Connect with us

Entertainment

The Fate of Florida’s Film and Entertainment Office is Debated

Cam Speck

Published

on

The fate of Florida's film and entertainment office is debated

The fate of Florida’s film and entertainment office is under debate as lawmakers consider eliminating the state’s business-recruitment agency and a series of economic-development programs. House Speaker Paul Renner’s priority bill (HB 5) seeks to close the doors on the business-recruitment agency Enterprise Florida, a move that has raised concerns among lawmakers about the Office of Film and Entertainment’s future.

The House Commerce Committee voted 16-3 to move forward with the bill, which would repeal 25 programs and incentives with low returns on investments. Enterprise Florida’s duties would be moved to the Department of Economic Opportunity, leaving the future of the Office of Film and Entertainment uncertain.

Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, expressed concern that the office’s repeal could affect Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts. “FSU has an enormously successful, one of the best film schools in the country. We generate a lot of talent from that school,” Tant said. “And furthermore, there are people here, who live here, who were just in the famous movie ‘Where the Crawdads Sing,’ and as well as ‘Bloodline,’ that was done in Florida under all of this. So, these opportunities for us in Florida generate both jobs and commerce.”

Tiffany Esposito, R-Fort Myers, the bill’s sponsor, said programs and incentives targeted for repeal have low returns on investments. However, discussions are ongoing about the fate of the Office of Film and Entertainment, and whether it can be moved over to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

The Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research listed six incentives and investments, from among 29 offered by the state, that provided more than a $1 return for each $1 spent. The Entertainment Industry Sales Tax Exemption program returned 49 cents for each $1 invested, while the Entertainment Industry Financial Incentives Program tax credits drew 7 cents per $1.

Rep. Kristen Arrington, D-Kissimmee, argued that lawmakers should consider more than just the return on investment. Many incentive programs provide “significant benefits” through capital investments, wages, and jobs, she said.

Esposito said the state Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of economists, is expected to estimate the fiscal impact of the proposed changes before the bill goes to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill will need to clear the Ways & Means Committee before going to the Appropriations Committee.

The proposal would allow the tourist-marketing agency Visit Florida and the Florida Sports Foundation to enter agreements to continue operations under the guidance of the Department of Economic Opportunity. A separate measure also moving in the House seeks to shift programs within Space Florida to the Department of Economic Opportunity and to give the governor more control over Space Florida’s board of directors.

The entertainment industry plays a significant role in Florida’s economy. According to a 2020 report by the Motion Picture Association, the film and television industry supports 92,000 jobs and generates $4.6 billion in wages in the state. Film and television production can also boost tourism and local economies.

The Office of Film and Entertainment works to support the entertainment industry in Florida, providing a range of services to filmmakers, production companies, and other industry professionals. These services include location scouting, permitting, and coordination with local officials, as well as tax incentives and other financial benefits for productions that film in Florida.

If the Office of Film and Entertainment is eliminated, it could have significant consequences for the state’s entertainment industry. Film productions may choose to film elsewhere, which would result in lost jobs and revenue for the state.

Furthermore, Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts could also be affected. The college is one of the best in the country and has produced many talented filmmakers. Without the support of the Office of Film and

The proposed elimination of Florida’s Office of Film and Entertainment has become a contentious issue as the state’s lawmakers are divided on the fate of the office. The office, which seeks to promote and grow the entertainment industry in Florida, is set to be included in a list of programs and incentives that would be repealed if House Speaker Paul Renner’s priority bill (HB 5) is passed. While the proposed repeal has gained support from some lawmakers, others have raised concerns about the potential impact of eliminating the office.

Representative Allison Tant, a Democrat from Tallahassee, was among the lawmakers who voted against the bill, citing the impact the repeal could have on Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts. The school has one of the best film programs in the country and generates a lot of talent, according to Tant. She also pointed out that there are people who live in Florida who have worked on famous movies like “Where the Crawdads Sing” and “Bloodline,” both of which were shot in Florida.

Tant’s concerns were echoed by other lawmakers who believe that the elimination of the office could hurt Florida’s economy. Rep. Kristen Arrington, a Democrat from Kissimmee, argued that lawmakers should consider more than just the return on investment when evaluating incentive programs as many of them provide significant benefits through capital investments, wages, and jobs.

The proposed repeal is part of a larger effort to close the doors on the state’s business-recruitment agency, Enterprise Florida, and eliminate several economic-development programs. HB 5 calls for the repeal of 25 programs and incentives, with Enterprise Florida’s duties being moved to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Bill sponsor Tiffany Esposito, a Republican from Fort Myers, defended the proposed repeal, arguing that the programs and incentives targeted for repeal have low returns on investment. However, she did acknowledge that discussions are ongoing about the Office of Film and Entertainment and how or if it should be moved over to the Department of Economic Opportunity.

According to a report by the Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research, only six incentives and investments, out of 29 offered by the state, provided more than a $1 return for each $1 spent. The Entertainment Industry Sales Tax Exemption program returned 49 cents for each $1 invested, while the Entertainment Industry Financial Incentives Program tax credits drew 7 cents per $1.

The fate of the Office of Film and Entertainment remains uncertain as the bill moves through the legislative process. The state Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of economists, is expected to estimate the fiscal impact of the proposed changes before the bill goes to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill will need to clear the Ways & Means Committee before going to the Appropriations Committee.

In the meantime, some lawmakers are suggesting alternative solutions that could preserve the Office of Film and Entertainment. For example, Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat from Orlando, has proposed a bill that would create a task force to study the economic impact of the film industry in Florida and make recommendations for how the state can support and grow the industry.

The proposed repeal of the Office of Film and Entertainment has sparked a lively debate among Florida lawmakers, with some arguing that the office is essential to the state’s economy, while others believe that it is a low-return program that should be eliminated. As the bill continues to move through the legislative process, it remains to be seen whether the office will be repealed or whether lawmakers will find a way to preserve it.

Cam’s mission is to empower and allow people to perform better at everything they do while developing the confidence and mindset to become their best selves. Leading by example in every way, Cam shows us that nothing can stand in your way when you prioritize.

Entertainment

Taylor Swift and Matty Healy Conclude Brief Romantic Interlude, Focus on World Tours

Ryan Lenett

Published

on

A High-Profile Summer Fling

Taylor Swift, a 12-time Grammy-winning artist, and Matty Healy, The 1975’s frontman, have ended their brief but talked-about summer romance. The 33-year-old “Anti-Hero” singer and the 34-year-old musician were the talks of the town for the past few weeks, but insiders confirm to PEOPLE that the relationship was never meant to be serious. “She had fun with him, but it was always casual,” one source informed, further explaining that the relationship was non-exclusive and without any drama. Swift and Healy, friends since 2014, were linked romantically in early May, shortly after Swift’s split from actor Joe Alwyn, her partner of six years.

Amicable End to A Whirlwind Romance

Despite the excitement, the Swift-Healy relationship ran its course. This doesn’t mean that their connection has soured. A second source elaborates, “There is no drama, and who knows what could happen again. It was a good time and ran its course.” When they weren’t busy on the road, the duo was spotted together in New York City, sharing moments at the Electric Lady recording studio and members-only club Zero Bond. Their romance was very much alive at Swift’s concerts in Nashville and Philadelphia, where Healy was present, even mingling with Swift’s father, Scott. Despite their breakup, Swift and Healy continue to remain friends. “Taylor and Matty still care for one another, but they are in the middle of world tours, so they are both incredibly busy. They’ve been friends for years and are still friends,” a third source adds. They have both decided to return to being friends with no complicated issues at play.”

A Resilient Swift Concentrates on Career Highs

Regardless of the emotional rollercoaster, Swift continues to reach new career heights. Her Eras Tour is achieving record-breaking success, and she recently announced the first international dates. Swift’s latest album, Midnights (The Til Dawn Edition), tops the Billboard 200 chart, featuring three new tracks, including a remix of “Karma” featuring Ice Spice. The artist also plans to release Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), featuring collaborations with Fall Out Boy and Hayley Williams, next month. During her concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Emotional Performance Following Breakup News

Swift was seen getting emotional during a recent stop on the Eras Tour, performing “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” on the piano, right before the news of her and Matty Healy’s breakup became public on Monday, June 5. However, it’s important to note that the emotion behind her performance could have been triggered by a multitude of factors, including the general sentiment of the song itself.

Swift Remains Unfazed and Resilient

Despite the emotional display, a source told Page Six that Swift is not overly upset about the end of her fling with Healy. The insider quipped, “She will not be writing albums about this one. It was a summertime thing.” They further added that Swift, known for her impactful and often personal songwriting, is often speculated about by the press when it comes to her relationships.

Onwards and Upwards

With her focus on her ongoing tour and multiple projects, Swift continues to thrive despite personal setbacks. Her breakup with Healy, as sources suggest, is merely another chapter in her life that’s turned the page, making way for the next one to unfold. Swift continues to dominate the charts with her latest album and her ongoing Eras Tour. The emotional performance during her concert is speculated to be related to her recent breakup. Swift remains unfazed by her split with Healy, focusing on her flourishing music career. Indeed, the artist known for her heartfelt ballads and candid lyrics seems to have her focus fixed firmly on the horizon, undeterred by the waves that occasionally rock her personal life. With her stellar career trajectory, the narrative surrounding Swift continues to be one of strength, resilience, and an unyielding dedication to her art.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

A Rollercoaster Ride: Chrissy Teigen’s Surprising Ancestry Journey

Anne lise Sylta

Published

on

In a recent saga that felt like a twist from the movie The Parent Trap, Chrissy Teigen, the 37-year-old model, cookbook author, and wife of musician John Legend, found herself grappling with the notion that she may have an identical twin sister. Teigen’s revelation came after the results of her 23andMe DNA test. However, this discovery turned out to be a case of misunderstanding, leading to a hilarious 24-hour rollercoaster of emotions.

Chrissy Teigen

Discovering the Unseen Twin

The mother of three was invested in understanding her past and her family history as part of her recent “health and wellness” journey. She had taken a 23andMe DNA test years ago but only opted for the basic heritage analysis. However, recently she chose to upgrade her subscription to access more detailed results.

Teigen was first alerted to the fact she had a twin when she saw a circle next to her name on the DNA map with the initials ‘BB,’ indicating the presence of an identical twin. In a video posted to Instagram, she described her surprise: “I have an identical twin. That has to be a joke, right?”.

The Frantic Search for Answers

Once the revelation was in front of her, Teigen spiraled into a whirlwind of action. She first tried to reach out to the potential sister via the 23andMe platform, but the message was not delivered successfully. In a quest for answers, Teigen then reached out to her father and sister.

She humorously shared her call with her father, Ron Teigen Sr., in her video, noting, “I’m literally saying, ‘Dad, hey, did you see come out of mom’s vagina, and were there two of me?'”. To which her father responded with laughter and a resolute ‘No.’ The thought of having an identical twin then led Teigen to call her sister Tina Teigen.

The Realization of a Comedic Misunderstanding

In the midst of her search, Teigen started attributing her personal traits and issues to the presumed existence of a long-lost twin. She quipped, “At this point, I’m making excuses for my whole life. This is why I’m co-dependent because my twin was ripped away from me. I’ve always felt something missing, and this is why I have addiction issues.”

However, a discussion with her sister Tina revealed the hilarious truth. Teigen recalled an uncompleted and unaired TV show ‘Finding Your Roots’ she was supposed to partake, in which celebrities were to explore their ancestry. The participants’ DNA was tested and kept under secret names to avoid any public disclosure. “My identical twin was myself. I was matching myself.” Teigen realized as it dawned on her, that the ‘BB’ circle on her DNA map was her own under a false name.

Back to Regular Life

Despite the excitement, Chrissy Teigen is not the parent of twins but a mother to three adorable children with John Legend: Luna, 6, Miles, 4, and 5-month-old Esti. She continues to share her family’s life and her personal wellness journey on Instagram, cherishing every moment with gratitude. “Going into the weekend with gratitude! For my babies, my husband, my friends, and my team “, my team,” she recently wrote, along with several heartwarming photos and videos of her family.

Lessons from a Comedic Misunderstanding

While the journey of finding an identical twin turned out to be a comedic rollercoaster of emotions, the incident shone a light on Teigen’s commitment to self-improvement and understanding her past better. It underlines the importance of wellness journeys and how sometimes, they can lead us down unexpected paths and surprising revelations – even if they turn out to be misunderstandings.

It also subtly emphasizes how our past and family history can impact our perceptions of ourselves. Teigen’s initial belief about having a twin had her attributing her personal issues to this hypothetical scenario. While it might have been a humorous misunderstanding, it serves as a reminder of how intricately our identity and family background are interwoven.

Conclusion

For Teigen, her wellness journey continues beyond this entertaining chapter. It involves her dedication to her health and family and unraveling the threads of her ancestry. While she might not have found a lost twin sister, she certainly found an amusing story to tell and an insightful experience about herself and her family history.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

First Look at Massive Entertainment Project ‘The Gathering’ for Forsyth County Residents

Cam Speck

Published

on

First Look at Massive Entertainment Project 'The Gathering' for Forsyth County Residents

Forsyth County residents are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new entertainment project called ‘The Gathering’. The new development will include a variety of amenities that cater to the community’s needs, as well as a few exciting new additions that are sure to draw in visitors from all around.

The project is worth over $1 billion and will include a range of different elements, including housing, shops, a large concert space, and even a 1.2 mile connective trail along the Big Creek Greenway. Additionally, there will be 1.6 million square feet of office and retail space, 750,000 square feet of arena space that can seat up to 18,500 people, and a 100,000 square foot community center. The development will also house a 7500 square foot fire station, 450 hotel rooms with meeting space, and 2400 residential units.

One of the most exciting elements of the project is the potential for a professional hockey team to be attracted to Georgia. The inclusion of an arena with such a large capacity could make the area a tempting destination for sports teams, and this could be a major boon for the local economy. Residents are also hopeful that the development will include access to MARTA shuttles, which could make travel in and out of the area much more convenient in the future.

Of course, with such a massive undertaking, funding is a crucial concern. Plans for funding remain uncertain until further discussions with board members take place next month. However, the development seems to be generating a lot of buzz, and it’s no wonder why. The sheer scale of ‘The Gathering’ promises to make it a destination that people will flock to from all around the state and beyond.

Naturally, there are some concerns about whether such a large development will be in keeping with the existing character of the area. Some people worry that traffic will become overwhelming, and that the sheer scale of the project will be a burden on the community. Nevertheless, many are optimistic about the possibilities that this development could bring.

Overall, the plan for ‘The Gathering’ is shaping up to be one of the most significant developments in Forsyth County’s recent history. The scale of the project is jaw-dropping, and its potential to benefit the community is enormous. In a region that is rapidly growing and changing, it’s exciting to see such a major investment being made.

Continue Reading