Bonnie King reelected as Film Florida president

Film Florida announced its leadership team for 2019-20 Thursday, opting to stay the course with current President Bonnie King.

King, who represents the Space Coast Film and Television Office, was reelected to a second term, the organization announced at the Film Florida Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg.

“It has been a privilege to serve as president of Film Florida. I look forward to continuing working side by side with industry professionals as we seek opportunities to strengthen the film, TV and digital media industry,” King said.

“Florida is open for business and competing for high-wage jobs in the film, television and digital media industry and we plan on continuing to spread that message.”

King started her career in the entertainment industry as a radio broadcaster in Brevard County, where she “broke the sound barrier” as the first woman to host a daytimes rock ‘n’ roll radio show.

After radio, she moved on to the Space Coast Office of Tourism, where she worked for 32 years before going solo and founding 321BonnieKing — an organization that assists businesses with filming, marketing and special events.

“Bonnie has done a tremendous job in her two years as president of our organization. Bonnie’s courage, tenacity and vision will continue to show the far-reaching benefits our industry has on the state of Florida including creating jobs, spurring economic development and generating tourism,” said Kelly Paige, Film Florida’s immediate past president.

Film Florida is a trade organization representing all aspects of the entertainment business, from labor to film commissions.

The group also has been active in Tallahassee. In the 2019 Legislative Session, the trade group pushed for creation of a new film production grants program.

Though Republican Party of Florida chairman and Sen. Joe Gruters carried the legislation, it ended up stalling out. Still, the battle changed the conversation on film programs.

In addition to King’s reelection, Film Florida announced its executive board officers for 2019-20:

— 1st Vice President: Gail Morgan, Emerald Coast Film Commission

— 2nd Vice President: Sandy Lighterman, Miami-Dade Office of Film and Entertainment

— Secretary: Leah Sokolowsky, Teamsters Local 769

— Treasurer: Matt Wohl, Traveling Dog Films

— At-Large: Anne Russell, Full Sail University

— Immediate Past President: Kelly Paige, Level Talent Group