Board of Directors Job Descriptions

Home , Jennifer Love Hewitt, Julie Harris, Kat Dennings, Steven Bauer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOB DESCRIPTIONS

PRESIDENT

Estimated time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week

REPORTS TO

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

Serves as the presiding officer of the association and exercises all duties and responsibilities commonly associated with this office except as limited by the Film Florida bylaws. The President represents the association in all matters. All actions of the President are the actions of the organization as a whole. In addition to specific responsibilities and qualifications noted in the Board Member job description, additional responsibilities and requirements specific to this office are noted below.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Calls the meetings of the Executive Board and Board of Directors. 2. Establishes the agenda for and presides at all meetings of the Executive Board and Board of Directors. 3. Calls and presides over the annual business meeting of the membership. 4. Appoints members to special committees, taskforces and working groups. 5. Participates in the development and implementation of short-term and long-term strategic planning for Film Florida. 6. Serves as a principal spokesperson for the organization. 7. Serves as Film Florida representative as needed at any other relevant association or external organization meetings.

TERM OF OFFICE/SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection The President is elected by the membership at large and serves one year as president. Term of Office One year term.

1ST & 2ND VICE PRESIDENTS

Estimated time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week

REPORTS TO

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

Assume duties in the event of absence, death, resignation or incapacity of the President. Exercise all duties and responsibilities commonly associated with this office. In addition to specific responsibilities noted in the Board Member job description, additional responsibilities specific to this office are noted below.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Represents Film Florida at the President’s request. 2. In the absence of the President, fulfills those duties as noted in the President’s job description. 3. Participates in the development and implementation of short-term and long-term strategic planning for Film Florida. 4. Assist in appointing members to special committees, taskforces and working groups. 5. Carries out such other duties as may be assigned by the President or by the Executive Board. 6. Oversee and report on activities of one of the Film Florida Standing Committees.

TERM OF OFFICE/SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection The Vice President is elected by the membership at large. Term of Office One year term.

TREASURER

Estimated time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week

REPORTS TO

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Represents Film Florida at the President’s request. 2. The Treasurer is the chief financial officer of the PTC and is responsible for overseeing all financial matters and records of the PTC. 3. Work with the Executive Board and Budget & Finance Committee to prepare an annual budget. 4. Maintain bank records of all funds and accounts of Film Florida, and reconcile the same. 5. Make any and all necessary deposits of funds on behalf of Film Florida. 6. Write necessary checks to pay for expenditures of Film Florida. 7. Provide tax-exempt letters to those requiring it, and complete any necessary forms to maintain tax-exempt status. 8. Prepare quarterly reports for Film Florida meetings on the income and expenses of the Film Florida and the expenditures of items in the approved budget. 9. Participates in the development and implementation of short-term and long-term strategic planning for Film Florida. 10. Assist in appointing members to special committees, taskforces and working groups. 11. Carries out such other duties as may be assigned by the President or by the Executive Board. 12. Oversee and report on activities of one of the Film Florida Standing Committees.

TERM OF OFFICE/SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection The Treasurer is elected by the membership at large. Term of Office One year term.

SECRETARY

Estimated time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week

REPORTS TO

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The secretary is the corporate secretary and as such exercises all duties and responsibilities commonly associated with this office. In addition to specific responsibilities noted in the Board Member job description, additional responsibilities specific to this office are noted below.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for overseeing the recording of the minutes of Board of Directors meetings and other meetings as appropriate. Film Florida practice is to assign staff to take the minutes at Board meetings. 2. Represents Film Florida at the President’s request. 3. Participates in the development and implementation of short-term and long-term strategic planning for Film Florida. 4. Assist in appointing members to special committees, taskforces and working groups. 5. Carries out such other duties as may be assigned by the President or by the Executive Board. 6. Oversees and reports on activities of one of the Film Florida Standing Committees.

TERM OF OFFICE/SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection The Secretary is elected by the membership at large. Term of Office One year term.

AT-LARGE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER

Estimated time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week

REPORTS TO

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The At-Large position assumes duties in the event of absence, death, resignation or incapacity of other Executive Board members or as requested by the President. Exercise all duties and responsibilities commonly associated with this office. In addition to specific responsibilities noted in the Board Member job description, additional responsibilities specific to this office are noted below.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Represents Film Florida at the President’s request. 2. Participates in the development and implementation of short-term and long-term strategic planning for Film Florida. 3. Assist in appointing members to special committees, taskforces and working groups. 4. Carries out such other duties as may be assigned by the President or by the Executive Board. 5. Oversees and reports on activities of one of the Film Florida Standing Committees.

TERM OF OFFICE/SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection The At-Large Board Member is elected by their council when and if their individual Council is lacking representation on the Executive Board. Term of Office One year term.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Estimated time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week

REPORTS TO

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

The Immediate Past President position assumes duties in the event of absence, death, resignation or incapacity of other Executive Board members or as requested by the President. Exercise all duties and responsibilities commonly associated with this office. In addition to specific responsibilities noted in the Board Member job description, additional responsibilities specific to this office are noted below.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

TERM OF OFFICE/SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection The Immediate Past President serves immediately following their term as President. Term of Office One year term.

BOARD MEMBER

Estimated time commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per week

REPORTS TO

EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

A member of the Film Florida Board of Directors (BOD) helps to set the vision and strategic direction of the association, safeguard the organization’s assets, and ensure the fiscal, legal and ethical integrity of the association. BOD members also translate the shared values and interests of the members into organizational plans and programs, determine desired organizational outcomes, and assess progress in achieving those outcomes. (All authority contained in this job description should be understood to be those as part of the Board of Directors as a unit and no individual authority is inferred.)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain knowledge of the Film Florida bylaws, structure, activities, and processes. 2. Maintain a personal commitment to Film Florida’s goals and objectives. 3. Meet at least once annually and at such other times as may be deemed necessary. 4. Authorize committees, define their duties, receive their reports, and take action as required. 5. Establish Film Florida’s public policy positions. 6. Establish Film Florida’s governing policies. 7. Authorize revenues and expenditures of Film Florida’s funds through the annual budget process or as needed during other times of the year. 8. Establish appropriate fiscal policies and controls.

TERM OF OFFICE/SELECTION CRITERIA

Selection

Board Members are elected to serve by their individual Council membership at large.

Term of Office

One year term.

Qualifications

 Candidates for election to the board must be voting Film Florida members.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER BIOGRAPHIES

EXECUTIVE BOARD

MICHELLE HILLERY – PRESIDENT PALM BEACH COUNTY FILM & TELEVISION COMMISSION

Michelle Hillery is the Deputy Film Commissioner for Palm Beach County's Film & Television Commission (FTC). She supports the work of the Film Commissioner in facilitating the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission's mission. She is responsible for supervising the staff and maintaining the operation of the film office. In addition, she is responsible for the development and implementation of the FTC's contract(s), marketing program, budget analysis, audit, public relation efforts, website coordination, policies and procedures and the Internship Program. Hillery is responsible for the oversight of an annual Office of Economic Sustainability contract and programs relating to education including the Palm Beach International Film Festival's (PBIFF) Student Showcase of Films.

Hillery, 43, has worked with features such as Bad Boys II, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence; HeartBreakers, starring Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Gene Hackman and Ray Liotta; In Her Shoes, starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine; Parker starring Jennifer Lopez and Jason Statham; independent films such as Hitters Anonymous staring Linda Blair, Clint Howard and Steven Bauer; Boynton Beach Bereavement Club, starring Joseph Bologna, Dyan Cannon and Sally Kellerman; music videos Its 5 Five O’Clock Somewhere, staring Alan Jackson with Jimmy Buffett as well as Celine Dion’s A New Day Has Come.

Hillery hosts Channel 20’s Palm Beach International Film Festival show. She is the Executive Producer of Florida’s largest state-wide film competition and awards show. She is the creator of Project Action Education. Project Action is an educational program, which travels into the classrooms of Palm Beach County schools introducing students to the exciting industry of film & television. She also produced Film Florida’s 6th Annual Legends Awards Show.

In June 2014, Hillery was instated as the President of Film Florida, a not-for-profit association that provides a leadership role in Florida’s film and entertainment industry. Previously, Hillery served four terms as the first Vice President of Film Florida, the 2010-2011 Chair of Florida’s Film Commissioners Council for Film Florida and led the Marketing and Education Council for Film Florida. She sits as an advisor on several boards including the Film & Television Institute, Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Gardens Five Star Magnet Program.

Hillery has been honored with a gold “Addy Award” and “Best In Show” for the seven cluster commercials produced under an Office of Economic Sustainability contract for the industries of the mind. Under Hillery’s leadership, the PBC Film & Television Commission was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Florida Association for Career & Technical Educators. She has been recognized for her support and dedication in education by Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Gardens High School. Additionally, she is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County class of 2001.

Hillery is a graduate of Palm Beach State College. Michelle and her husband Sean, reside in Lake Worth. He is a Sergeant for the Palm Springs Police Department. They have two sons Kaden (11) and Cameron (8) and a golden retriever lab named Carly.

JUD FRENCH - 1ST VICE PRESIDENT FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS

Judson French, Jr. presently serves as the Director of Research & Innovation Initiatives for the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts, focused on international advanced digital and multi- platform media research. He is also Managing Director and founder of The Nexxt Group LLC, an international strategic innovation consultancy with offices in Florida and the DC Metropolitan Area. TNG serves the media & technology industries, and education, economic development and governmental organizations with venture facilitation, strategy and research. After founding his first corporation in high school, Jud has gone on to senior management and executive positions in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 technology and defense firms (Westinghouse, Northrop- Grumman and Harris Corporation) to creative media and broadcasting organizations, strategy and training consultancies, and nonprofit/educational organizations; always focused on the effective research, development, introduction and implementation of leading edge technologies for new applications and markets.

Mr. French received his bachelor’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University, where he lectured while pursuing further graduate business education. He serves on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations including Digital Media Alliance Florida (the State’s non-profit industry association for digital and interactive media, arts and entertainment), the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission, the Miami Media & Film Market and the Executive Board of Film Florida. He also serves as an adviser to the digital media educational programs for Valencia College, Orlando Tech and others.

KELLY PAIGE - 2ND VICE PRESIDENT LEVEL TALENT GROUP

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Kelly Paige started her journey into this industry at a very young age. Working at a small agency, she discovered her eye for talent, placing models around the world. Her extraordinary skills caught the attention of the owner of Elite Model Management, was then hired on as an International Scout. Paige then moved to New York City and began a new adventure in the Big Apple. During that time, Paige had the privilege of working with esteemed models such as Cindy Crawford, Naomi Cambell, and Linda Evangelista , to name a few. Going back to her roots, she founded the biggest talent agency in the state of Michigan.

Today, Level Talent Group has become one of the largest premier agencies in Florida, working with many successful directors from all over. Her agency is currently working on over 40 television series in the South East, including popular shows such as The Walking Dead and Homeland. This year, she booked major roles such as “Tigris” in the Hunger Games Franchise and “Felix” in Triple Nine, opposite Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor. She enjoys being the “go-to” agent when Steven Soderbergh comes to town.

Harnessing her high energy, Kelly worked vigorously for the talent agents of Florida and founded A.M.E.R.I. while also working with The Department of Business Professional Regulation helping pass Florida legislation benefiting the state’s talent agents.

Kelly Paige's uncanny ability to cultivate and market talent, helping them reach their highest potential, is precisely the reason she has become so successful. With strong determination, passion, and vision, she is excited to serve Film Florida.

JOHN LUX – TREASURER IDEAS

As Chief Operating Officer of IDEAS, John manages the day-to-day operations of the company. He is a category expert in studio production and is responsible for bringing advanced digital media technology to IDEAS. IDEAS was the first fully functional High Definition post production facility in Central Florida and John was largely responsible for creating this environment. Since that time, IDEAS has been involved in HD post production for cable, broadcast, feature films and thousands of hours of corporate projects including fifteen movies since 2005. He was recently responsible for the design and build of the post production audio mix studio at IDEAS, which was featured in Post Magazine and is considered one of the best mixing studios on the east coast.

In addition to his other responsibilities for IDEAS, John is a social media enthusiast and has been handling the IDEAS social media strategy since 2009 including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, and day to day management of the company website. In addition, he also the Treasurer for entertainment industry not-for-profit Film Florida while being the Chair of the Marketing Committee, including being responsible for social media strategy and execution of Film Florida's Facebook and Twitter pages. John has been largely self-taught in the social media world, spending thousands of hours going to seminars, participating in webinars, reading books and articles, learning by observing others, and executing the social media strategy for IDEAS. He has spoken on multiple panels about social media for business and was featured in an article about social media for the Orlando Business Journal.

John started in operations for the Walt Disney Company and helped IDEAS transition from Disney to an independent corporation and has been instrumental in the transformation and growth of the company. After graduating from Purdue University, John worked in the live entertainment industry managing a staff of 300+ for an outdoor music and entertainment venue in the Chicago area before moving to Florida to join Disney where he received Disney’s rare and highly respected Partners In Excellence award. His strong Chicago roots are reflected in his undying passion for college football, especially his alma mater, the Purdue Boilermakers and his home town teams, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, White Sox, Cubs and Northwestern University.

HERTA SUAREZ – SECRETARY SAG-AFTRA

Herta Suarez is the Executive Director of the Miami Local of SAG-AFTRA and the Broadcast Director of the New Orleans Local of SAG-AFTRA. Herta has a Masters’ Degree in Labor Relations and has dedicated her career to fighting for the rights of broadcast staff, actors, singers, dancers and other performers. She has negotiated many collective bargaining agreements with producers and broadcast stations establishing the standards of compensation and working conditions for performers and journalists who receive the protection and benefits of working under a Union contract.

Herta has spoken in front of committees and members of Congress, against the disparity of wages and working conditions between Spanish language performers and broadcast staff and those who perform the same type of work in English language. She actively participated in lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. for the Performance Rights’ Bill, which would generate payments to recording artists when their work airs on broadcast radio.

She is a past President of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Industrial Relations Research Association (IRRA), a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and several other industry and advocacy organizations.

Note: The Miami Local of SAG-AFTRA covers the states of Florida and Alabama and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. SAG-AFTRA is the result of the merger of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in 2012.

SHEENA FOWLER - AT LARGE BOARD MEMBER WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION - FLORIDA

As Director of Film & Digital Media Business Development and the Orlando Film Commissioner for the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, Sheena is charged with marketing the region as a premier content creation destination. She proactively works to attract companies and productions to the Orlando region in additional to supporting the existing infrastructure. Sheena is the immediate past president of Women in Film & Television – FL, the state chapter of the international organization charged with building positive images of media-makers (both women and men), empowering them to achieve their highest professional and creative potential, and helping create more job opportunities throughout the State of Florida (with a primary focus on Central Florida).

Prior to joining the EDC, Sheena worked in the public relations department of Orlando's Downtown Arts District where she was responsible for the organization, promotion and implementation of special events. She also previously worked as an associate/line producer for Orlando's WMFE Public Broadcasting Station. As associate producer, she helped produce several award-winning local television programs including This Week and The Arts Connection. Sheena started her career as a freelance production assistant and worked with such powerhouse companies as Go Film, Transition Productions, iNEXTv.com, CNN’s Captain Planet Foundation, HBO Boxing and Warner Brothers.

LEAH SOKOLOWSKY - IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT TEAMSTERS LOCAL 769 – LOCATION MANAGER/SCOUT

Being raised in Florida and having “come of age” during the heyday of Miami Vice, Leah Sokolowsky knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in Film and Television production. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, majoring in Radio-TV-Film.

Upon graduation, she made her way back to the sunny shores of South Florida, the place she loves more than anywhere else in the world, and began to carve out a career for herself as an entertainment production professional. Leah has worked as a Location Manager and Location Scout for the past 20 years. She has worked on countless film, television, commercial, video and still photography productions throughout the state of Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and various other locales.

Her employers have included Warner Bros., Disney, Universal, 20th Century Fox, United Artists, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, USA, A&E, Showtime and HBO and countless other independent production companies. She has had the honor to work on a number of high profile, and independent projects, including Miami Rhapsody, The Specialist, Donnie Brasco, The Insider, There’s Something About Mary, Any Given Sunday, All About the Benjamins, Maximum Bob, The Manchurian Candidate and Miami Vice; her latest projects are the Broward-based TV series The Glades and Graceland.

Leah is based in South Florida and is committed to the vision of creating an environment in the State of Florida where the entertainment production industries can not only succeed, but thrive! She currently serves as the Immediate Past President of Film Florida.

ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

The Association Council prides itself in bringing to Film Florida a group of industry professionals engaged in promoting and supporting the industry through their professional organizations. With members representing the AICP, DGA, FMPTA and other such associations, their years of knowledge and expertise are brought to bear on the everyday challenges faced by the industry. Their leadership helps make the organization thrive and prosper.

RICHARD SERES - CHAIR AICP-Florida

The Florida chapter of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers includes, among its membership, companies that specialize in commercial production, as well as reliable suppliers of state-of-the-art equipment and specialized production services. AICP Florida is the primary voice for the professional commercial production industry in the state.

Richard Seres, Film Florida Publishing Co, is the AICP Florida representative.

THOMAS P. MITCHELL - VICE CHAIR FMPTA

Forty-one years after directing/producing his first documentary, the co-founder of Eagle Star Enterprises, Inc., Thomas P. Mitchell, Sr. now writes, directs and produces commercial/ industrial, music videos, live action & animated shorts and is working on his first feature.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Navy (where he won awards for his photography) at the end of the Vietnam war, Tom found himself deeper in his love for photography and now computers. Learning the intricacies of the computer would prove to be extremely useful as the technology advanced in photography. Having owned a Florida studio, where he gained prominence in his field, and acquired a competitor’s studio, he left his mark before leaving Florida for Indiana. There he took the position of Studio Manager for a large group photography company. During his tenure, his skill and knowledge of the industry lead the sales to a growth factor of three hundred percent over two years.

Returning to Florida, he took a position of freelance photographer for a local newspaper. His award winning freelance work continued to grow and soon developed into video work, starting with his first wedding, then on to music videos and commercials... but just telling stories in pictures didn’t seem to be enough. He wanted to make films/videos.

Tom has written a dozen shorts and fifteen feature scripts, which he actively markets. In pre- production is his family holiday film, Happy Christmas, based on his award winning screenplay. Also in pre-production is the award winning script, Pina Colada.

As the President of Florida Motion Picture & Television Association, Inc., he has been the executive producer of the Crystal Reel Awards Gala & Exhibition celebrating the best film/video, television, audio and theater productions created in Florida.

EDUCATION COUNCIL

The Education Council is the latest membership category for Film Florida, making way for schools, colleges, educational programs and universities to become part of the organization.

The Education Council identifies issues, challenges, and trends and undertakes initiatives impacting the educational and training communities associated with the industries served by Film Florida. The Council provides input and recommendations to Film Florida for the purpose of expanding and strengthening Florida's entertainment production workforce.

LUCIA FISHBURNE – CHAIR FSU COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

Lucia Fishburne is a research associate and adjunct instructor in the FSU College of Communication and Information (CCI) and also serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Book Awards. Prior to her appointment at FSU in 2012, she served in the Executive Office of the Governor as Florida's State Film Commissioner where she was responsible for leading the state's efforts to build, expand and retain the film, TV and digital media entertainment industry sector. She continues to advocate for the Florida entertainment production industry and, as the CCI representative to the statewide trade association Film Florida, where she currently serves as the Chair of the Education Council.

Lucia earned a M.S. in Marketing Communication from Florida State University and completed PhD course work in Communication Research and Theory. She also achieved APR accreditation; a national accreditation in the public relations field.

Lucia has also toured as a professional singer/songwriter. Highlights of her creative accomplishments include an original composition featured in the Victor Nunez film, “Ruby in Paradise” (the top film at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival), and Composer/Performer/Producer credits for “Algebra TV,” winner of the Milia ’95 international multimedia conference in Cannes, France.

A Florida resident for most of her life, Lucia enjoys being a tourist in her own state whenever she can with special emphasis on enjoying Florida's unique natural assets, historical sites and creative talent.

DAVID JAFFE – VICE CHAIR LYNN UNIVERSITY

David Jaffe's professional career has a nearly equal balance between “on air” work in the radio, television and film industries and university teaching and research. He has held positions as a radio disc-jockey in various popular radio and classical music formats, reporter, political commentator, war correspondent, news director and radio and TV talk show host. His academic career includes faculty appointments at several universities and a 25-year tenure at the University of Oklahoma, where he is professor emeritus of journalism and mass communication. He joined Lynn University in September 2001 and is dean of the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn College of International Communication.

Although Jaffe's background gives him the perspective of a mass media and broadcasting “generalist,” his professional and research focus is the adoption and impact of emerging technologies on the mass media. He helped establish the first cable television origination station in the U.S. in 1967 and in Israel in 1980. Between those years he served as a cable television franchise consultant to numerous cities and municipalities. In 1985, he received a grant from the federal government to conduct research on a telephone-based broadcast delivery system that paved the way for Internet radio and television streaming. From 1997 to 2001, Jaffe worked in Israel's high tech industry as a consultant to publishing companies developing audio and video streaming services. He built the first Internet radio station that produced original news programming and assisted in establishing the first Internet radio station operated by a daily newspaper (The Jerusalem Post). He is also a veteran World Wide Web designer and served as webmaster for several international mass media companies.

RALPH CLEMENTE – SECRETARY VALENCIA COLLEGE

While serving as a lecturer and filmmaker-in-residence at the University of Miami, the Miami Herald praised Ralph R. Clemente as the “Filmmaker to Watch.” In 2008, Clemente was honored as a “Film Florida Legend.”

In his twenty-six years as the director of the Valencia College Film Program, Clemente has catapulted it into national prominence with a visionary approach. Steven Spielberg hailed the program as one of the finest in the country on the Today Show. Clemente’s approach has been to partner with industry in the production of 47 feature films. This allows his students to work side by side with professional filmmakers.

With his unique abilities to draw highly acclaimed production professionals to Valencia’s projects, he has provided his students with an incomparable learning experience. The Valencia program has worked with Robert Wise, George Romero, Reza Badiyi, Jonathan Krane, Julie Harris, Ruby Dee, Sally Kellerman, Joe DiMaggio, Ed Begley, Jr., Tyne Daly, Mickey Rooney, Talia Shire, Kat Dennings, Rupert Friend and Peter Spirer among many others.

FILM COMMISSION COUNCIL

Florida Film Commissions promote and market their individual counties as a center of excellence for film, video, television, new media and still photography production by providing full film liaison services that support and expedite production within their county.

Florida Film Commissions contribute to employment opportunities in the industry by encouraging the development of new media and the expansion of existing industry infrastructure thus creating an atmosphere for positive growth and retention of the state's film/television/entertainment industry.

DALE GORDON – CHAIR TAMPA HILLSBOROUGH FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA COMMISSION

Dale Gordon is the Executive Director of the Tampa Hillsborough Film & Digital Media Commission. As the “Film Commissioner”, Dale is charged with marketing the Tampa Bay area as a premier destination for film and digital media production. Prior to joining the THFDMC, Dale served as the Director of Film and Digital Media Development for the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission from 2001 through 2009, and as Vice President of Women in Film and Television Florida from 2008 to 2009. She is a 1999 graduate of the University of South Florida and has been a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Tampa, Full Sail University and the University of Central Florida.

JEANNE CORCORAN - VICE CHAIR SARASOTA COUNTY FILM & ENTERTAINMENT OFFICE

Jeanne has been a full-time professional film commissioner for 17 years, first spending a decade with the State of Nevada film office headquartered in Las Vegas from 1997 until being recruited into her current position as the director of the Sarasota County film office, which she established in 2007. In her film commission career, she has worked with approximately ten thousand projects of all kinds from feature films (Ocean’s 11, 12, 13; Miss Congeniality 2, Transformers, Lethal Weapon 4, The Mexican, Rocky Balboa/Rocky 6, Dodgeball, Rat Race, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, 3000 Miles to Graceland, Pay It Forward, Get Carter, Rush Hour 2, Intolerable Cruelty, Looney Tunes, Into the Wild, Parker, and many, many other movies), to television series and specials, all genres of media programs, music videos, entertainment specials, commercials, documentaries, and much more.

Prior to becoming a film commissioner, Jeanne was an award-winning writer/producer and creative director in the private sector, specializing in television content as well as indie films, and created more than 300 projects “concept to completion” in that capacity. She was also the owner of a multimedia children’s entertainment company, Storygenie Enterprises, which created “Tales from the Storygenie” that aired on 48 television stations across the United States, published original music and books, and provided edutainment in live performances as well. It continues as “mobile media” in bite sized mobisodes overseas through “Fun Little Movies” out of California.

Jeanne has been a member of Film Florida for more than seven years, serving in various capacities including her present support role as Vice Chair of the Film Commissioners Council. She serves on the board of directors of the Association of Film Commissioners International, was a founding board member for the Las Vegas Chapter of Women in Film & Television, and numerous other charitable and civic organizations, including the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Leadership Council. In her “spare time,” Jeanne writes novels under pseudonyms in several genres, including sleuth/mystery and young adult.

BONNIE KING – SECRETARY SPACE COAST FILM & TELEVISION COMMISSION

Bonnie King is the Film Commissioner for the Space Coast Film and Television Office, a committee of the Brevard County Tourist Development Council. Her responsibilities include developing ﬁlm, television and print opportunities for the Space Coast. This includes feature ﬁlms, television shows, commercials and fashion photography. She works closely with the local chapters of the Women in Film. She is Past President of the Florida Film Commissioners Associations now known as Film Florida.

Bonnie started her career as a radio broadcaster then worked as a marketing director for a regional mall for ten years before joining the Space Coast Office of Tourism where she assists the director of the Office of Tourism in public relations activities and special projects for the Tourism Development Council.

DEBBIE MEIHLS - 1st ALTERNATE BRADENTON AREA FILM COMMISSION

JERRY JONES - 2nd ALTERNATE CHARLOTTE HARBOR FLORIDA FILM OFFICE

INDUSTRY COUNCIL

The goal of the industry council is to add the strength of industry professionals to an organization that is at the forefront of efforts to market Florida on a national and international level. Film Florida is an organization with the contacts to lobby state officials to increase awareness of our industry and to build incentives that allow for the growth of our industry’s infrastructure within the state. This also provides a platform to make the state government aware of the strength and potential of the film, video & entertainment industry in Florida.

Members of the Industry Council can take advantage of efforts to actively promote the state and individual production communities through Film Florida events and tradeshows across the nation. Film Florida membership assures industry professionals the opportunity to have our voices heard throughout Florida and through the Los Angeles liaison office, throughout the production community in California.

DAWSON PEDEN – CHAIR CINEVERSE

Dawson Peden is a resourceful and creative Entrepreneur, Rental Manager, Producer, Production Manager and Media Director. He is a versatile, creative and skilled professional with leadership qualities and excellent hands-on experience in business. Dawson is an assertive manager with outstanding interpersonal communications and negotiation management skills of people.

Dawson has managed and overseen a diverse array of businesses, the most recent of which is CINEVERSE, a motion picture rental division of VER where he currently serves as Rental Manager of the Miami office. Cinevideotech, Inc. (2002-2013) Director of Operations, of this pioneering motion picture full service rental company, Petroglyph Entertainment, LLC. (2004-2013) Executive Producer for this Florida production company. Previously he served in upper management roles at the following companies: Titanium Creative, LLC (2000-2003) Partner/Executive Producer/Director a Production and Talent Management Company. PremaNations, Inc. (1996-2009 board member) Vice President for this children’s entertainment company located in Florida and California.

Dawson’s 20 plus year career credits include feature films, television, commercials and music videos. He takes on projects that have meaning and strength. He is outgoing and very passionate and persistent with projects and building his team; he is a true team player always supporting his colleagues. Personal Achievements: Key to the City of Pompano Beach, FL, Generous Contribution Award from the Pompano Beach Fire Department and an Award Presenter for the Brazilian Film Festival of Miami.

Dawson acquired a comprehensive education in film, video, audio, theater and business, receiving an Associate’s Degree from Full Sail University and an Associate in Arts Degree with honors from Tallahassee Community College. He also received additional Business education from Miami Dade Community College.

JAMES STAMATIS - VICE CHAIR TELEMUNDO

Emmy Award-winning executive, James Stamatis, has worked at the forefront of the television industry for over 30 years. His extensive experience includes all facets of studio operation and design, production, post-production, local and international satellite and cable technology, as well as business negotiations with vendors and equity partners.

Mr. Stamatis is currently the Vice President Studio and Production Operations for Telemundo Television Studios- NBCU, based in Miami, Florida, where he manages over 300 creative and technical professionals against a multi-million dollar operations and capital budget. He is responsible for the daily operations of Telemundo’s multiple facilities, production operations, technical operations and facility operations, along with its international operations in Colombia and Mexico. Stamatis also owns an independent television consulting firm, Digital Electronic Solutions, (DES), where he advises an impressive roster of clients worldwide, including the Home Shopping network, USA Interactive, Sky Latin America, Stocktalk.com, Abekas-UK, Voss & Partners-Germany and Grass Valley Group-UK & Germany.

Mr. Stamatis is recognized in the television industry for his ability to: design and implement innovative business strategies that evolve with client and company needs; develop top-caliber personnel at every level of an organization and achieve production success; meet or surpass all profit, revenue and production goals in a fiercely competitive market. James Stamatis holds degrees in both business and computer science and is on the board of Film Florida and Represents Commissioner Bovo on the Film and Entertainment Advisory Board.

LABOR COUNCIL

The goal of the Labor Council is to be the voice of the professional entertainment industry workforce, build and foster positive relationships with the Entertainment Community at large, promote the Film and Entertainment Industry in the State of Florida, and enhance the image of Florida’s entertainment industry worldwide.

HERTA SUAREZ SAG-AFTRA

LEAH SOKOLOWSKY TEAMSTERS LOCAL 769 – LOCATION MANAGER/SCOUT

Upon graduation, she made her way back to South Florida, the place she loves more than anywhere else in the world, and began to carve out a career as an entertainment production professional. Leah has worked as a Location Manager and Location Scout for the past 20 years. She has worked on countless film, television, commercial, video and still photography productions throughout the state of Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and various other locales.

Leah is based in South Florida and is committed to the vision of creating an environment in the State of Florida where the entertainment production industries can not only succeed but thrive! She currently serves as the Immediate Past President of Film Florida.