The 2016-2017 fiscal year was a busy one for the Orlando Film Commission. Orlando saw one of its busiest commercial seasons on record, with numerous high-profile campaigns choosing our region as the backdrop for its projects.
In total, the region saw:
- 644 Permitted Production Days
- 101 Non-permitted Production Days
- 258 Permits Processed
- 223 Total Projects Recorded
In addition, over $7,000,000 in local economic spend was reported for the region (with only 65% of projects reporting). That number reflects expenditures on items such as catering, car rentals, location costs, set construction as well as local cast and crew wages.
Historically, the region’s most active time has been referred to as “commercial season” (January, February and March), when big-budget commercial projects take advantage of our warmer weather, still-green grass and amazing locations while most of the country is covered in snow. This year, those three months saw a 78% increase in Permitted Production Days (PPD), a 28% increase in Non-Permitted Production Days (Non-PPD) and an 18% increase in permits processed over the same time during the 2015-2016 fiscal year, making it the busiest commercial season on record.
While commercial season is always a busy time, the Orlando region has seen an increase in production year-round over the past few years, even in the “off season” (April – December). After speaking with many agencies and producers that choose to film in the region, the Film Commission attributes this increase to: our primarily free permits, quick permitting process, experienced and professional crew, vast location options and our supportive community partners, without whose support this industry would not be able to flourish.
At the end of the day, it’s always rewarding to see the fruits of your labor, and there was some GREAT fruit this year!
- The Emmy-nominated “Love Has No Labels” commercial filmed during the Pro Bowl in the City of Orlando.
- ESPN’s Monday Night Football Commercial filmed entirely on campus at the University of Central Florida.
- Network’s Zombie House Flipping, filmed entirely in Central Florida, finished Season 2.
- Nissan filmed in City of Orlando and City of Kissimmee.
The 2017 – 2018 fiscal year has started strong and we look forward to assisting all projects in the region. If you ever have any questions about filming in the region, please don’t hesitate to reach out.