HCP Engaged to Conduct Research on Film Production Industry to Determine Best Way Forward
TAMPA, Fla. (April 1, 2013) After a two-year absence of having a Film Commissioner for Tampa and Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay & Co. hired HCP to conduct research in the fall of 2012. The research incorporated multiple components—a series of key stakeholder interviews, from those in the industry both locally and nationally; a statewide survey of industry professionals; review of other film commission offices; and analysis of local and state incentive programs. The information gathered served as the basis of a report with specific recommendations outlined. These recommendations are in the process of being implemented by local officials with Tampa Bay & Co., Tampa/Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County and The City of Tampa.
Sean Coniglio, Senior Strategist/Partner at HCP said, “The study was an essential part of recasting the film commission into a stand alone, independent organization that is supported by Tampa Bay & Co., Tampa/Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County and The City of Tampa. This public support and collaboration is vital to the long term success and will show the production community that Tampa/Hillsborough County are committed to growing this industry in our community for generations to come. In addition, our community must look at film production differently; digital technology has changed the way visual media is produced. Technology now plays a much larger role in how film, television and web based programming are produced.”
The organizations have formed an executive committee and are actively executing the recommendations provided by HCP. Those recommendations include setting up an independent non-profit with the specific purpose of supporting interested productions that want to shoot in Tampa/Hillsborough County, seeking out of market companies to relocate to Tampa, fostering educational programs in our school systems, and developing incentive packages to encourage the utilization of our local professionals in the community.