Okaloosa County BOCC — July 21, 2015 — Toronto Film Festival — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: July 21, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Ed Schroeder SUBJECT: Toronto Film Festival DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: 2,4,5 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval for Film Commission Liaison to attend the Toronto Film Festival, September 9 - 21, 2015. BACKGROUND: The Toronto International Film Festival has grown and developed into a major festival for Hollywood awards films, independent film and international productions, as well as established a strong film market tie-in with many international buyers and sellers. Film Florida has participated in this festival and market the past two years and has deemed it one of the best opportunities for our industry clients and also as a valued tourism feeder market. By participating with Film Florida (as we do for Tribeca in NY and Produced By in LA), we have the opportunity to market and promote Okaloosa County and sponsor events with high profile clientele to not only a national clientele but also an international clientele, including producers that sill have interest in producing in Florida even without current incentive funding. The Toronto Film Festival Florida takes place September 10 - 20, 2015 in Toronto, Canada. The estimated cost of attendance for the Film Commission Liaison is $7,053 in accordance with the Florida Statute guidelines for foreign travel. Budget funds are available. Florida Statutes and the TDD Manual require Board approval for foreign travel. OPTIONS: Approve or Deny. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Film Commission Liaison to attend the Toronto Film Festival, September 9 - 21, 2015. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator