by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Jacksonville’s newest film credit could be “Lipstick Justice,” a pilot for a television reality program featuring a female law firm in the area.
According to public records, California-based Lady Law Entertainment will film a pilot episode of “Lipstick Justice” in Duval and Clay counties. The permit lists Jan. 19-31 as the filming dates.
The reality show will follow the female attorneys through their daily schedule both in and out of the court.
Scenes are scheduled to be filmed at a home in Jacksonville that has been converted into law offices for the main characters as well as at an undetermined bar or nightclub and at the Clay County Courthouse.
Sources familiar with the project could not reveal the name of the law firm involved in the production because of a confidentiality agreement.
If the pilot is picked up by the Lifetime Movie Network, up to 10 more episodes could be filmed in Jacksonville.
“Feature films are huge and they are great, but they film and then they leave,” said Todd Roobin, film and television coordinator for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission.
“A television series, depending on the amount of episodes, can be really great for Jacksonville because of the length of time it’s here and the exposure the area gets,” he said.
The director for the program is Tony Croll, who has been nominated for two prime-time Emmy Awards. His previous projects include “America’s Next Top Model,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Surreal Life.”
The last TV series based in Jacksonville was “Safe Harbor,” which aired for 11 episodes and starred Rue McClanahan and Gregory Harrison. Series locations included Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs and the Vilano Beach Motel.
Foodie favorite “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” stopped in Jacksonville in February to film at a handful of area eateries recommended by viewers. The production hired two employees and its economic impact was estimated to be $11,200 by the JEDC. Not too long ago, Jacksonville received some exposure from the filming of the HBO Films movie “Recount,” which was in town from August-December 2007. The film provided an economic impact of $3.3 million, consisting of $1.75 million in wages and $1.55 million paid to vendors, according to the JEDC.
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