HCP Supports the Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission in its National Search for a New Executive Director

TAMPA, Fla. (May 13, 2013) At the heels of a 5-month research and evaluation phase, HCP is currently collaborating with the Tampa Bay & Co., Tampa/Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa to conduct a nationwide search for an experienced industry professional to run the reorganized commission. The broader effort to increase film and digital media business locally has been driven by Commissioner Ken Hagan, Chairman of the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners.

Beginning in 2012, HCP kicked off an initial research effort, focused on evaluating what was at the time, the Tampa Bay Film Commission. The report outlined new goals for the Tampa Bay Film Commission and embarked on a mission to study the industry and determine how best to serve the needs of the region’s production community. The results suggested a transition of the former film commission, governed only by Tampa Bay & Co., to a public/private partnership shared by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa.

Upon a collective decision to move forward with the recommendations, HCP worked in conjunction with the City and County to develop a timeline of next steps. Among developing the bylaws for the new organization and building an executive committee, the nationwide search has begun to select appropriate leadership for the new entity.

Rick Homans, Chairman of the Commission, and President and CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation commented, “Hiring the right person for this role is just the beginning. Once hired, the Executive Director will work with our local production community to raise awareness of Tampa and Hillsborough County as a destination for film and digital media productions.”

The intended start date for the new Executive Director is slated for July 1. Once in place, a formal advisory board will be established, made up of professionals in the community who can actively help grow the digital entertainment industry in Tampa and Hillsborough County.

For more information, visit www.thfdmc.com.