Film Florida members from around the state recently attended NATPE 2018 (National Association of Television Production Executives) in Miami Beach, FL January 15-18, 2018. Celebrating 50+ years of service to the ever-evolving global television industry, NATPE inspires the growth and success of content development, creation, production, financing and distribution across all platforms through interdependent marketplaces where industry powers gather to offer insight and make deals. NATPE is the largest U.S. based global content association and a leader in developing international markets and conferences for the entire spectrum of the dynamic content business and Film Florida was ever-present throughout the week.
The week began with a Welcome Reception hosted by Film Florida member the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Film Florida was proud to co-sponsor the networking opportunity, along with the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment, the City of Miami Beach, CAMACOL and others. The reception was attended by close to 500 production representatives from around the World.
The conference officially kicked off on Tuesday January 16, including the opening of the exhibit halls and various panel discussions including an informative discussion on local incentives in the South Florida area. The panel was moderated by Bruce Orosz, Chairman of the GMCVB and President & CEO ACT Productions, Inc. The panelists included Film Florida members Sandy Lighterman from the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment and Eva Silverstein from the City of Miami Beach.
Tuesday evenings Opening Night Reception dazzled more than 2,500 people with a live concert performance by Puerto Rican Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning Merengue singer Elvis Crespo. The Reception was presented by Film Florida member Olympusat, celebrating their 20th anniversary as well as the launch of two new channels in their stable of worldwide networks and channels. The week concluded on Thursday with a featured panel that included eight high level executives from the Olympusat team talking about the successful growth the Palm Beach County, FL company has seen in recent years.
NATPE includes buyers, exhibitors and attendees. NATPE is where you find fresh ideas from international and domestic producers in a changing industry. The conference gives access to international and domestic buyers and distributors who are looking to buy. Finally, worldwide companies, brands and names attended to share content and Film Florida took advantage of the diverse audience to highlight all that Florida has to offer.
We want to thank those that participated in the conference through Film Florida. Our sales missions are vital to our overall sales and marketing messages as there is no substitute to having face to face conversations with producers, studio executives and other potential decision makers. We encourage our members to take advantage of upcoming opportunities including SXSW in March and Tribeca in April to help continue spreading the message that Florida is open for business and remains interested in recruiting film, television and digital media projects to our state. CLICK HERE for additional pictures from NATPE.