Film Florida October 2026 News

Newsletter October 2026

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Film Florida Friday: Preparing for your First PA Role

The next Film Florida Friday is Friday October 16, 2026 at 9:30am ET on Zoom featuring a conversation about preparing for your First PA Role. Join us for an engaging discussion as our panelists share:

✨ Options for PA Training

✨ The basics of being a good PA

✨ How to find your first (and beyond) PA jobs

Panelists scheduled to appear: Josh Ellis- PA Training Facilitator, Sandy Lighterman- Film Florida Immediate Past President from Film Lauderdale along with PAs Ketorra Burch and Zarian Pacheco.

Film Florida Fridays are interactive conversations take place monthly and cover current topics, initiatives, and relationship-building within Florida’s screen production industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging talent, grab a cup of coffee and connect directly with industry leaders in an open and collaborative environment. CLICK HERE to register.

Behind the Lens: Film Florida TV

Wednesday October 21 at NEW YOU STUDIO in Fort Lauderdale. Meet Matt Wohl, President of Film Florida, Filmmaker and Educator and talk all things Film Florida TV. With experience at Miami-Dade College, Full Sail University and collaborations with HBO, Viacom and Univision, Matt brings a wealth of industry insight to the conversation. FREE for Film Florida members, $10 for non-members. Members, email info@FilmFlorida.org for registration code. CLICK HERE to register.

From ProductionHUB: How Film Florida Built Its Own Streaming Platform — And What It Means for Indie Distribution

At a moment when the major streamers are consolidating catalogs, raising prices, and competing for the same finite hours of attention, a state film association launching its own OTT service sounds like a strange bet. Film Florida made it anyway. Film Florida TV went live June 8 with more than 200 hours of Florida-made work, free to viewers on Roku, Apple, Amazon, and Google. The platform quietly beta-tested in March through the organization's Student Film Competition: 29 films from 13 schools, each shot in ten days on a Florida theme, before opening to the public. Members will soon be able to submit projects quarterly through FilmFreeway. CLICK HERE to read more.

Film Florida TV Summer Jury's Choice Award

The Film Florida TV Summer Showcase Jury’s Choice Award goes to…

BROOKER by Gary Leo Miller

Congratulations to our winner and to other finalists:

IGNITION by Derek Toombs

MY GUARDIAN ANGEL by Nya Chambless

Selected from the eligible films for the Film Florida TV Summer Showcase, these filmmakers stood out to our jury from an incredible group of work. A big congratulations to all of the filmmakers featured in the Summer Showcase! Their films are now part of the Film Florida TV lineup, giving audiences another way to discover the stories and talent coming out of Florida’s film community. Check out the full Summer Showcase lineup on Film Florida TV HERE.

South Florida Greek Film Festival Returns This October with Award-Winning Lineup

The beloved annual South Florida Greek Film Festival is making a return for its fourth year this October and you’re invited. Produced by the Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida and held under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in Tampa, the festival will present feature films, documentaries, and shorts from Greece, Cyprus and the Diaspora, which will be screened in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. CLICK HERE to read more.

Savoir-Faire Shorts Film Festival: Reel Sunshine Screenings

The Savoir-faire Shorts Film Festival closes Sunday November 8th by turning the spotlight toward home with films made in and about Florida. From compelling documentaries and thought-provoking stories to plenty of laughs, this diverse lineup celebrates the creativity and filmmaking talent found throughout the Sunshine State. Four programs showcase an exciting mix of Florida-produced short films, with special attention given to filmmakers and stories from Broward County. The day also features a filmmaker panel discussion and a closing Florida celebration. CLICK HERE for more info.

Production Around The State

"Take Me Home" Screening in Central Florida October 16 - 21, 2026

Liz Sargent’s intimate debut drama examines the shifting demands placed on a unique — and uniquely challenged — family in a Florida suburb. Expanded from Sargent’s acclaimed short (2023 Florida Film Festival), Take Me Home exposes the indignities of the American health care system and the structural challenges faced by disabled people. The film also gently and imaginatively traces a path for Anna’s independence and connection to a community of chosen family. By turns quietly devastating and bracingly optimistic, Take Me Home confronts us with an impossible situation, while holding out hope for Anna’s future. Filmed in Florida with Florida cast and crew. CLICK HERE for tickets.

RJ Decker Season 2: Behind the Scenes in Broward

Last month, the Film Lauderdale team visited the set of RJ Decker Season 2 for an exclusive behind the scenes look at the opening scene for the pilot episode. Filmed in Lauderdale by the Sea, the pilot included a fun crossover with Dancing with the Stars, adding extra excitement to the season kickoff. Celebrated author Carl Hiaasen was also on set, enjoying the opportunity to see his novel 'Double Whammy' brought to life on screen. Season 2 of the series showcases Broward County’s signature coastal beauty throughout its episodes. Viewers will notice that Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Hollywood Beach are getting major camera time. Pompano Beach is also set to appear in a future episode, adding yet another local destination to the season’s visual footprint! Season 2 of RJ Decker airs on Tuesday nights on ABC/streaming on Hulu.

Universal TODAY hosted by Al Roker

Last month Orlando-based Adrenaline Films wrapped production on episode 2 of Universal TODAY hosted by Al Roker! The latest installment of the Universal TODAY series continues to highlight the decades-long relationship between Universal, the TODAY Show, and Adrenaline Films. Behind the scenes, Adrenaline Films contributed to the production across multiple areas including camera, sound, and production support. Episode 1: Summer Spotlights at Universal Orlando Resort with Al Roker! | Universal TODAY & Episode 2: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween Horror Nights 35 with Al Roker! | Universal TODAY.

Sunspark Studios Partners with MMA

Sunspark Studios in Central Florida is on the forefront of action cinema by partnering with the MMA community to create projects that let fighters do what they do best—fight. Through rigorous training, rehearsal, and on-set preparation, we’re molding athletes from gyms like The Jungle MMA & Fitness into screen-ready performers capable of bringing authentic fight scenes to life. For Iron Collar Episode 2, Director Lucas Castro partnered with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Ricky Torch to develop the fight choreography, while Jungle MMA members Alec Brooks and Devin Davitain stepped up to tackle the bold project. Subscribe to the YouTube channel and CLICK HERE to watch.

Shear Media Studios Brings Back Live Transmission and Remote Production

Shear Media Studios is excited to bring a new level of live transmission and remote production capability to Tampa Bay. Productions can originate at Shear Media Studios while the control room can be theirs, or yours, from virtually anywhere. Cameras, talent and crew can stay in Tampa Bay while your team remotely switches, monitors and manages the production in real time. This is infrastructure they intentionally built because they saw where production was going, and now they’re using it. From national productions like Barstool Sports to broadcasts, sports, corporate productions and live events, they can connect Tampa Bay productions to control rooms and production teams around the country. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Fangoria Studios Brings Gateway Horror Shorts to South Florida

FANGORIA Studios has launched a PG-13 horror shorts program. Shot exclusively on location, The Horror Shorts Program uses tropical terror to spotlight Miami Beach while bringing old-school movie magic and practical visual effects back to the forefront. The shorts program is made possible in part by a grant issued by the City of Miami Beach, with the goal of attracting more filmmakers to the iconic City. Co-produced alongside local partners WEG Films, the collaboration focuses on championing emerging voices shaping modern horror.

Independent Dark Comedy "In an Orderly Fashion"

In an Orderly Fashion is an independent dark comedy feature film set in Miami and centered on a Cuban American family. The feature film is directed by Miami native Adrian Cárdenas and has received support from Sundance, The Gotham, Tribeca, and the New Orleans Film Society. The film follows a physical therapist preparing for retirement who learns that he has a terminal illness and only three months to live. The story explores family, resilience, and how loved ones navigate difficult and unexpected circumstances together. The production is currently filming at various locations throughout Miami-Dade County and the Town of Miami Lakes. The Miami-Dade County Office of Film & Entertainment met with the Los Angeles-based producer and Miami-based director to provide assistance with location resources, crew, and vendor referrals, and permitting information. The Film Office also coordinated with the Town of Miami Lakes and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) to facilitate driving scenes requiring law enforcement support and traffic control. This coordination helped the production navigate local requirements and successfully film throughout the community.

Bob Vila Digs The Palm Beaches

Television icon Bob Vila, best known for his decades on This Old House, traded power tools for flower petals when MSP Communications brought a production to Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. Filmed for UnitedHealthcare’s Renew Magazine, the feature follows Vila as he reflects on his lifelong passion for gardening, preservation and connecting with nature as he approaches his 80th birthday. A longtime Palm Beach resident, Vila found a fitting backdrop at Mounts Botanical Garden. The Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission helped facilitate a film permit with Driven Films, ensuring the shoot could move forward. “They were quick to jump in and help when we realized we needed a last minute permit,” said Bret Ryan, Creative Director at The Agency @ MSP. “And the staff at Mounts Botanical Garden were wonderful to work with and their garden photographed absolutely beautifully.”

Film Florida Quarterly Meeting

December 3 - 4, 2026 in Orlando

Chapter Frame™ Chat October 10th w/Kevin Grevioux

Join Film Florida member Jaimie Engle for the next Chapter Frame™ Chat, Saturday October 10 at 4pm ET with Kevin Grevioux. Kevin Grevioux is a screenwriter, producer, actor and a graphic novel creator who has 20 years’ experience in the film industry. After graduating Howard University with a degree in microbiology, Grevioux came to Hollywood where he acted in several films including, Alien Nation, The Mask, Congo, Batman Forever, Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes, The Hulk and Men In Black II. Kevin also co-created and wrote the original screenplay to the successful Underworldfranchise, which was his first produced writing credit, and the writer of I, Frankenstein, based on his original graphic novel. Chapter Frame™ helps people with stories adapt for film and television and connect with their network of filmmakers. The event is FREE but registration is required. CLICK HERE to register.

Experience the tools and ideas shaping the future of creativity at CPX

Creative Production Experience (CPX) is a two-day immersive event (March 8–9, 2027) bringing together professionals across the creative production industry to learn, connect, and experience the tools shaping the future of production. Hosted inside a working studio environment in Miami, CPX combines hands-on technology demonstrations, educational sessions, industry conversations, and networking to create a space where production professionals can discover new tools, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections across the industry. CLICK HERE to learn 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: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official, accredited destination sales and marketing organization for Greater Miami and Miami Beach, a global leisure and business destination that delivers culturally rich, diverse, and innovative experiences inspiring boundless passion in visitors and residents alike. Its mission is to generate travel demand to Greater Miami and Miami Beach, to maximize economic impact to our community, ensure industry resiliency, and elevate the resident quality of life. Thanks to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau for their continued support of Film Florida. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Film Florida Podcast

Season 9 of the Film Florida Podcast continues to highlight the people and stories behind Florida’s multi-billion-dollar screen production industry. New episodes are released biweekly and available on most major podcast platforms. LISTEN HERE.

Recent Episodes:

-Andrew Meyer, Producer (“The Breakfast Club” and “Fried Green Tomatoes”)

-Steven Puri, The Sukha Company (Former Senior Studio Executive)

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.