Drew Wilson
A year ago, Film Florida launched a podcast series highlighting the state’s entertainment industry. The venture is continuing — with a couple changes.
The second season of Film Florida’s podcast series will be published in a miniseries-style format, each covering a range of topics.
The season two guest list includes award winning artists with credits including M*A*S*H; Hill Street Blues; Moonlighting, Judging Amy, Fortune Hunter, Birdman, Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest, Star Wars Episode 3, Mission Impossible 3, Apollo 13, multiple films for ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series, and more.
But the state-wide entertainment production trade association is also previewing 2020 Legislative Session — that means some lawmakers will be joining them in the studio.
Film Florida has already recorded an episode with Republican Sen. Joe Gruters, who last year sponsored a film production grant bill supported by Film Florida.
In the podcast interview, Gruters told Film Florida his support for the industry has a lot to do with its presence in his Sarasota-based district.
It also helps that he’s experienced entertainment tourism firsthand — he said he and his wife planned a trip to Key West as a direct result of watching Bloodline, an HBO show that was filmed in Florida before moving out of state.
“Nothing makes me more upset when I see these shows that were supposed to be filmed in Florida and then all of the sudden you see the Georgia peach, or some other state symbol where these things are being filmed at,” he said in the episode, which will be released at a later date.
In addition to Gruters, the new wave of podcast episodes will feature talks with Key Largo Republican Rep. Holly Raschein and Lake Clarke Shores Democratic Rep. David Silvers, both of whom have sponsored or co-sponsored pro-film industry bills in past Legislative Sessions.
The Film Florida podcast is available through Apple iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and the Film Florida Website.
