There’s a renewed effort in Tallahassee to bring major films back to Florida. A Sarasota Senator introduced a bill creating a tax incentive program for film companies and it's already cleared one committee this week.

FULL STORY HERE

Poitier’s Impact Felt by Bay Area Filmmakers

Sheree Johnson is a filmmaker in Clearwater who also remembers being impacted by Poitier's presence, even when she was a child.

"I can just remember watching television with my parents and seeing how he gave back," she said.

Johnson says there's a good chance she'd never have become an artist if the actor with the quiet confidence, who was well aware of the role he played in American society, had approached his work differently.

"We still have a long way to go, but he opened up a lot of doors," explained Johnson.

FULL STORY HERE

**FINAL DAY FOR SUBMISSIONS**

We are excited for this year's this year's Gasparilla International Film Festival Mar 10-13, and we can't wait to see many amazing films.

Last chance to submit is Tue, Feb 1. Please visit www.gasparillafilmfestival.com for details on how to submit through Film Freeway.

The Time is Now featuring Tom Cruise CBS Sports filmed at Vu Studios in Tampa

Tom Cruise sets the stage for the AFC Championship in a Top Gun themed tease for the game. Bengals vs. Chiefs | 3pm ET | CBS & Paramount+

Watch here or below.

Next Month’s Spotlight:

Natalia V-Alpizar is an experienced freelance hair and makeup artist with over 20 years in the industry. She has created stunning looks in TV, fashion, film, theater, music promos and advertising.
Stay tuned for more about Natalia V-Alpizar.

Notable Productions in January

Hydrow in Tampa
Publix - Commercial
90 Day Fiance
Welcome to Plathville - TLC

Tampa On The Screen

Tampa hot chicken chain, King of the Coop debuted on The Cooking Channel's 'Food Paradise' Jan 12

Are you still paying sales tax on your Florida Production Expenditures?

The Florida Office of Film and Entertainment offers a point-of-sale Sales Tax Exemption to qualified production companies producing content in Florida. 
 
Qualified Florida Expenditures include:

• Production equipment rental or purchase

• Real estate rental (studio, office, location fees)

• Set design and construction

• Props

• Wardrobe

• Computers and software (production related)

You can start saving up to 7.5% in just a few business days! Apply online at www.filminflorida.com.