Okaloosa County BOCC — July 30, 2015 — II. i. Toronto Film Festival

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: July 30, 2015 TO: Tourist Development Council FROM: Ed Schroeder, Tourist Development Department Director Gail Morgan, Film Commission Liaison SUBJECT: Toronto Film Festival STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Advising the TDC of the Film Commission Liaison’s request to attend the Toronto Film Festival. 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. This item was presented to the Board for approval at its July 21 meeting. OPTIONS: N/A. RECOMMENDATION TO BCC: N/A; for informational purposes only.