Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 900
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
pbfilm.com | 561.233.1000
This newsletter is published
in collaboration with:
In This Issue
Burt Reynolds Kicks Off A
Season of Plays!
Famous Resort Hosts Golf
Event
Submit Your Script!
FPL Says: It’s About The Kids
French Cinema Comes to
Boca
New Film Gives Turtles A
Voice
Location Spotlight: Lion
Country Safari
Education Corner: PBCC To
Hold Multicultural Film Festi-
val
November 2009
FAMOUS RESORT HOSTS GOLF EVENT
NBC will devote four hours of cover-
age to the ADT Golf Skills Chal-
lenge, a golf competition featuring
PGA Tour pros trying to make unique
shots. The segment will air on NBC
Sports on December 26 and 27, and was held last month at the
Breakers Resort in Palm Beach in front of a private gallery. This
year's event features a roster of professional golfers in a team for-
mat. Over the years, the ADT Golf Skills Challenge has featured
the biggest names in golf, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nick-
laus and Greg Norman.
“The Breakers is very honored to partici-
pate in this year's ADT Skills Challenge at
our oceanfront resort. We value our rela-
tionships with both ADT and NBC and are
excited to have an event of this caliber in
Palm Beach County," said David Burke, VP
sales and marketing at The Breakers. The Breakers
ENVIRONMENTAL COMEDY WRAPS!
The feature film TURKLES has wrapped
after 41 production days in Palm Beach
County (PBC)! “It is both amazing and
humbling to realize that almost fifty actors
and fifty crew members, all working on
deferments, came together to make this
movie a reality,” said writer/director
Frank Eberling. Over ninety percent of the film was shot in
northern PBC at places such as John D. MacArthur State Park,
Juno Beach Park & Pier and The Burt Reynolds Institute for
Film and Theatre (BRIFT).
Palm Beach Community College provided the development
incentive, equipment, and student interns. Some of the actors in the
film came from Burt Reynolds’ Master Acting Classes at
BRIFT. According to Eberling, Turkles also had encouragement and
cooperation from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Eberling
hopes to premiere the film at the 2010 Palm Beach Interna-
tional Film Festival. For more info visit frankeberling.com.
Actors on the set of Turkles
BURT REYNOLDS KICKS OFF A SEASON OF PLAYS!
Burt Reynolds has been in show business for over 50 years, been in over 100 films
and starred in five TV series. He has enjoyed enormous success as an actor and direc-
tor in feature films, television and stage productions. He has also managed to devote
time and energy to teaching aspiring talent about the craft of acting for the camera
through his newly formed Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre
(BRIFT), and his next role will be to star in a one man show!
"The play is Barrymore by William Luce. We did two of his plays at the Burt Reynolds
Dinner Theatre. I love this particular show and it is really a challenge for me as an actor, as it is a one per-
son play. It is about an iconic actor who was my age and with whom I identify with on many levels. We
will have previews in early December," said Reynolds. Other plays that will take place throughout BRIFT‟s
season include Gin Game and Burt’s Briefs, which will be a collection of shorts directed by Reynolds. "Our
new executive director, Ken Kay, is working on the inaugural season of plays, which will be performed by
our newly formed actors group, „The Under the Bridge Players‟ named by Mr. Reynolds. We are excited
to offer performances in our 50 seat space at BRIFT," said Suzanne Niedland, Chair, Burt Reynolds
Museum and Institute. Reynolds is also on the cover of PBG Lifestyle Magazine this month! The article
focuses on BRIFT and their plans to produce films and plays in Palm Beach
County. The Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum, currently serves as home
for BRIFT and both are non-profit organizations. For more info visit brift.org.
PBC AGENCY WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
The Palm Beach County Economic De-
velopment Office (EDO) has been selected
as a winner for the 2009 International Eco-
nomic Development Council Excellence
in Economic Development Awards! EDO
won the award for its 21st Century Palm Beach
County (PBC) Strategic Economic Develop-
ment Plan. In 2005, the Economic Summit in PBC recognized the
film and TV industry as of one the seven cluster industries that
will help the County compete in the global marketplace.
Seven PSA‟s were created as part of the Strategic Plan in order to
give insight into the many options for young people, who are
planning to enter the local workforce. The PSA‟s
can be seen by visiting industriesofthemind.net.
Kevin Johns, who heads up EDO, is leaving PBC
soon for a new position in Texas. Good luck!
NEW CENTER FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHY
Still photography shoots make up a
large portion of production in Palm
Beach County. The County has hosted
shoots for companies such as Ralph
Lauren and for magazines such as
Modern Bride, Shape and Self.
For those who like to experience the magic of photography, a
brand new 26,000 square foot facility was built in downtown
West Palm Beach! The new Palm Beach Photographic
Centre located at 415 Clematis Street will have its grand open-
ing on November 13. The Centre will offer classes and work-
shops for all skill levels and interests. For info visit workshop.org.
FRENCH CINEMA COMES TO BOCA
France Cinema Florida is giving local
film enthusiasts an opportunity to view
quality French cinema. The festival is cele-
brating its 2nd annual event in Boca Raton from November 13-15,
2009 at Sunrise Cinemas in Mizner Park. During the event,
audiences will be able to view this year‟s top French hits with Eng-
lish subtitles and will be able to meet French filmmakers.
“I am truly glad to bring the French Film Festival back to Boca
Raton. The response from last year‟s audience was overwhelmingly
positive and this year we expect an even greater turnout. It gives
me great satisfaction to add to Boca‟s cultural scene,” said Patrick
Gimenez, Festival Founder. For info visit francecinemafloride.com.
SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT!
G-Star Studios in Palm Springs is now
accepting script submissions for its next
feature film! The scripts can be in any
genre but must be family-oriented. The film will be shot at G-Star
Studios and on-location in PBC. Dean Lyon (Lord of the Rings) is
already attached to the project as the producer, editor and special
effects supervisor. Barry Bostwick and Ron Palillo who starred
in It's a Dog Gone Tale: Destiny's Stand, will also appear in the
film. The script must be submitted by email at [email protected]
and please include the treatment at the beginning of the email. For
more information visit gstarstudios.com.
G-Star also held their X-Scream Halloween
event, which was featured on the Travel Channel
for the second year in a row, as one of the scariest
haunted houses. X-Scream has attracted over
10,000 people! For more info call 561.386.6275.
Kevin Johns
HOST GETS HOOKED INTO 26TH SEASON
Mark Sosin’s Saltwater Journal,
America‟s first and longest running
television show on marine gamefishing
is about to enter into its 26th season!
“We feel we are doing some of our best work right now. Most of
our shooting is taking place in Palm Beach County because of the
ambiance and atmosphere the County offers, as well as the fishing
opportunities,” said Mark Sosin, Host of Mark Sosin’s Saltwater
Journal. Sosin also recently finished writing his 30th book, Mark
Sosin – A Sportsman’s Memoir, which gives the reader an inside
look at Hall of Famer Sosin‟s five decade career as a journalist and
educator. The book is filled with 350 anecdotes and stories from
Sosin‟s life.
Mark Sosin’s Saltwater Journal airs every
week on Fox's Sun Sports, MyOut-
doorTV.com on the Internet, and is
donated to the Armed Forces Tele-
vision Network. For more informa-
tion please visit marksosin.com. Mark Sosin
FPL SAYS: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!
The teen production unit at the Northwood
Youth Empowerment Center (NYEC) in
West Palm Beach has seen the light -- the light
of optical fiber! Recently, these enterprising
young filmmakers had the opportunity to create and shoot a 30-
second spot for FiberNet, FPL‟s optical fiber division. "We love the
instant energy and 'can-do' attitude of these young producers," re-
ported Mark Wyllie, Executive Director of the Internet Coast
who commissioned the launch project for a major online broadcast.
Smallbiz Video Network brought in NYEC to help with FPL Fiber-
Net from inception to completion, following the successful collabo-
ration with the young producers on an online career curriculum for
Broward College and Junior Achievement.
"We are so proud of our kids, rising to the
occasion like true professionals, learning on
the job and building a great team," said
Dwayne Taylor, NYEC‟s leader. To view
the spot, visit smallbizvideonetwork.com.
For info about NYEC, visit nyectv.com. NYEC Teen Production Unit
at work for FiberNet
LOCALS PROMOTE FILM AWARENESS
Two South Florida foreign language film pro-
grams, Café Cinematheque International
and Senses of Cinema will be featured at
the Movies of Delray on a monthly basis! Café
Cinematheque Sundays and Senses of Cinema Tuesdays will pre-
sent films in their original languages with English subtitles.
The programs are hosted by Shelly Isaacs, who is also starting an
international film series at the Boca Museum of Art,
and is planning on hosting a Café Cinematheque
Film Cruise in association with Scott Grody Travel
of Delray Beach. For film program info call
561.347.8509, and for cruise info call 561.702.5533.
PBCC TO HOLD MULTICULTURAL FILM FESTIVAL
As part of Palm Beach Community College’s (PBCC) ongoing diversity initiatives, the college will
have, for the first time, a Multicultural Film Festival from November 12th-14th, 2009. During the
three-day event, hosted by the District Diversity Committee, films will be shown on each PBCC campus.
The film screenings are free and open to the public. General admission tickets will be available 30 min-
utes prior to each screening and seats are limited. The festival kicks off on Thursday, November 12 th at 7:00 pm at the Lake Worth
campus. Leslie Gray Streeter from the Palm Beach Post will moderate a panel discussion following the screening of Pray the Devil
Back to Hell presented by the United Nations Development Fund for Women. Also on Thursday, November 12 th at 7:00 pm at the
Belle Glade campus, the film Crash directed by Paul Haggis, winner of the 2005 Best Picture Academy Award, will be shown. A panel
discussion will be held following the screening.
On Friday, November 13th at 6:00 pm at the Lake Worth campus, Immokalee U.S.A. a documentary about mi-
grant farm workers will be shown. PBCC Associate Professor Steve Brahlek will lead a discussion with the film-
maker Georg Koszulinski, following the screening of the movie. On Saturday, November 14th at 4:30 pm at the
Palm Beach Gardens Campus, Salaam Bombay, a film by director Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding; The Name-
sake and the soon-to-be released Amelia, starring Hilary Swank) will be screened. Salaam Bombay is a gritty
drama about a young street beggar in the slums of Bombay trying to raise enough money to return to his
mother‟s house in the country. For more information please visit pbcc.edu/diversity.xml.
NEW FILM GIVES TURTLES A VOICE
Taking one of the most extraordinary journeys
in the natural world, is the loggerhead turtle.
Turtle: The Incredible Journey is the new
documentary from UK production company, Big
Wave Productions, that puts the spotlight on
turtles. The film shot in PBC in 2007, and has gone on to much suc-
cess. It has been released throughout Europe, and is now premier-
ing at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival. The screening
will be held at Cinema Paradiso on November 10th at 7:30pm.
“The response so far has been beyond all expectations. Following
the success of Penguins and Earth, all eyes are now turning to Tur-
tles,” said Director Nick Stringer. For more info visit fliff.com.
LOCAL SCHOOL MAKES A CAMEO
In an effort to highlight education in Palm
Beach County (PBC) schools, Discovery
Education recently shot a 30-second com-
mercial at Waters Edge Elementary
School in Boca Raton that will air locally on the Comcast Cable
System. “Discovery Education was thrilled with the results of our
recent day of filming at Waters Edge Elementary. PBC provided us
with the support we needed to accomplish our goal of obtaining
footage that highlights the impressive work the school district is
doing to prepare PBC students for the future,” said Eren Koont,
Director of Marketing, Discovery Education.
The piece will combine footage of Superintendent Dr. Johnson
and classroom interaction to demonstrate PBC‟s commitment to
educating 21st Century learners. “Having Discovery come here to
recognize our teachers and students nationally for their aggressive
use of these technology tools helps us further moti-
vate students to learn to their potential. That‟s the
biggest payoff for us,” said Nat Harrington, PBC
School District PIO. For more info call 561.233.1000.
PBIFF CHAIR IS HONORED WITH AWARD
Yvonne S. Boice, is being honored by the As-
sociation of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Palm
Beach County chapter, with the Outstanding
Philanthropist of the Year Award! The cere-
mony will be given on National Philanthropy Day,
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at the Kravis
Center for the Performing Arts. Each year AFP
honors individuals and groups who, through their
hard work and dedication, have enhanced philan-
thropy, their communities and the world.
“This is a tremendous honor and I am delighted to have been
chosen to receive this award,” said Boice. “To be recognized for
the community activities that are so close to my heart is truly a
rewarding experience; one I will treasure forever.” A few of the
non-profits Boice supports include The Palm Beach International
Film Festival, National Endowment for the Humanities, Palm
Beach Community College Foundation
Board and the World Trade Center.
For more info call 561.233.1000.
Yvonne S. Boice
Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission
Film Commissioner, Chuck Elderd
Director of Ops. and Programs, Michelle Hillery
Production Manager, Jill Margolius
Production Coordinator, TBD
Office Coordinator, Christine Tieche
Location Coordinator, TBD
Administrative Assistant, TBD
Education Consultant, Colleen Bearden
PBC Board of County Commissioners
Chair, John F. Koons
Vice-Chair, Burt Aaronson
Karen T. Marcus
Shelley Vana
Jess R. Santamaria
Steven Abrams
Priscilla Taylor
Editor: Jill Margolius Contributors: Christine Tieche, Colleen Bearden | To be included in the newsletter, please call 561.233.1000.
Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 900
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
LOCATION SPOTLIGHT: LION COUNTRY SAFARI
Looking for a wild adventure for your upcoming shoot, try Lion Coun-
try Safari located in Loxahatchee. Lion Country is Florida‟s only drive-
through safari and walk-through amusement park with over 900 animals.
The drive-through safari offers seven sections each with their own unique
look and animal encounter. Grasslands, African wilderness, dry plateau,
wildlife areas, the Serengeti Plains and the Hwange National Park have
been recreated and can be utilized for film, television and still photogra-
phy shoots. Some of the animals looking to star in your next production
are lions, giraffes, llamas, zebras, rhinos, impalas, water buffalos, blackbucks, elephants, ostriches, wildebeest and chimpanzees.
The walk-through amusement park features seven rides, and several animal displays and encounters. Productions can have their talent
get up close and personal with Lory birds, giraffes and Koi, as those animals love to be feed. In addition you can take a ride on the Fer-
ris Wheel and get a bird‟s eye view of the amusement park, or hop on the carousel to take a leisurely spin. There is also a m iniature
golf area, petting zoo and hedge maze to create the perfect look for your upcoming shoot. If you‟re looking for some water action, Lion
Country Safari has their Safari Splash Water Playground with 23 interactive water options that productions can splash around in. Or
you can take a paddle boat ride around the spider monkey, squirrel monkey and sarus crane habitats.
Lion Country Safari‟s KOA campground is so close you can hear the
lions roar. It features 4 rustic cabins, tent sites, full hook up sites, a
“primitive area” for group camping and a heated pool.
Productions that have taken advantage of all Lion Country Safari has to
offer are SHAPE Magazine, Boston Proper and Monster Quest. Lion
Country Safari is also offering VIP Tours to the public that include
behind the scenes encounters. For more information call 561.233.1000.
Lion at Lion Country Safari Cabins at Lion Country Safari
Giraffes Rhinos