City bidding for two major film productions

News

by Tammy Taylor

Staff Writer

The Jacksonville Film and Television Commission “is in talks with production companies to bring a couple of big feature films to Jacksonville” this summer, according to commission chief Todd Roobin.

And that’s not the only deals they’re working.

Roobin said they also are bidding on some lower budget films and a made-for-TV movie.

Roobin declined to name projects or when a deal might be complete.

Production on the 1962 remake of the Frank Sinatra and Janet Leigh film “The Manchurian Candidate” brought Denzel Washington and director Jonathan Demme to town last week. Huguenot Park and Ft. George Episcopal Church will both be featured in the movie.

The remake, with a plot update that sets the movie during the Gulf War instead of the Korean War, includes Jacksonville scenery doubling for the African coastline.

“The filmmakers were interested in Jacksonville because we had the exact kind of beach peninsula they were looking for, and Huguenot Park really fit the bill,” said Jill Leavy, communications manager for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission.

Jacksonville locations also provide the backdrop for new Harley Davidson and GM Cadillac television commercials, which were shot recently.

“Any day of filming usually has an impact of $150,000,” said Roobin.

In 2002, the six-month filming process for the movie “Basic,” starring John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson, brought in over $14 million in total expenditures, with $13 million being spent on local technicians and labor.

“Typically, a couple hundred crew members will be hired,” said Roobin, “and they try to hire as many locals as they can. This is below-the-line cost, too, meaning it does not include the director or the stars. These are your grips, lighting guys, best boys, the behind-the-scenes people.”

The total economic impact of film and television production in 2002 for Northeast Florida was $92 million, which was up from $80 million for 2000-01. And, Roobin said, 2003 was even better, though the final numbers aren’t available yet.

“This is a big money industry and we’re trying to make Jacksonville a big part of it,” said Roobin. “These people are staying in our hotels, and when they get a break, they go out and buy things. They get paid well and we like that.”

The commission is aggressive in its efforts to bring more film productions to the area. Staffers have attended industry trade shows, conducted a targeted direct mail campaign and produced a film and television guide as a part of marketing Jacksonville to location scouts. Roobin also uses the Jacksonville Film Festival as a way to highlight Jacksonville’s production uses.

“Last year, there was an organized on-site tour for producers so those people could see Jacksonville’s neighborhoods for the first time, and we plan on doing it again this year,” said Roobin. “People have no idea Jacksonville has such a variety of looks and is really a big city.”

Roobin said the tour is one of the main keys to convince filmmakers to produce their movies here.

“We have to capitalize on these individuals, the decision makers, by showcasing Jacksonville’s beauty,” he said.

Here’s a look at the economic impact generated by films and television programs according to the City’s website:

Regional economic impact by a feature film based on a 14-week period (partial list)

Housing (including hotels, apartments and homes) $480,920

Technicians and local crew (labor) $13,000,000

Actors (extras, local hires) $53,179

Catering (food distribution companies) $50,033

Set construction costs $239,441

Studio/stage rental $33,148

Special heavy equipment rentals $161,168

Film processing $7,000