Universal Studios Florida Production Group Announces an Independent Filmmaker Program

Paul Meena, vice president, general manager of Universal StudiosFlorida Production Group has announced a program designed to benefitindependent filmmakers from around the world. “We are offering awindow of use of our state-of-the-art, 16,500 square foot sound stagefor a flat day rate of $500, which is more than an 80 percent discountoff traditional rates,” Meena said. Speaking from Sound Stage 20,the facility that has been allocated for this purpose, Meena outlinedthe goals of the program and the parameters filmmakers must meet toqualify.

“We are highly appreciative of the challenges of budgetrestraints that independent filmmakers face. They operate from apassion for their craft. Most often budget issues are their mostserious challenge. This unique program is designed to alleviate thatissue such that the exceptional work of these producers can berealized,” Meena said.

To qualify, production budgets cannot exceed $5 million, and 80percent of their crew must be hired from within the State of Florida.Meena added, “This element of the program is designed toacknowledge the existing talent and the quality vendors in ourcommunity. Many of these have been here since the beginning, whileothers have relocated their families and businesses to Florida. We wantto support this infrastructure as much as possible.”

Universal Orlando has been one of the founding sponsors of theFlorida Film Festival since its inception ten years ago. The“Stage 20” program launch is another extension of supportfor the independent filmmakers as well as some of Florida’sindigenous filmmakers.

For the independent filmmaker on a shoestring budget, creativethinking cannot usually afford state-of-the-art production values."Producers often write around the luxury of a controlled sound stageenvironment; opting for more affordable exterior locations,”comments Meena. "We believe the option of a sound stage will make asignificant difference for how many of these filmmakers plan theirproductions."

“This opportunity will make it possible for talented, smallbudget producers to afford major resources via a professional soundstage. It's a remarkable concept," said Sterling Van Wagenen, who, withRobert Redford, was the founding executive director of the SundanceFilm Festival has produced and/or directed feature films to include TheTrip to Bountiful and Convicts. He currently serves as director of theFilm Department at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Sigred Tiedtke of the Enzian Theater/Florida Film Festival agreed."To be able to shoot on a professional sound stage at the rates quotedwill be an absolute godsend to low-budget filmmakers. Meena andUniversal Studios Florida Production Group are introducing a visionaryprogram that will encourage low-budget production, foster thedevelopment of good stories in Florida, and provide the localfilmmaking infrastructure with opportunities. Enzian and the FloridaFilm Festival applaud this terrific initiative."

“’Stage 20' is an initiative that supports the expansionand development of Florida's film industry workforce and burgeoningindependent filmmaking community,” said Rebecca Mattingly,commissioner, Governor's Office of Film & Entertainment. “Itis yet another significant incentive for producers to write, developand produce their films in Florida."

These efforts can help increase Florida’s market share of thegrowing television and motion picture production industry, whichaccounted for $3.9 billion in 2000.

The Universal Studios Florida Production Group will also offer“Stage 20”under a separate plan to educational institutionsin the State of Florida teaching secondary and post secondary film andtelevision studies. The program will be based on availability and willsupport the Governor’s and the State Film OfficeCommissioner’s goals of their continued focus on education andthe nurturing of Florida’s future filmmakers.

Independent producers may request information by contacting theUniversal Studios Florida Production Group offices at (407) 363-8400 orat productiongroup@universalorlando.com. Details of the educationalsupport program will be forthcoming.