Film Florida has announced a partnership with Stage 32, an online education platform for film and television professionals, to launch a statewide training initiative for below-the-line workers. The program will be available to Film Florida members as well as non-members, including film commissions and industry professionals throughout the state.
The initiative begins in October 2025 with Film Tampa Bay and is designed to support new local cash rebates and grants that aim to attract more productions to the region. The curriculum combines online courses from Stage 32 with in-person workshops led by experienced industry figures such as Emmy-nominated post-production producer Brad Carpenter, post-production supervisor Leslie Coverse, Paramount Studios’ Shalonda Ware, DGA assistant director Korey Pollard, and location manager Miranda Carnessal.
Training modules will cover key roles including line producing, location management, post-production supervision, production accounting, assistant directing, production assistance, production coordination, and script supervising. The effort is part of Film Florida’s broader goals of workforce development and promoting the state as a year-round destination for film and television projects.
Florida currently offers various incentives for productions. Counties such as Broward (Fort Lauderdale), Palm Beach, Pinellas (St. Pete/Clearwater), Hillsborough (Tampa), along with the city of Jacksonville provide local incentives that complement the state’s entertainment industry sales tax exemption. Collectively these programs offer over $30 million in incentives with some areas capping individual project awards at $2 million.
The Tampa Bay program will also include Master Certification for Production Assistants in on-set protocols and paperwork. Graduates will be listed in Stage 32’s Certification Portal for access to job opportunities across Florida and beyond. High-performing graduates are guaranteed work on professional projects that qualify them for IMDb credit.
John Lux, Executive Director of Film Florida stated: “Film Florida is thrilled to partner with Stage 32 to bring world-class training to our members and elevate Florida’s film industry. By providing access to Stage 32’s certification program, we’re empowering our film commissions and organizations to build a robust, skilled workforce, starting with this exciting program in Tampa Bay.”
Amanda Toney, Managing Director of Stage 32 added: “Stage 32 is honored to collaborate with Film Florida to strengthen Florida’s production ecosystem. After successfully training talent for over 50 film commissions worldwide, including an impactful program with St. Pete/Clearwater, we’re excited to launch this initiative in Tampa Bay and expand opportunities for below-the-line professionals across the state with Film Florida.”
Tyler Martinolich from Film Tampa Bay commented: “Film Tampa Bay is proud to partner with Stage 32 to cultivate local talent and elevate our region as a premier filming destination. This program not only equips aspiring professionals with essential skills but also strengthens our creative economy.”
The partnership marks Film Tampa Bay as the 51st commission globally within Stage 32’s network—joining other U.S. locations like Pennsylvania and Texas alongside international partners such as Costa Rica and Poland.
For more information about discounts available through this initiative or details about each organization involved:
– Visit www.stage32.com for details about Stage 32.
– Learn more about Film Florida at FilmFlorida.org.
Media contact:
John Lux
Executive Director
Film Florida
jlux@filmflorida.org
407-494-6195
