First Coast Doubles for Upstate New York in Upcoming "America's Most Wanted" Episode

Fox Television’s popular America’s Most Wanted (AMW) series recently concluded filming an upcoming segment in Jacksonville where the First Coast doubles for Upstate New York. The show is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th at 9:00 PM (Fox 30).

This is not the first time Jacksonville has hosted this popular television program. Since 1989 AMW has filmed re-enactments in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. The first story was taped in the Duval County Detention Facility before it housed its first inmate. In the years that have followed, AMW has come back to the First Coast having Jacksonville double for cities all over the United States.

“Jacksonville’s crew, government cooperation, cost efficiency and locations are the reasons we keep coming back, “ said Greg Klein, Creative Producer, STF Productions. “Jacksonville producer Pepper Lindsey, the entire crew she assembles, and DP Mark Kohl, always go above and beyond expectations.

“We are fortunate to have a great diversity of filming locations in Jacksonville and we can double for a lot of places,” said Pepper Lindsey, CEO of Lindsey Films, Inc. and independent producer for the show. AMW keeps coming back to Jacksonville because of our film friendly atmosphere, hands on assistance from the JEDC Film and Television Office, and quality of the local crew.” Lindsey, who has worked with the show since it's first filming in Jacksonville in 1989, is responsible for assembling the production team, compiling the budget and overseeing the production.

AMW hired over 45 local professionals, rented and purchased items having over a $130,000 direct economic impact in Jacksonville.

In its 22 seasons, America’s Most Wanted and its viewers have helped capture more than 1,108 dangerous criminals, including dozens of child predators. The show is hosted by John Walsh, well known for his anti-crime activism following the murder of his son, Adam in 1981. On May 2, 2008, the program's website announced its 1,000th capture; and it will celebrate its 1,000th episode on March 6, 2010.