Bob Allen, Former Disney Executive and Master Storyteller, has been named the 2025 Film Florida Tourism Ambassador. The award, presented by entertainment production association Film Florida, honors those in the entertainment industry that are true ambassadors for Florida. Bob Allen was honored during the 2025 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Championsgate, FL and presented the award by Film Florida Executive Director, John Lux.
“In the 1980s and 90s, Florida was the #3 film and television production destination in America. Central Florida had a lot to do with that, and Bob Allen was instrumental in that success,” Film Florida President Sandy Lighterman said. “For more than 15 years, Bob was truly the convergence of tourism and film and television production in Central Florida as he was responsible for the production and post production facilities at the Disney-MGM Studios that worked on thousands of projects. Bob was responsible for thousands of jobs in Central Florida. Whether it was attraction workers on those backlot tours showing off production studios, or whether it was someone like me who worked on the projects on the sound stages and post production studios.”
After graduating from the University of Colorado in 1976, Bob Allen accepted a position with Disneyland’s live entertainment division. Between 1976 and 1982 Bob held a variety of positions in the parks Entertainment Division, before developing and producing numerous film, tape, and multi-media programs for Tokyo Disneyland then working as an Imagineer on several attractions that would become part of EPCOT. When EPCOT opened in 1982, Bob relocated to Orlando. With the 1985 announcement of the Disney-MGM Studios project, Bob became the Florida anchor for the production focus of the operation. In 1987, he was promoted to Director of Film and Tape Production, overseeing the operation of the Disney-MGM Studios facilities and production groups. In 1991 he became Vice President of Disney Production Services Inc. where he was responsible for all facilities and services at the Disney-MGM Studios as well as the operation of Disney IDEAS a full-service content studio.
“Florida has always benefited from the convergence of screened entertainment production and tourism,” Bob Allen said. “They are mutual market amplifiers, and both industries are enhanced by the deeply beneficial partnership with statewide tourism and economic development organizations Film Florida has established. I am fortunate to have been part of it and grateful for the recognition of my peers.”
In 2015 Film Florida teamed up with VISIT FLORIDA to honor someone each year that has contributed to both the tourism industry as well as the film and television production industry. Recent recipients of the award include Burt Reynolds, Sharon Gless, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Vanilla Ice and Burt Wolf.
About Film Florida: Film Florida is the chief marketing and advocating organization for Florida’s for TV, Film, and Digital Media Industry. The mission is to unite, inspire and innovate to build a more robust and retentive industry in Florida. Film Florida represents all aspects of the screen industry including film commissions, industry, labor, associations and education. The growing membership driven organization provides a network, a platform, and the benefits of playing an active part in solidifying Florida’s position as a major entertainment production destination, positive economic development driver and tourism generator. For more information about Film Florida visit FilmFlorida.org.