News Summary
The Jacksonville City Council is considering a proposal to offer up to $400,000 in public incentives to attract a California-based film company for a new project. This initiative aims to enhance local economic activity and reestablish Jacksonville as a competitive filming location. The project, codenamed Project T, could generate around $3 million for the local economy and create jobs for approximately 100 residents. The council’s decision could significantly impact future film productions in the region.
Jacksonville City Council is considering a proposal that could provide up to $400,000 in public incentives for a California-based film production company to shoot its latest project in the city. The ordinance, numbered 2025-0720, was introduced by Council member Rahman Johnson and aims to stimulate local economic activity while increasing Jacksonville’s appeal as a filming location.
The funding, which would be transferred from the city’s debt management fund to the Office of Economic Development (OED), is linked to a production codenamed Project T. This project is expected to inject approximately $3 million into the Jacksonville economy. It plans to book around 2,400 hotel room nights over six weeks and create employment opportunities for nearly 100 Jacksonville residents.
The city anticipates a significant return on its investment, with projections indicating that Jacksonville could see up to $7 returned for every $1 allocated to the project. The funding falls under the OED’s Film and Television Incentive, which aims to enhance Jacksonville’s competitiveness in attracting film productions, a sentiment echoed by OED Director Ed Randolph. He noted that the city has lost ground compared to its peers in Florida regarding attracting film production investment.
This proposal comes on the heels of Jacksonville’s launch of its Film & Television Program in March 2024, which provides rebates to producers upon project completion. The program features two rebate tiers: a 20% rebate for qualified expenditures of at least $1 million, with the highest rebate capped at $400,000. The administration of these incentives falls under the Jacksonville Film & Television Office, part of the OED.
Recent discussions in the Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee have indicated that Council members are leaning toward using Recapture Enhanced Value Grants instead of direct cash payouts for future incentives. The committee deliberated on September 15, where the legislation was discussed and subsequently deferred following a narrow 3-2 vote. Approval requires a majority of four votes from its seven members. Voting in favor of the ordinance were Council members Randy White, Ken Amaro, and Michael Boylan, whereas Mike Gay and Ron Salem opposed the measure. Council members Chris Miller and Tyrona Clark-Murray were not present for the vote.
Historically, Jacksonville was a vibrant center for film production, once hosting over 30 film studios during the silent movie era. However, many of these studios left due to intensified competition from Hollywood and challenges within the local industry. Despite the city’s rich cinematic heritage, the flow of productions has dwindled in recent years, although some notable films like “G.I. Jane,” “Basic,” and “Lonely Hearts” have been produced locally.
Rahman Johnson, who introduced the ordinance, has a background in journalism and entertainment, having hosted shows such as Nickelodeon’s “SPLAT.” His experience in the industry is considered an asset as the city seeks to reposition itself as a viable option for production companies looking for filming locations outside the more saturated markets of Hollywood.
The outcome of this legislative proposal remains uncertain as the City Council weighs the potential economic benefits against budgetary considerations and the current landscape of film production in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Jacksonville City Council Considering Incentives
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Native Woody McClain Launches Film Project
- Jacksonville Free Press: Statement from Mayor Deegan
- First Coast News: New City Programs for Film and Television
- Wikipedia: 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.
