Guy Fieri Films "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" in Jacksonville

Food Network personality Guy Fieri filmed his television show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" in several Jacksonville locations from February 20th to the 25th.

"Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," which focuses on "classic 'greasy spoon' spots" across America, chose a variety of Jacksonville locations including Metro Diner, Sun Dog Diner, Spanish restaurant 13 Gypsies and Culhane's Irish Pub for an upcoming episode. Other area stops included Singleton's Seafood Shack in Mayport and two locations in St. Simon's Island.

Fieri's Jacksonville itinerary included a trip on the locally-owned Sea King shrimp boat (above).

"Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" will air its Jacksonville footage intermittently throughout future episodes. More information is available on the show's Food Network page.

Film Department Director Opening at Jacksonville Art Institute

The Art Institute of Jacksonville has announced an opening for the position of Director in its Department of Filmmaking & Video Production.

Duties include to select, train, develop, manage, and lead faculty and staff team members and to support college programs designed to achieve student completion rates.

Applicants must possess a Master's Degree with three to five years of relevant experience; candidates not possessing these minimum qualifications will not be considered.

For more information about the program, visit the department's website.

Citrus Cel Animation Film Festival at Five Points in April

Passes are now on sale for The Citrus Cel Animation Film Festival at Five Points Theater April 9-11.

The festival is designed to showcase the animation and film talent in Jacksonville as well as the diversity of animation as a creative vehicle. The Festival will exhibit feature films, shorts by students, game animation and more.

Submissions are due no later than February 28th, 2010 and must conform to submissions guidelines.  For more information, contact festival organizer Shane Douberly.

Florida Lawmakers Looking to Increase Tax Credit

HB 697 and its Senate companion SB 1430, titled the Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act, would increase production-related rebate eligibility from 15% to 20% and increases the cap on credit funding in a given year from $10 million to $75 million, a figure based on similar deals in five other states. This incentive would be based on tax returns from the following year, ensuring that no money was awarded without corresponding investment.

According to Film Florida, investments in film and television production are returned have a return of nearly 50% in tax revenue and a 22-to-1 return in gross state product. According to 2007 estimates, approximately 102,000 Floridians are directly hired by the film and television industry each year, with an average annual salary around $57,000; another 105,000 Floridians are hired in industry-related occupations such as security, transportation and the service industries.

HB 697 and SB 1430 are currently in the House Economic Development Policy Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee, respectively. The legislative history and progress of both bills can be tracked through the State House of Representatives website.

World's Strictest Parents Casting in Jacksonville

Do you know a family with experience in dealing with teenagers? Do they have strict morals, guidelines, and expectations for teenagers already living in their home? If so, they may have just what CMT is looking for!

CMT is looking in Jacksonville for families with a big heart and an open home for its reality series "World's Strictest Parents."
The show places two teenagers (one male, one female) with problems involving drugs, laziness and/or defiance in the care of welcoming but insistent families for one week, with the goal of behavioral improvement.

If you would like to be or can recommend a host family for the series, contact Rebecca Greenberg at (323)904-4680, ext. 1147, or by email at regreenberg@shedmediaus.com. Please include your name, phone number and a family photo in your email, along with a short statement on why you feel you could make a difference in a troubled teen's life and your formula for a balanced and happy household.

Past episodes are available for free viewing at CMT's website.

Film Florida Legends Award Nominations

Film Florida will be accepting nominations for its Florida Film Legends Award until February 15th.

The award, launched in 2006, honors Sunshine State pioneers in the film, television and production industry.

2010 marks the five-year milestone for the award. Previous honorees include Ricou Browning Sr., who played the Creature from the Black Lagoon in the eponymous franchise’s Florida scenes, Body Heat cinematographer Mike McGowan, Sr., and longtime Director's Guild of America and Florida Governor's Office of Film and Entertainment board member Michelle Marx.

Nominations may be sent to legends@filmflorida.org. To nominate, please email candidate's name, contact info, brief bio and include a few reasons about why the individual should be considered.

Jacksonville will be hosting the Legends Award ceremony in June. We will post information on the event as soon as logistics are confirmed.

For more information on Film Florida, visit their website at http://www.filmflorida.org/.

Zipcar Still Photo Shoot in Jacksonville

National car sharing agency Zipcar chose Jacksonville for a photo shoot last week, shooting on West Adams Street in front of the Law Offices of Eddie Farah.

Miami-based Element Productions held the shoot Thursday and Friday for Zipcar, which rents cars at an hourly rate in high-traffic urban areas. Zipcar operates in over 50 cities and 100 college campuses nationwide.

In addition to the downtown set, the shoot also included locations at Camp Milton and Jacksonville Beach. The shoot registered an economic impact of $15,500 in local purchases and services.
Filmjax has more photos of the shoot here.