Newsletter of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission | November 2020 IN THIS ISSUE PREDATORS OF THE SEA, STARS OF THE SCREEN 1 SHARKS ON SCREEN Home to high profile species such as Tiger, Great Hammerhead, 2 VOLKSWAGEN IN BOCA Bull, Dusky, Silky, Reef, Sandbar, and Lemon Sharks, Florida offers some of the best shark diving in the world, consistently luring 3 VIRTUAL FASHION SHOW production to our shores. The Palm Beaches’ uniquely situated 4 BACHELORS GO DIVING position along the gulfstream brings a myriad of natural marine life events to our Mullet Run 5 SPOTLIGHT ON LOCALS coastline each year, from the mullet run to the black tip shark 6 HILLS IN FLORIDA migration, attracting some fearsome fins along for the ride. A source of fascination, these misunderstood creatures play a key role in drawing 7 SSOF WINNER UPDATE Shark “Says Cheese” in Jupiter tourism and production as audiences across the globe tune in for a thrill. No previous year has that been more evident than in 2020. While The Palm Beaches’ play host to shark-related shows and documentaries year after year, the number of projects has exploded in 2020 across multiple networks and platforms. Discovery Channel’s Shark Week dove in deep to study predatory behavior on ShaqAttack, while South Florida PBS is monitoring the relationship between anglers and scientists to tag coastal sharks for Changing Seas. National Geographic’s SharkFest will feature multiple episodes shot in PBC, including World’s Biggest Bull Shark, When Sharks Attack, and Shark Gangs—just to name a few! This all comes as media outlets FILM FLORIDA PODCAST - NOVEMBER are covering the dwindling numbers and “functional extinction” of Joyce Gilliard many species around the world (Source: NBC’s Today Show), making it more important than ever to raise awareness for the challenges Slater Bayliss facing these sharp-toothed scene stealers. Keep up with production updates for these series and more at pbfilm.com. BIG NAMES IN BOCA RUNWAY GOES VIRTUAL What happens when you combine When faced with the challenge of hosting a an Olympic Gold Medalist, one of the fashion show during a pandemic, 100 world’s most recognizable Successful Women in Business Fashion automobile brands, and the pristine Show Coordinator Angela Posillico knew she had greens of a Palm Beach County to get creative, and found just the right home for park? A moment made in advertising a virtual showcase at the Port of Palm Beach. heaven! US Women’s Soccer team Alex Morgan On Location The large windows along the second floor all-star Alex Morgan serves as Volkswagen’s Brand brought in plenty of natural light to emphasize the Amora on Runway Ambassador, helping promote their “Drive Bigger” campaign. colorful attire and gorgeous looks of each model, Morgan was front and center in a recent VW commercial filmed along with ample space for a long runway. “It was the perfect spot on the soccer fields of Burt Aaronson South County Regional for this type of venue. I do not think anyone could ask for more!” Park in Boca Raton. Following strict COVID-19 protocols for said Posillico, CEO for Ms. International World/ safety on set, the crew managed to capture great footage while Ms. Latina International. The virtual fashion masked up and socially distanced. “It was show was viewed by a worldwide audience just what we needed as a backdrop with through a live stream on social media and Zoom. a quick turnaround in scheduling thanks The models/honorees were thrilled to be able to to the Parks & Recreation Department,” get back to what they love doing the most, even said Producer Scott Barnett with Whiskey with a distanced audience. See more about the Films. See more at media.vw.com. Andrea on Runway organization at mslatinainternational.com. FOCUS ON FILM NEW COMMERICALS, FREE NIGHTS BACHELORS TAKE THE PLUNGE Discover The Palm Beaches, Tyler Cameron, the 27-year-old former the official marketing organization contestant on ABC’s The Bachelorette, for Palm Beach County, recently decided it was time to finally get scuba launched a new commercial to certified. The Jupiter native, who previously promote the destination for played football at Florida Atlantic University in visitors. The Free Nights & More spot entices visitors to take a Boca Raton, enlisted the help of PADI and trip to The Palm Beaches for a weekend getaway. The spot Scuba Diving Magazine, who partnered with launched October 1 in Orlando and Tampa and continues to run Pura Vida Divers in Riviera Beach. as part of a partnership with the Miami Dolphins. Distribution Cameron also brought along his good friend James & Cameron includes CBS Miami, CW Treasure Coast/Ft. Pierce, TV 27 to get certified—ABC’s next Bachelor on the brink of Orlando and NBC Ft. Meyers throughout the football season international fame, Matt James. The duo spent three days September-December. The commercial preparing for their dive certification at the Best Western pool in includes destination hot spots such as the West Palm Beach, the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach Delray Beach Intracoastal, Juno Beach and Breakers Reef in Palm Beach. Pier, West Palm Beach and more. Visit Their journey was captured on video by ThePalmBeaches.com for more info. Jupiter-based production company Out Your Front Door. James and Cameron are now set to discover all of the STUDENT PROJECT HITS AIRWAVES abundant underwater adventures available in The Palm Beaches. Watch Palm Beach Day Academy how easy it was for them to get certified (PBDA) students recently developed Diving the Blue Heron Bridge at youtu.be/sOFJBwx3cR8. a 30-minute documentary that aired on South Florida PBS (both WXEL and WPBT) known as The Coral SINGING AND SCI-FI Project. The purpose of the project PBDA Students was a way for students to contribute Palm Beach County-based filmmaker and comic book creator to saving the tropical rainforest of the sea – the coral reef. Gary Davis has co-written a song with Jamaican recording artist Recorded, produced and edited by PBDA teacher Jonathan Mikal Asher of the famed Morgan Heritage band. The tune, Paine and his daughter Nicólee, a recent graduate of PBDA, called What Difference Does it Make?, features singing duo the video chronicles the efforts of students as they conducted Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, which is comprised of Mikal Asher’s research on their campus in a new marine science lab with reef two daughters, aged six and 10 years. The song deals with a 10 tanks, a coral research station and coral seed bank. The well- year-old who faces bullying and decides to choose love in the deserved coverage was initiated by eight and ninth grade end. Davis, a retired music teacher, students, and the project has expanded to include an even originally composed the song for wider audience with a 10-episode podcast series featuring his sci-fi animation series. It is PBDA students and experts/professionals in the environmental planned for a Christmas release field. The project has garnered a 2019 nomination as a finalist and he plans to film an of the Palm Beach Illustrated‘s Education Awards in the accompanying music video in Palm “Outstanding Program Award” category. To watch The Coral Beach County. For more info, visit Project in full, visit vimeo.com/458203435. Gary Davis facebook.com/ChocolateStarEnt. EMMY NODS FOR PBTV PROGRAMMING When nominations for the 44th Annual Suncoast Regional EMMY® Awards were recently announced, the team at West Palm Beach-based Ko-Mar Productions found themselves in the elite group of nominees, twice! Women in Polo, a half-hour program highlighting female pioneers in the sport, is one of three nominees in the Human Interest - Program Special category. Dock & Dine, a half-hour lifestyle show that features great spots in PBC where one can dock a boat and dine on a fabulous meal, was also nominated. "Both shows were labors of love and a tremendous amount of fun to produce! My team at Ko-Mar Productions is incredible; everyone from the videographers to the editors to the audio techs poured their hearts and souls into these programs. Most of all, we're delighted that these shows helped educate viewers about the incredible lifestyle, waterfront dining, and sports offerings of PBC." 2 Women in Polo Winners will be announced in December. Both shows are available on demand at ThePalmBeaches.TV. FOCUS ON FILM VIRTUAL FILM FEST GAINS STEAM MAKING DREAMS A REALITY Running through December 25, the Established in 1999, Rebekah’s Dreams Virtual Film Festival presented by the Entertainment & Production Services spe- Judy Levis Markhoff Boca Raton Jewish cializes in production and crew management, Film Festival (BRJFF) showcases a equipment sales and rentals, event coordina- diverse collection of over 30 independent tion, and design services. As the only produc- films from around the world. Special to this tion supply store in Palm Beach County, they year’s virtual festival are webinars with carry a full line of lighting accessories, scenic supplies, and filmmakers and cast members, and the opportunity to view a expendables including color filters, gels, gaffer tape, spike tape, film up to 72 hours after its scheduled screening. The broad and electrical tape that are available in their West Palm Beach array of films explores the Jewish culture, history, identity, and location. “In the midst of the pandemic, we’ve steered our focus topics relevant to Jewish life. “COVID-19 has given us a unique to accommodate the current needs of the community. This in- opportunity to engage with our community from the comfort and cludes video streaming, inflatable outdoor movie screen and safety of their homes while expanding our reach to film lovers LED video wall rentals, as well as turnkey lighting, audio, and around the country, and overseas,” said Wendy Honig BRJFF video system maintenance and installa- Artistic Director.