Film Florida July 2026 News

Newsletter July 2026

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A Message From New Film Florida President Matt Wohl

I am honored to serve this organization and continue advancing Florida’s screen production industry. Having proudly served on Film Florida’s Executive Board for the past seven years, I am excited to take on this new role and help guide the organization through the opportunities and challenges ahead. I would also like to congratulate and thank our newly elected board members. Together, we will build upon Film Florida’s strong foundation, pursue new initiatives, and continue moving Florida’s screen production industry forward. CLICK HERE to read more.

Florida Touts Regional Incentives, Locations and Top-Notch Crew to Lure Productions

Florida is once again having a main character moment. Three major series recently utilized the region’s distinct environs: ABC’s “R.J. Decker,” Peacock’s “M.I.A.” and Apple TV’s Season 1 of “Bad Monkey.” HBO’s comedy series “It’s Florida, Man” is currently prepping for a third season. All these projects were produced without state-sponsored incentives, along with Spanish-language content from Miami’s Telemundo Studios, commercials and independent films such as “Baton,” from writer-director-star Danny Ramirez, repped by Manifest Pictures at Cannes. To bridge the gap, several counties have created robust regional rebates to entice producers back to the Sunshine State. CLICK HERE to read more.

Film Florida Launches Streaming Platform- Introducing Film Florida TV

Film Florida announced the official launch of its new streaming service today. Film Florida TV will spotlight Florida-based projects from filmmakers across the state. Film Florida TV is free for viewers and already boasts 200 hours of content. Soon, Film Florida members will have the exclusive opportunity to submit their Florida-based projects to the platform on a quarterly basis. CLICK HERE to read more.

Film Florida TV Public Call for Content

Film Florida TV is now accepting submissions for our Summer Showcase. We invite companies, individual filmmakers, students, colleges, universities, and film festivals to share the stories that showcase the talent and diversity of our state’s production industry. The slate of curated films can be featured in our Film Florida TV summer release lineup. Submissions are now open, and they close on Monday, August 3, 2026. Please note that we have special Notice of Participation deadlines for Film Festivals and Companies. CLICK HERE to read more.

Production Around The State

Philip Ettinger & William Catlett Star In ‘A Land Remembered’ $25M Series Based On Book Independently Produced With Florida Backing

Filming is underway in Florida on A Land Remembered, a TV series adaptation of the best-selling historical novel by Patrick D. Smith. Philip Ettinger (First Reformed, Bupkis), Lily McInerny (Hulu’s Tell Me Lies, Palm Trees and Power Lines) and William Catlett (A Thousand and One, Abigail) star in the $25M production, written and directed by Todd Wiseman, Jr. (The School Duel) and co-created by Wiseman, Jr. and Christa Boarini (The Old Ways). The first season consists of four hourlong episodes, which puts its per-episode budget at the high-end of an average streaming drama series. CLICK HERE to read more.

Full Sail Team Earns Cinemark Fan Favorite Honors

A Full Sail University student team has won the Cinemark Fan Favorite Award in this year's Coca-Cola Refreshing Films competition! In addition to earning the Red Ribbon Grand Prize and Best Music Composition, Full Sail's "What Makes Them Magic" was selected as the Cinemark Fan Favorite after thousands of votes were cast nationwide. This recognition highlights the creativity, passion, and storytelling talent of the students and alumni. We'd also like to recognize the talented teams behind this year's participating projects: What Makes Them Magic, Writer/Director: Brandon Bishop, Producer: Christina Almuina. Behind the Screens, Writer/Director: Angel Quinapallo, Producer: Kylie Shouse. Together, these productions involved more than 200 cast and crew members whose hard work and collaboration helped make this achievement possible. Thank you for voting, supporting our students, and celebrating their success!

After 7 Seasons, "Melrose in the Mix" Takes Its Final Bow

For seven seasons, Melrose in the Mix brought audiences a look at the artists behind the music on WUCF PBS. Each episode combines interviews with live performances, giving viewers an opportunity to hear musicians discuss their influences, inspirations, musical memories, and the stories behind the songs they create. Recorded in the Melrose Center audio studio at the Orlando Public Library, the series welcomed local performers and touring artists, all performing before intimate live audiences in a setting designed to capture musical experiences. As the series ends with its final episode, Melrose in the Mix leaves a legacy of preserving live music and highlighting the voices that make Central Florida's music scene vibrant. Over its seven-season run, the program entertained audiences and documented the stories of musicians whose work continues to enrich Florida's cultural landscape. CLICK HERE to watch the final episode and the complete Melrose in the Mix series on the PBS website.

SASProductions LLC — Telling Florida’s Stories From the Inside

SASProductions, the Orlando-based independent studio founded by twin brothers Steve and Scott Soliz, is building a slate of films rooted in lived experience. The brothers, who both live with sickle cell anemia, launched the studio to tell authentic, cinematic stories that bring overlooked communities into the cultural conversation. Their debut documentary, Blood Bond: A Twins’ Journey with Sickle Cell, chronicles their personal experience with the disease that affects an estimated 100 million people worldwide. The film earned the Audience Choice Award at the G.L.O.W. Film Festival 2025 and an Official Selection at the Liberty Films International Festival 2026, and is currently streaming on Tubi and the studio’s own OTT platform, Shooting A Star TV. The studio is now in post-production on its next project, Running in Place With Sickle Cell, a nonverbal cinematic short filmed in Central Florida. The film trades dialogue for pure visual storytelling, using image and sound to convey the daily reality of living with chronic illness. SASProductions expects to complete the short later this year. Beyond production, the Soliz brothers operate Shooting A Star TV and are expanding into film and creator gear through their e-commerce arm, Shooting A Star Gear — part of a long-term vision to build an enterprise-level independent studio rooted in ownership, family, and impact. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Bruce Dickinson's "Tears of the Dragon" Music Video

Leo Liberti, director, and Brendan Duffey, audio and video producer from Jupiter, Florida, created Bruce Dickinson's official music video for "Tears of the Dragon." Produced by Leo Liberti Films, a proud member of Film Florida, the project has already received 14 international awards, earning recognition at film festivals around the world. The video reimagines one of Bruce Dickinson's most iconic songs through a cinematic lens, blending breathtaking desert landscapes, powerful visual storytelling, and emotional symbolism. Rather than serving as a traditional performance video, Tears of the Dragon was conceived as a cinematic short film that explores themes of loss, resilience, and personal transformation. The production reflects the creative vision of Leo Liberti and Brendan Duffey while showcasing the world-class filmmaking being produced by Film Florida members for internationally renowned artists. CLICK HERE to watch.

Red, White & Blue in The Palm Beaches

Classic American lifestyle brand Vineyard Vines chose northern Palm Beach County as the setting for its Summer Red, White & Blue Collection campaign, capturing vibrant coastal imagery at Love Street, DuBois Park, and Coral Cove Park. The production, featuring a 35-person crew, celebrated timeless summer style and patriotic spirit. Production was filmed throughout the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, waterfront views, beachside pathways, and tropical scenery that define the area's coastal charm. Additional lifestyle imagery at DuBois Park and Coral Cove Park highlighted pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, creating an idyllic backdrop for the collection. The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission supported permitting across all locations, helping ensure a seamless production while showcasing The Palm Beaches as a premier destination for fashion and commercial photography.

Filmmaker Workshop in Melbourne, FL

Film Florida member Jennifer Jacono is hosting her 6th annual Filmmaker Workshop in the downtown Eau Gallie Art District of Melbourne, July 20 - 25, 2026. No experience or equipment necessary - bring your creative vision and Jacono Studios will guide you through the entire process. Make a short film in a week. Visit https://jaconostudios.com/ or call 321-544-8043 for more info and to register.

Film Florida Quarterly Meeting

September 8 - 9, 2026 in Palm Beach County

Join Film Florida at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism September 9 – 11 in West Palm Beach

Join Film Florida at the Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in West Palm Beach. The Governor’s Conference is hosted by VISIT FLORIDA and will be held Wednesday, September 9 – Friday, September 11, 2026 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Film Florida will participate in the Governor’s Conference with a booth and materials to educate tourism stakeholders on our shared marketing and tourism goals for the state of Florida. The annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism (GC) is the premier educational conference for the Florida tourism industry. The conference brings together close to 1,000 tourism industry professionals, advertising agencies, travel experts and state leaders to network and to explore the latest trends and opportunities for the tourism industry. CLICK HERE for more info.

Join Film Florida at the Toronto International Film Festival

Film Florida returns to the Toronto International Film Festival September 10 – 20, 2026. The 51st edition of TIFF includes 11 days of international and Canadian cinema, special events featuring some of the biggest names in film, and TIFF’s Industry Conference, offering diverse and innovative perspectives on the art and business of film, plus TIFF: The Market, where the global film, series, and innovation industries come together to power the future of the screen sector. The Toronto International Film Festival has become one of the most beloved cinematic events in the world, universally regarded as an ideal platform for filmmakers to launch their careers and to premiere their new work. The Festival has been described as “the most important film festival in the world – the largest, the most influential, the most inclusive.” TIFF continues to grow both as a major festival for Hollywood award films, independent film and international productions, as well as establishing a strong film market tie in with many international buyers and sellers. CLICK HERE to read more.

Faces of the Industry

Film Florida members, if you haven't sent in your photo for our Faces of the Industry campaign, and you are interested in being featured during the next phase of the campaign, please send a photo of you wearing or holding something with the Film Florida logo to jlux@FilmFlorida.org. These photos will be used on our social media channels as well as other potential marketing materials such as print handouts or videos for social media.

Featured Member Profile: Florida Keys & Key West Film & Entertainment Commission

Florida Keys & Key West Film & Entertainment Commission offers locations and permitting for Monroe County, including Islamorada, Marathon and Key West. The mild, subtropical climate of the Florida Keys & Key West is a result of the islands' unique geographic location. The temperate waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north combine with the year-round flow of warm water from the Atlantic Ocean's Gulf Stream to give the island chain consistently balmy weather. Thanks to the Florida Keys & Key West Film & Entertainment Commission for their continued support of Film Florida. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Film Florida Merchandise

Film Florida t-shirts, hoodies, coffee mugs and more are available for purchase. T-Shirts come in men's and women's styles, t-shirts and hoodies come in black, white or gray with full color Film Florida logo. All items are perfect to wear on set, in the office, or at home to show your support and are available for members and non-members. All proceeds go to the Film Florida scholarship/grant fund. CLICK HERE for more info and to order.

Donate $20.26 for our 2026 Fundraising Campaign

Please consider donating $20.26 to Film Florida's 2026 fundraising initiative. Your donation of $20.25 will help us to sustain our tireless efforts on behalf of the industry. Film Florida is a 501c3 non-profit organization, donations are tax deductible. We realize this continues to be a difficult time for everyone, but these efforts help us to continue to work for YOU. CLICK HERE to donate.