Former Executive Director and CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium David Yates has been named the 2020 Film Florida Legends Tourism Ambassador. The award, presented by entertainment production association Film Florida, honors those legends in the entertainment industry that are true ambassadors for Florida. David Yates is being honored for his time at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as well as being largely responsible for introducing Winter the Dolphin to the world in Dolphin Tale then introducing the world to Hope the dolphin in Dolphin Tale 2.

Click HERE for the full story.

The pandemic's malaise these past few months has weighed heavily on all of us, both physically and mentally. We have been robbed of much needed social activity, including the joy of going to the cinema. COVID-19 may have taken away this past year's St. Patrick's Day,  Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, but we are not going to let it take away this year's Halloween.
 
We have partnered with the Bay Area's very own Tampa Theatre to support their annual 'A Nightmare on Franklin Street' horror film series.  Like many event venues, Tampa Theatre has been hit hard by the pandemic.  We have worked with local filmmakers to book a series of locally produced horror features that will be shown virtually throughout the month.  Participating by buying virtual tickets not only helps support Tampa Theatre, but proceeds also go toward the participating filmmakers, making it the perfect treat for this Halloween. 

Stay tuned for the full lineup of events and dates. Special screenings will also include live Q&A's afterward with cast and crew. We hope you will show your support of local filmmakers and Tampa Theatre.
 
Tyler

Tampa Theatre Presents A -Virtual- Nightmare on Franklin Street

Tampa Theatre is still not ready to welcome big crowds for public events, so another sold-out screening of Rocky Horror or Hocus Pocus is going to have to wait until next year. But what we CAN do is present a month-long VIRTUAL celebration full of streaming horror, filmmaker Q&As, special virtual events every weekend, PRIVATE in-person ghost tours, and – new this year – our first-ever SpiritsFest fundraiser, presented by Papa’s Pilar Rum & Treaty Oak Distilling.

CLICK HERE for more event info.

This month's Spotlight:
Benz Talent

Benz Model and Talent Agency, established in 1998, is a SAG-franchised agency located in Tampa, Florida.

In addition to being the largest agency in Florida, we also book and place talent worldwide. Benz Model & Talent continually provides models and actors for print, commercials, infomercials, film and live events. We can also help you locate photographers, cinematographers, production coordinators, makeup artists and stylists for any project.

Stay tuned for more about Benz Model and Talent Agency.