Okaloosa County BOCC — December 16, 2014 — Action Item Printout

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: December 16, 2014 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Ed Schroeder SUBJECT: Destin To Fish TV Show - First Season Production DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval for Chairman to sign an agreement with Realin’ Scripts Charters, LLC in the amount of $73,800 to fund a portion of production of the first season of “Destin to Fish”. BACKGROUND: The TDC and BCC previously approved $6,200 to fund a portion of production of a pilot for a local fishing show. The premise of the show is to bring different families to the area to showcase fishing opportunities in the area as well as featuring local shops, restaurants, and attractions. TDC and BCC were apprised that if the show was picked up by The Sportsman Channel or a network of equivalent value, the estimated County contribution would be $73,800 for the rest of the first season (12 episodes, with multiple airings per month). The show “Destin to Fish” has been picked up by The Sportsman Channel and will begin airing in January 2015. The pilot was authorized under a task order to the County’s advertising agency. However, given the dollar amount and to protect the County’s interests, it is more appropriate for the County to contract directly with Realin’ Scripts Charters, LLC. The TDD requests $73,800 to fund a portion of October and November 2014 production/footage and subsequent post-production/editing activities for the 12 additional episodes for the first season, with the objective of increasing visitation and lodging facility occupancy within the taxing district. Funding would be disbursed based on production activities: Completion of Production/Footage - $50,000 Completion of Post-Production/Editing - $16,420 Receipt of Completed 12 First-Season Episodes - $7,380 Funding is available in 5th penny reserves, which is dedicated to tourism promotion. There is currently $2.18M in promotional reserves in the 5th penny, which exceeds the required reserve policy amount of $831K. The TDC recommended approval of an agreement with Realin’ Scripts Charters, LLC and funding from reserves at its November 20, 2014 meeting. OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove RECOMMENDATION: Approve agreement with Realin’ Scripts Charters, LLC and a budget amendment from 5th penny promotional reserves (1151-599146) in the amount of $73,800 (1151- 548049) to fund a portion of production of the first season of “Destin to Fish”, and authorize Chairman to sign the agreement. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator