Florida Governor Crist Visits Marley And Me Film Set In Miami

March 28, 2008 -- COCONUT GROVE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today visited the production set of Marley and Me, a movie inspired by John Grogan’s bestselling memoir about his mischievous dog. Marley and Me is a participant in Florida’s program that rebates film, TV and digital media production companies up to 22 percent of their qualified Florida expenditures as an incentive to produce films and video games in Florida. The Don Davis Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act of 2007 increased the incentive to $25 million. This year, Governor Crist is proposing a $5 million increase in the state’s film incentive fund.

“Florida’s beautiful scenery, talented workforce and outstanding film schools make the state a top choice among film producers,” Governor Crist said. “Other states, however, are offering increasingly larger incentives and tax credits. To remain competitive we must keep Florida’s incentive program strong. I applaud the legislature for strengthening our ability to encourage film production and making our state a leader in the film and entertainment industry.”

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Governor Crist met with actors Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson who are starring in the film, as well as Elizabeth Gabler, president of Fox 2000, and Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. The Governor also met with Marley and Me director David Frankel, location manager Sam Tedesco and producers Joe Caraccillo, Gil Netter and Karen Rosenfeld.

Film and entertainment in Florida is a $3.9 billion industry, employing almost 34,000 Floridians in 5,599 businesses statewide. It brings jobs and revenue to businesses and workers that are part of the film, television and digital media industry. Florida’s tourism industry is directly benefited by the entertainment industry through the added business to hotels, restaurants. Other Florida businesses of all sizes that provide goods and services to the industry during production also directly benefit.

About Florida’s Film Incentive

Florida’s film incentive program recognizes the importance of the film and entertainment industry to Florida’s economy. Participants include the fast-growing digital media industry, the commercial and music video industry and Florida’s own filmmakers. It is helping fulfill the long-range goal of recruiting more production activity to Florida , encouraging out-of-state film companies to relocate to the state, and building and retaining Florida’s existing industry base.

To date, Florida’s 2007-08 Film, Television & Digital Media Incentive Program (The Don Davis Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act of 2007) has received applications from 85 productions. The 45 projects that are currently certified are expected to spend over $153 million in the state on Florida residents’ wages and at Florida businesses, representing an economic impact of no less than $6 for every $1 of the incentive rebated.

Source: Florida Governor