Peacock Springs State Park renamed in filmmaker and cave diver's honor

Wes Skiles spent his life exploring underwater caves around the world

Friends and family of renowned cave diver and filmmaker Wes Skiles gathered Tuesday to see Peacock Springs State Park renamed in his honor.

Skiles, a 52-year-old freelance nature photographer, owned a production company based in High Springs.
He died July 22 in a diving accident while shooting video of an ocean reef about 3 miles east of Boynton Beach inlet.

After weeks of investigation and toxicology tests, Palm Beach County authorities were unable to determine what might have caused his death.

Jacksonville restaurant to be featured in new Food Network reality show

Submitted by Gary Mills on November 22, 2010 - 3:39pm Dining Notes

Robert Irvine is host of the upcoming Food Network series "Restaurant: Impossible."

Celebrity chef and Food Network host Robert Irvine is coming to Jacksonville to film an episode for his upcoming reality TV show "Restaurant: Impossible" — and you're invited.

On Dec. 4-6, Irvine and his design team will be in Jacksonville at Secret Garden Cafe to fully renovate the restaurant at 10095 Beach Blvd., #600 — and do so in just 48 hours with only $10,000.

ADVERTISE YOUR SKILLSET FREE TO THE WORLD! JOIN THE RAPIDLY GROWING PRODUCTION DIRECTORY!

On September 1st, the new Production Directory’s search function became active on our website! We’ve had a great response and saw a rapid increase in the number of crew members and support services listed and participating.

Production is thriving in Florida, and more and more projects are popping up on our “Recipients” page that will need Florida crew members and vendors! We hope everyone is regularly checking our website at www.filminflorida.com for information about the various projects that will be coming to your local areas.

TV-Film Directing and Performance Workshop

This one-day workshop is a place where students, as well as working professionals in the television and film business will come together to share state-of-the-art techniques and knowledge.

Jerry Smith, executive producer/director of six-time Emmy Award-winning PineRidge Film & Television and his principal creative staff will share their best secrets on how to break into the business on a national and international scale. Jerry's experience with Discovery Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime, PBS and Women's Entertainment will be brought down-to-earth as he directs you during the workshop and teaches the secrets of TV hosting.

Cindy Hogan, nationally recognized actor and principal teacher and founder of The A.C.T.I.N.G. Coach will conduct hands-on workshops as you perform scripted dramatic scenes and improvisational exercises.

Alex Boylan, winner of original Season 2 of The Amazing Race on CBS, has gone on to create and perform in his own national series of CBS Internet-based television episodes called Around the World for Free. Alex is a self-made success and new enough to remember every painful step. He'll share it all with you.

If you are a budding director, actor or host, you won't want to miss this workshop! (Other surprise guests will be announced in the coming months!)

Bonus Afternoon Program:
Join us for the afternoon session where we will be recording edited audition tapes from 2 - 5 p.m. Seating is limited. $30 per person.

Dates: November 20, 2010
Meets: Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 1 Session
CEUS: 0.40
Location: UNF University Center (Building 43)
Registration Fee: $39.00
Click link to register: https://www.ce.unf.edu/CourseStatus.awp?&course=10FTFIL201A

The Performers Academy schedule, New Classes!

The Performers Academy has posted their current schedule with several new classes. You can go to http://www.theperformersacademy.com/programs/tpa-acting-academy/ to look at all of their programs. 

SUNDAY

MAURY COVINGTON'S ROPE STUDIO

7:00 - 9:00

MONDAY

KENT LINDSEY'S PRO FILM ACTING

7:00 - 9:00 NOV 1 - DEC 6

6 WEEKS 2 HOURS A WEEK

ACTING WITHOUT AGONY

7:00 - 9:00 W/ DWIGHT CENAC

WEDNESDAY

MAURY COVINGTON'S ROPE STUDIO

7:00 - 9:00

ACTING FOR ADULTS

7:00 - 9:00 W/ MARK O'BRIEN

THURSDAY

YOUTH CLASSES

4:00 - 5:15 - LiL RASCALS/ DRAMA TWEENS (8-12)

5:30 - 7:00 - DRAMA TEENS (13 - 16)

7 :00 - 9 :00 - ACTING W/O AGONY

FRIDAY

4:30 - 6:00 - MUSICAL THEATER

with BROADWAY VETERAN, LISA CLARSON

Sign up for the New Production Directory

If you are looking to maximize your exposure to potential employers or to promote what your business provides to the industry visit http://www.filminflorida.com/ and register to become apart of the new Production Directory. It's Free!

Attention Filmmakers! Job oppuntunity for December!

The 'X MEN 2' Production Office, based in Jekyll Island, is looking for Production Assistants for during the month of December.

Principal photography begins first week in December and completes before Christmas.

                                                        Phone (912) 265-9881
                                                        Fax (912) 267-6855

The 10th Annual Jacksonville Film & Television Industry Reception - Slideshow Below!

Celebrating 102 years of Jacksonville’s film, video, digital production industry, the 10th Annual Jacksonville Film & Television Industry Reception was a huge success! This year’s reception was held at PRI Productions and with over 200 guests in attendance ranging from sponsors, filmmakers, directors, producers, actors, artists, and friends, the venue was set for a fantastic evening of fun and laughter.

Cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres…light mingling, industry talk, and of course lots of “posing for the camera,” were all just a taste of what made the night so enjoyable. Among those recognized—City Council V.P. Stephen Joost with supporting council members, along with Lucia Fishburne, Florida’s Film Commissioner, who traveled from Tallahassee to be at the event. Mayor Peyton, who was out of town on business and unfortunately unable to attend, sent his highest regards and is very supportive of Jacksonville’s Film & Television Industry.

Highlighting the evening was a special tribute to DVA President Tony Haines and a legacy award honoring Wes Skiles was presented to his family, who were all in attendance. Later, a video screening giving tribute to a very special person announced the winner of the night among several nominations. Dan Kossoff was presented a plague by V.P. Stephen Joost as the recipient of the 2010 Jacksonville Film & Television Industry Award and upon receiving the honor, gave his most humble remarks.

The evening finished as a prelude for the upcoming Jacksonville Film Festival from October 14-17th while many voiced their excitement for the festivities to come. No better way to end the night than thanking all the sponsors whose generous support made this year’s event possible:

Jacksonville Greyhound Racing & Poker – Howard Korman (Presenting Sponsor), The Liquor Group, Edward Jones Investments, PRI Productions, Picalata Productions, LLC, Willach The Spirit of Hospitality, JEDC Film & Television Office, AT&T, Durham Building Materials, PGA TOUR Entertainment, Jax Film Festival, Digital Video Arts, Enterprise Rent A Car, Goodwin Production Services, Martinez Advertising Group, PRC Digital Media, The Governors Office of Film & Entertainment, The Fiorentino Group, Gray Robinson Attorneys of Law, Lindsey Films, and friends Carolyn Herman, Attorney at Law, Ken McCray Photography, Mario Peralta Photography and Creativeworks WJCT.

And special thanks to all those not mentioned and everyone else who attended the 2010 Film & Television Industry Reception. After celebrating a long rich history of filmmaking in Jacksonville, many would not argue that the best is yet to come!

Photos of this event and more available online at photobucket.com under JEDCFILMTV.
Direct Link:  10th Annual Film Industry Reception


Courtney Rock
JEDC Film & Television Office Intern