FLORIDA FILM & ENTERTAINMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

1^st Quarter Meeting Minutes

March 24, 2004

The Capitol-Room 2103

The first quarter meeting for the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council was called to order on March 24, 2004 at 1: 10 pm in the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida.

MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS NOT PRESENT

Hollis Batchelor – Chairman Ron Castell

Lew Klechak – Vice Chairman Jasper (Jay) Balance

Leslie Bartlett Burt Reynolds (Honorary Member)

Doug Guetzloe Patrick Keating (excused)

Sterling Van Wagenen Jorge Hane (excused)

Arlene Herson

Kathryn Waters

John Welch

Rebecca O’Dell Townsend – 2:45pm

Todd Roobin

Paul Meena

Daphne Boyd- 3:00pm

Lorraine Wood

EX-OFFICIO

Susan Albershardt

Frank (Bud) Nocera

Lucia Fishburne

Marty Wilson

OFFICE OF FILM & ENTERTAINMENT

Susan Simms, Los Angeles Liaison

Scott Openshaw, State Production Manager

Niki Christopher, Communications Coordinator

Roll call was taken.

Council members present introduced themselves.

New member Doug Guetzloe was introduced.

Members were reminded that election of FFEAC offices would be held in June.

Meeting Dates were set:

June 21, 2004, Orlando Airport

September 22, 2004, Jacksonville

December 6, 2004, Ft. Lauderdale

OLD BUSINESS

Minutes were corrected and approved.

Approval moved by Leslie Ann Bartlett.

Second by Katie Waters.

Motion approved.

2^nd Quarter NAICS Code Report

Given by Susan Albershardt. No board action required.

Talent Agency Deregulation Legislation

Susan Albershardt reported that the new legislation is in the form of Senate Bill (SB2408). This legislation has no companion House bill, and appears to have no support: Hollis Batchelor gave gavel to Lew Klechak to lead general discussion. General discussion and consensus is that this particular business is flawed and passage should not be encouraged. There is no “firewall” between talent agents and advance fee talent services. Film Industry and talent agencies need to work with Department of Professional and Business Legislation to craft legislation that will work well. General discussion on how to inform consumers on pit falls of talent agencies.

Motion by Doug Guetzloe to improve legislation for next session and develop educational programs for consumers and consider industry workshop on legislation.

Second by Arlene Herson.

Gavel was given back to Hollis Batchelor who continues the meeting. Susan Albershardt reported on Makeup Artist Legislation. Elements of the bill were reviewed, as well as the history of the bill’s development and amendments. There was general discussion on the bill by the council. No action required or taken by the council.

Entertainment Industry Incentives Legislation

A report was given by Paul Meena. House is at $3.76 million, Senate at $1.5 million. Film Industry needs to lobby Senators to match House funding. There was general discussion on funding process for the legislation, and how the legislature will move forward with a funding level. Susan Albershardt reported on changes that have been made in the legislation and documentation, and how the process will work (policy & procedures). Council is to provide Susan Albershardt with recommended changes by March 25.

New Business

Report on Self-Renewing Film Funds was given by Sterling Van Wagenen. Chart was distributed showing incentives offered by all JO states. California has the greatest number of incentives. The states offer financial incentives (NM, ND). There is general discussion on the incentives offered by various states. Sterling will update on information on Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Projects and Programs Update

Production Industry Update was provided by Susan Simms. Susan described the lead generation process and competition from other states and countries. Biggest competition is Australia. Susan described several productions that take place in Florida, but are not shot in Florida. Susan described the loss of budget in the California film office.

Website Design Update report was given by Niki Christopher. Niki gave an overview of the web site, the need for improvements, and ideas for improvements. As funds become available the improvements will be implemented.

Media Arts Mentoring Project report was given by Scott Openshaw. Scott discussed pilot program at Godby High School in Tallahassee. There are 10 students and 14 mentors participating in the 12-week program. The final one-minute PSAs will be aired locally on Comcast cable TV. The pilot program has been very successful and well received by the mentors, students, and schools.

Professional Development Series report was given by Susan Albershardt. The series is a new program with Film Florida, Workforce Florida, and Adv. Federation that will begin this fall.

Florida Alumni Reunion report was given by Susan Albershardt. Working with Universal / California to have the event in Los Angeles. Looking for sponsors. It will take place in November.

Entertainment Industry Outlook report was given by Susan Albershardt. Report included tourism impact of film production and a report on core services of the Florida Film and Entertainment Office. The report included strategic planning and analysis, industry liaison, marketing and promotion, and production support (including workforce development). Proposed budget and comparison to other state and cities (competition) was provided. Performance indicators were provided and analysis of business losses. Significant 2003 production highlights, market share losses, and sample competitive incentive offerings were provided. Current competition legislation and a needs analysis were given. Susan concluded the report with a review of current OFE activity.

Public Comment

Reminder of Legislation Reception.

Meeting adjourned at 4:40pm.