News Summary
The Jacksonville City Council has voted 15-4 in favor of a $400,000 funding transfer to support Project T, a potential film production. The funds will facilitate negotiations with the production company, which is expected to invest $3 million into the local economy during a six-month filming period. However, actual production incentives still require a separate council vote. While some council members raised concerns about the funding source, the anticipated economic benefits could yield a projected $7 return for every $1 invested in Jacksonville’s economy.
Jacksonville City Council has voted in favor of a $400,000 transfer to support a potential film production, referred to as Project T. The ordinance, numbered 2025-0720, was approved with a vote of 15-4. This funding allocation will allow the Office of Economic Development (OED) to engage in negotiations with the production company. However, it is important to note that this transfer does not mean that actual film production incentives have been approved yet; a separate vote by the council will be necessary for that decision.
The funds will be allocated from the city’s debt management fund, which has raised concerns among some council members. Those opposing the transfer included Joe Carlucci, Rory Diamond, Mike Gay, and Ron Salem, indicating a divide in viewpoints regarding fiscal priorities for the city.
According to Ed Randolph, the director of the OED, the production company is expected to invest approximately $3 million into Jacksonville’s economy during its six-month filming period. Plans include the purchase of around 2,400 hotel room nights for staff and the hiring of approximately 100 local residents for various production roles.
The anticipated economic benefit from this investment is significant, with the city projecting a return of $7 for every $1 invested, a calculation that suggests a potentially lucrative opportunity for local businesses and the community at large.
Jacksonville’s newly established Film & Television Program, launched in March 2024, includes provisions for rebates that are based on achieving project milestones. Project T qualifies for a rebate of 20% on a minimum of $1 million in qualified expenses incurred in Duval County, with a maximum rebate amount capped at $400,000. The incentives will be managed by the Jacksonville Film & Television Office, which operates under the OED.
Despite the enthusiasm for attracting film projects, recent discussions among council members reflect a cautious approach to direct cash incentives from the OED and the Downtown Investment Authority. Instead, there is a growing preference for utilizing Recapture Enhanced Value Grants, which could provide similar benefits without the need for cash transfer.
Randolph pointed out that Jacksonville currently faces challenges in being competitive with other cities in Florida when it comes to drawing film and television productions. This situation is a marked change from the city’s past, which saw over 30 film studios operating in the silent movie era before losing its prominence to Hollywood and other cultural shifts.
Historically, Jacksonville has been the filming location for several notable productions, including “G.I. Jane” and “The Devil’s Advocate” in 1997, “Basic” in 2003, and “Lonely Hearts” in 2006, among others. However, despite these achievements, the city has not maintained a strong foothold in the film industry compared to its peers over recent years.
Details regarding Project T have not been fully disclosed, as the city has opted not to release information in response to public records requests. This decision aligns with common practices in economic development agreements, where code names are utilized to maintain confidentiality, a practice allowed under state law.
The Jacksonville City Council’s decision to allocate funds for Project T marks a significant step toward potentially revitalizing the local film industry, but the future of the project still hinges on further council votes regarding incentive approvals.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Daily Record: City Council Approves Transfer for Film Project
- News4Jax: Woody McClain Launches Film Project
- Ponte Vedra Recorder: Jax Fuse Film Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Google Search: Jacksonville film industry
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
