*Header by St. Pete Film Commission
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In case you haven't heard, Tim Burton is filming in St. Pete and Bryan Cranston is scheduled to shoot parts of his new film The Infiltrator in Tampa Bay this April. The lights and buzz of the industry are taking note of the landscapes and opportunities this part of Florida and the country has to offer.
Tim Burton's film is Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, based on the bestselling Y.A. novel of the same name by Florida native Ransom Riggs.
What does this mean for the Burg and how did it happen in the first place?
Dale Gordon, executive director of Tampa Hillsborough Film Commission, and Tony Armer, St. Pete Clearwater Film Commissioner, worked together to provide over $200k in incentives to the production reports Eric Snider of the Tampa Bay Biz Journal.
*Photo via Asa Butterfield's Instagram
The partnership between both film commissions represents a landmark moment in the film/production industry in Tampa Bay. The coordination could enhance the profile of our city and bring in more high profile directors and actors. Eva Green (Penny Dreadful, Casino Royale) and Asa Butterfield (Hugo, Enders Game) are confirmed to be in Tampa Bay for filming over the next few weeks.
For those who haven't been paying attention to The Infiltrator film, the production has put out calls for extras for residents in Tampa Bay. Filming begins in April. This film will feature the prolific and acclaimed actor Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Godzila). To apply just send three profile photos to infiltratormhc@gmail.com. The job pays $112 for a 12 hour day on set. Parts range from police officers to gangsters.
The film is set in Tampa and is based on the true story of Drug Enforcement agent Robert Mazur, who posed as a Tampa businessman to bring down an international financial institution that laundered tens of millions of dollars for colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.
The Tampa Hillsborough Film Commission was able to create a $250,000 incentive package to lure the production to Tampa Bay. His arrival in the Bay nearly makes us want to adapt an "I Love The HeisenBURG" name.
The city of Tampa will cover the costs of off-duty police patrol and street closures, Port Tampa Bay will provide office space and best of all the production will provide hands-on support roles for University of Tampa film students.
With full hotels, in-demand catering/restaurants services, transportation between sets, job for students and residents, along with invaluable international exposure, these productions will provide an incalculable boost to the economies of St. Pete and Tampa.
Back in 2013, Ybor City was roused by the spotting of Ben Affleck scouting locations for the production of Live By Night, based on the novel of the same name by St. Pete writer Dennis Lehane. Lehane's best-selling work includes Gone Baby Gone, Shutter Island, Mystic River and most recently The Drop along with writing credits on HBO's Boardwalk Empire and The Wire.
More recently, St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach were treated to the arrival of actor, activist and social media guru George Takei, who was part of the St. Pete Film Commission's promotional "Kevin's Epic Adventure" film.
For those looking to cut their teeth in the industry, whether behind or in front of the camera, there hasn't been a time more opportune than right now. For more information, visit the Tampa-Hillsborough and St. Pete Film commission's official websites.
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