2016 revealed the power, both economic and cultural, of the film industry and how it can benefit the local community. Projects like The Infiltrator and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children put a spotlight on our fabulous waterfront, historic buildings and the always stunning St. Pete Beach area.
The now infamous creation of Ybor City in Georgia set off waves discontent from those in the state worrying that we might be missing out on major film projects. Rumors that Bloodlines and Ballers might also move their productions out of state furthered the worry. These productions help stimulate job growth, populate local hotels/businesses in the area and fuel tourism.
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On set at beautiful #LoewsDonCesar filming @runningwithvi #Filmmaking #Florida @VSPC @FilmFlorida pic.twitter.com/QBeRmo9rPu
— SPC Film Commission (@FilmStPeteClear) December 12, 2016
The Canadian web series, Running With Violet, filmed their season one finale at Loews Don CeSar Hotel on St. Pete Beach a couple of months ago. The project was brought to the area after the creator of the show connected with the St. Pete/Clearwater Film Commission during the Sunscreen Film Festival. The show received a grant from the Film Commission to bring the project to the area.
Bay News 9 reports that the project is expected to have an economic impact of roughly a half of a million dollars. The show’s second season will also feature several episodes filmed at various locations in St. Pete. It will debut on Youtube on February 6. The episodes will be free to watch. You can learn more about the project and help support its production by visiting their IndieGoGo page.
The show, by She Said Films, is “a darkly comedic 10 episode Digital Series about two women, a teenager and a toddler running from a small town meth ring. Think Thelma and Louise meets Fargo!”
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