9 Benefits of Using the Tampa Film Commission as a Top Resource
In conjunction with the Florida Office of Film and Entertainment, Film Tampa Bay represents the Tampa Film Commission which provides premier resources to filmmakers and producers throughout the Bay area.
Together, these offices provide invaluable services to filmmakers, producers, and those aspiring to produce film products throughout Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
In fact, there are several amazing benefits that come from utilizing the Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission as your primary resource for filmmaking in Florida. We’ve listed 9 of those benefits here.
1. Local Guidance
The Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission, or the Tampa Film Commission, provides local guidance to filmmakers coming into the Bay area to produce local video.
Representing the surrounding cities and small towns, members of the commission have insight and firsthand knowledge of everything Tampa has to offer.
Contacting the Tampa Film Commission for local guidance will give way to all the different area opportunities that exist throughout the Port of Tampa, Sun City, Apollo Beach and surrounding locations.
2. Local Crew Acquisition
One of the most challenging aspects of filmmaking is finding crew members when you come into a new city or town to produce films in.
The Tampa Film Commission is your go-to resource for finding local crew members to shoot for you or to help with other aspects of your filmmaking projects. Contact the commission for information on crew members in the area that are immediately ready to take on new projects.
3. Locate Equipment
Working with a local company like Film Florida and the Tampa Film Commission allows you to ensure all of the top resources are recognized in your search for equipment and other important needs.
While in Tampa, the Film Commission will help you to locate equipment rentals and secure the proper gear that you need for each day on set.
4. Permitting Assistance
Permits are required for filming in various areas of Tampa and as a newcomer, you may not know what the rules or stipulations are for film permits.
The Tampa Film Commission provides free permits for filmmakers who call or fax their information in. Keep in mind that additional permitting may be required if road closures or other interruptions to day-to-day operations take place.
5. Talent Acquisition
Need qualified talent for an upcoming shoot? The Tampa Film Commission is your top resource!
In fact, talented members of the surrounding communities network with the local film commission as a way of remaining connected with filmmakers and producers that enter the area to shoot.
A quick call and you’ll be on your way to talent acquisition for an array of projects or individual needs.
6. Film Friendly Tampa Location Information
For filmmakers seeking film-friendly locations to produce their footage in, the Tampa Film Commission is your top resource. Some of the most valuable and widely recognized areas of Tampa for filming include:
- Bayshore Boulevard
- The Port of Tampa
- The University of Tampa
- Ybor City
- Tampa Aquarium
- Comprehensive Guide to Tampa Production
The Tampa Film Commission represents the most comprehensive guide to producing films in the Tampa Bay and surrounding communities.
They’re your top resource for questions you may have about filming, for finding local areas to shoot in, and for working with the locals to secure just the right fit for your film.
Whether you have questions or concerns, if they pertain to filmmaking in Tampa, the Film Commission is your guide.
7. Emergency Services Coordination
The City of Tampa recognizes that there are times when filmmaking will draw crowds, cause excitement, or otherwise result in the need for emergency services coordination to ensure the safety of both filmmakers and the community at large.
The Tampa Film Commission can help you secure appropriate emergency services coordination and other needs while you’re filming in the Bay area.
8. Tax Incentives & Other Benefits
Various film incentives are offered by the State of Florida for filmmakers considering a production in Tampa or surrounding cities.
The Tampa Film Commission can keep you updated on the most attractive incentives available based on your production plans and represents Hillsborough County regarding any rebates or qualifications required to secure such funds.
They’ll help you establish all the benefits and tax incentives that come from the decision to film in Tampa, Florida.