EDC finishes the 2011 fiscal year strong

In fiscal year 2011, the EDC assisted fifteen companies who have committed to creating 1,125 jobs over the coming few years. Of those companies, ten were expansions of existing Sarasota County businesses and five were attractions to our county. The new fiscal year is off to a good start with twelve projects currently in the pipeline.

Sarasota County film incentive program making an impact 

The Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office (SCFEO), a division of the EDC, is having great success with the filming incentive program implemented by Sarasota County. The program went live just over five months ago and has already drawn a succession of notable projects, including the major feature film "Parker," television series pilot "Workers Comp," PBS Great Performances special "Jackie Evancho," the low budget horror film "Demon," and a full-length independent film shooting now in the area with an undisclosed notable star. The SCFEO is in active discussions with more than a dozen other productions interested in the incentive program, and continues to serve an average of fifteen projects of all kinds per month over and above those that are incentive-driven.

Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office accepting entries for the 2012 TV ME! Contest 

This is a unique, fresh opportunity for creative people who may have no experience as a scriptwriter or producer, but do have a new and different idea for television content.  It requires only a five to fifteen page "pitch" of that idea and a small entry fee. The grand prize winner will be escorted to personal meetings in Los Angeles with executives in network, cable and independent television production to deliver his or her pitch one-on-one. Entries may be submitted through December 30, 2011. Submission instructions and prize information are available online at www.TVMEContest.com.