkhor provided opportunities for celebrated filmmakers like Kevin Smith, Jeff and Beau Bridges, Justin Long, and Werner Herzog to work directly with students and local production companies to film creative content while prioritizing apprenticeship opportunities. He also provided funding for the Sound Stage facilities in Sarasota and is looking to build another facility in the Tampa Bay area.

“Tampa is home to amazing talent.,” said David Shapiro, Founder of Semkhor. “The projects I produced in Sarasota depended on working with the professional filmmakers in Tampa, and I am looking forward to collaborating with Film Tampa Bay on a wide range of master classes and productions optimized for the area.”

Over the coming months, Film Tampa Bay will be working directly with Semkhor to develop unique talks with industry professionals and opportunities for 'Master Class'-style workshops available to Bay Area residents and students. 

“This is a great opportunity for our locals and students to engage with industry professionals and hone their craft right here in Tampa Bay,” said Tyler Martinolich, Executive Director of Film Tampa Bay.

“The film and content industry is changing rapidly,” added Shapiro. “This collaboration is focused on providing access to recognized artists to develop deep connections with larger media markets such as LA and NY.”

Semkhor is also working with the Founders – a group focused on developing a sustainable digital arts industry through investment and leadership.

For media inquiries, please contact Tyler Martinolich at tmartinolich@visittampabay.com or Jesse Brock at jbrock@visittampabay.com.

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About Film Tampa Bay:
Reformed in 2013, the Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Commission (Film Tampa Bay) provides permitting and production services on behalf of Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, City of Temple Terrace and Plant City. Film Tampa Bay markets the Tampa Bay region as a premier filming destination with one of the most culturally rich and diverse landscapes in the state of Florida. Film Tampa Bay exists within Visit Tampa Bay, the region’s tourism bureau, to help boost the overall marketing and economic development impact for Tampa Bay, which is rapidly becoming one of the most attractive destinations in the United States. To view our full production guide, please visit www.filmtampabay.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Semkhor:
SEMKHOR is a media and technology company focused on digital content production and distribution. It provides consulting services centered on integrating the entertainment industry into a wide range of projects. For more information, visit www.semkhorstudios.com or follow on Instagram.