Could Tampa Bay rival Hollywood?
Last Edited: Monday, 25 Jun 2007, 6:41 PM EDT http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/photo_servlet?contentId=3593042&version=1&locale=EN-US&subtype=MIMG&siteId=1018&isP16=true
The group from Dubai showed off drawings of what the new complex could look like.

ST. PETERSBURG - A group of investors has gotten the attention of Governor Crist. They met in a closed-door meeting Monday.

The team, from Dubai, plans to make Florida into "Hollywood East." Now they are looking for support from state leaders.

"These are individuals who have a great interest in Florida. They are from Dubai. Beyond that I'm not sure I'm at liberty to say much more," was all Gov. Crist would say before the meeting.

The group showed FOX 13 photos of the planned media complex. They say it would rival Hollywood with sound stages, backlots and room for film students to learn the business.

"This is coming in and investing and partnering with our state, creating jobs in our state. The projects we're talking about could create upwards of 8,000 jobs. And fusing billions of dollars in to our economy," explained State Rep. Kevin Ambler, who spent the day with the investors.

But there are some critics who wonder about the negative reaction this could bring. Last year, a deal by a Dubai company to take over security at U.S. ports drew harsh criticism. Critics worried it would put our nation's security at risk. Representative Ambler sees this differently.

"They want to partner with us so they want us to set the course and the direction. They're not coming in with their agenda, to try and use this as a soapbox, if you will, for any agenda that they're after," Ambler insisted.

The group is moving quickly. They want to identify property within 90 days and they hope to break ground within a year.

They are also looking at Miami, Palm Beach, and Orlando.

Article Link (http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=3593016&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1)
There is a video link.

Personally, I think Miami would win out on all of the cities. But then again...you never know...

How dumb are these reporters? The drama over Dubai buying up ports is because our ports are a gateway into the country and a security problem (albeit a trumped up one). Sound stages are neither. I'd welcome the foreign investment.

I would be shocked if it did not go to Orlando around Disney.

WHatever - if it comes, great. . . otherwise, we have to decide if Bayshore should be exclusively duplexes

This would be good for Tampa...but I would think they would pick Miami or Orlando first...

I woudl def welcome these foreigners with their billions in net worth and in their pockets to being their developement arms here in the area.. I would love to see this happen in the Tampa metro, but like mentioned above it would most likely go to Miami or Orlando. Tampa should at least put up a fight to see what can be done to try and brign them here.

I woudl def welcome these foreigners with their billions in net worth and in their pockets to being their developement arms here in the area.. I would love to see this happen in the Tampa metro, but like mentioned above it would most likely go to Miami or Orlando. Tampa should at least put up a fight to see what can be done to try and brign them here.

Hollywood Florida could become.....Hollywood Two? (lol).

WHatever - if it comes, great. . . otherwise, we have to decide if Bayshore should be exclusively duplexes
Exactly... We don't have time to worry about projects which could create thousands of high paying jobs... we have "real governing" to do around Tampa!!! :ohno:

Exactly... We don't have time to worry about projects which could create thousands of high paying jobs... we have "real governing" to do around Tampa!!! :ohno:

I wonder what Iorio's "reaction" is to all this? Maybe she's dreaming up her "arts district" combined with the studios........dream on....

As much as id like this kind of think for the Tampa metro i dont see it happenning.

well we are already the hollywood two of porn...

well we are already the hollywood two of porn...


I was going to mention that as well but haven't had time to locate a source. I remember reading an article about Tampa and porn years ago.

Also, I've heard Tampa is the "infomercial" capital. Perhaps the technical talent is already in place for "Hollywood East."

^Orlando has more production going on though, and Miami even more than that if I recall.

Maybe we're big with infomercial's because of HSN?

Firm Pictures Hollywood In Florida

By RICHARD MULLINSand WILLIAM MARCH The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 27, 2007

Florida's long-elusive dream of becoming a mini-Hollywood could get a boost from a land far, far away - Dubai.

Several Florida politicians have been touring executives from a Dubai-based Capital Plus Holding around Florida cities in hopes the Middle Eastern firm would pick Florida for a major new media production site.

Tampa is among several cities under consideration by the company, including Miami and Orlando.

The talks are in preliminary stages, but if fruitful, they would marry Dubai's drive to diversify its economy beyond oil wealth with Florida's dream of building some economic horsepower through more media production.

State Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Tampa, confirmed that representatives of Capital Plus met with Gov. Charlie Crist Monday, and Ambler, a lawyer who's representing Capital Plus, met with Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan.

Ambler said the company has partnerships with film production companies and is scouting for a site for a major production studio.

Ambler said he doesn't know of firm plans for a film company to occupy the facility but said Capital Plus is scouting for a location just as a shopping center developer might look for a site before getting commitments from stores to be tenants.

Ambler said the company, which does many kinds of development projects, has at least two other possible projects in mind for Florida.

One would be a "global real estate investment institute," which Ambler described as "an educational institute for people about real estate development and investing, including the first ever international exchange for real estate investments," an exchange like the Nasdaq, which would tradein real estate investment trusts and other investments, he said.

Ambler said he wasn't free to describe any other potential projects. But he said the size of the investments "would be very large, for Florida" and could include about 8,000 jobs altogether.

Ambler, whose practice includes entertainment and sports law, said he became involved with Capital Plus through a client of his, a Florida company named McDonald Hospitality, which may form a partnership with Capital Plus.

Ambler arranged the meeting with Crist and said it included Capital Plus board Chairman Mohamed Saleh. He said he visited Hagan "as a courtesy to give him a heads-up" about the company's interest and is arranging contacts between company officials and other local governments.

He saidthat there may be competition among cities for the facility. "They're looking throughout Florida."

Ambler said he was limited in discussing the project because he didn't want to create barriers to land acquisition or negotiations for the project.

"The word that Florida has successfully put out is that we are trying to develop our film and entertainment business, trying to build the next great Hollywood of the country," Ambler said, describing Capital Plus's interest in Florida.

Hagan said his meeting with Ambler lasted about 10 minutes and that he considered Ambler's proposal "very intriguing."

He said if the project came to the Tampa area, it could mean as many as 5,000 jobs.

Capital Plus
Capital Plus is a Dubai-based corporation that specializes in a range of real estate and media projects, with offices in London; Beirut; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Manama, Bahrain.

Some of the company's projects include the new "Media Hotel," a $272 million, four-star hotel in Dubai's Studio City area made in partnership with Windham Ramada Hotels and catering to the digital multimedia traveler.

Capital Plus also has some of its own media production properties, including the "Aqariya" television news channel, with English and Arabic versions, that specializes in news about real estate investment and projects.

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates and one of the world's fastest-growing markets. Recently, the region's politicians and businesspeople have been working to diversify their economy beyond natural gas and oil wealth, investing in tourism, real estate development and even fashion.

During the past decade, Dubai has become a sort-of secular playground for the ultra-rich in the Middle East and built a string of over-the-top restaurants and tourist attractions, including a massive, refrigerated indoor ski slope and a sail-shaped hotel that's considered one of the world's finest.

The Dubai government investment arm, Istithmar, has branched out to acquire fashion assets and just this month spent more than $800 million to purchase the "Barney's" fashion brand of Jones Apparel Group.

Elusive Dream
Matching an outside investor with Florida's media production hopes would fulfill an attractive yet stubbornly elusive dream, said Christopher Steinocher, chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Partnership economic development group.

"We have a lot of that talent here, and all we need are larger production facilities," Steinocher said. "The challenge is that there are places literally around the globe who offer just buckets of cash to do films there instead - New Mexico, Canada, Ireland - lots of places."

To be sure, many cities hope to carve out some Hollywood business for themselves, and cities such as Vancouver and Toronto regularly stand in as locations for U.S. cities in movies. Meanwhile, more film producers are looking beyond the United States for low-cost locations such as Eastern Europe to shoot movies. And Tampa would have a long way to develop before it could boast the tens of thousands of creative movie employees that call Hollywood or New York home.

Florida still gets its fair share of "location shoots" when movie producers need a good beach scene or distinctive architecture, Steinocher said. But those production companies tend to come and go with each project. Steinocher holds out more hope that the governor and Legislature will make more money available to develop Florida's film market, both with cash and local investments, to make the area more attractive to producers and multimedia companies.

Reporter Anthony McCartney contributed to this report. Reporter Richard Mullins can be reached at (813) 259-7919 or rmullins@tampatrib.com.

http://www.tbo.com/news/nationworld/MGBMB9U8F3F.html

Isn't there a Hollywood already in Florida?? :lol:

well we are already the hollywood two of porn...

What? Because of Ralph Mervine? That guy was a freak! He should have never been allowed to run the THCEA.

Maybe we're big with infomercial's because of HSN?

Oh yes...that pretty office building just off I-275 and Roosevelt. I'm surprised HSN is still on the air cause of online rivals like Ebay.

florida always trying to be California

florida always trying to be California

i know right, :lol: :lol: :lol:

florida always trying to be California

Funny. Let's not forget about Bollywood (is that how its spelled) in Africa???

^It's in India... Mumbai to be exact.

^It's in India... Mumbai to be exact.

I knew it was one of those two places. I just wasn't completely sure.

Funny. Let's not forget about Bollywood (is that how its spelled) in Africa???

We could have our very own......Follywood..

In architecture, a folly is an extravagant, frivolous or fanciful building, designed more for artistic expression than for practicality.

The term comes from the fact that such structures have often been dubbed "[name of architect or builder]'s Folly", in the sense of foolishness, fun or light-heartedness. Particularly because some follies were built by one individual alone, such as the massive complex by Ferdinand Cheval.

Blah blah blah...they talk about Tampa as a new "Hollywood" every couple of years...nothing ever happens. Just talk...nothing else.

I do think that it could happen. Tampa has been prepping for what...the Super Bowl?!?!? I think that Tampa would be the perfect place to have this type of thing and here is my reasoning; one, Miami already is huge with everything, two, Orlando already has production studios, and three Tampa is one of those up and coming medium cities. With everything that is being done in Tampa is it so hard to believe that we would not get it?

I still think it's not a bad idea. I don't think Tampa will get it though. I think Miami will win out.

I do think that it could happen. Tampa has been prepping for what...the Super Bowl?!?!? I think that Tampa would be the perfect place to have this type of thing and here is my reasoning; one, Miami already is huge with everything, two, Orlando already has production studios, and three Tampa is one of those up and coming medium cities. With everything that is being done in Tampa is it so hard to believe that we would not get it?

That's not the way capital investors think.

I would be pleasantly suprised if Tampa won out of Orlando and Miami.

Orlando and Miami already have a labor pool for that industry. Miami may be to crowded. Therfore, SE Orange may get it which is better for Tampa than Miami getting it. I don't see Hillsborough county getting it.

Shocked if Tampa gets this although this is Charlie's hometown he may add some incentive to come here.

Many movies are filmed in Miami because that is where the story takes place. It would be more convienent for the sound stages and backlots to be right there for those movies. Not to mention any movie stars that live there. Also, Orlando would have an edge too because as the first article mentioned, it would have room for students to learn the business which would be convienent for the students considering Disney and all of that being right there.

That said, I still hope Tampa wins.

UCF actually has a really good film program, but like most things I bet it goes to whoever gives the best deal. That's why so many movies have been made in Vancouver lately.

UCF actually has a really good film program, but like most things I bet it goes to whoever gives the best deal. That's why so many movies have been made in Vancouver lately.

Agreed.

Miami has the demand thats why I think it would win it out, you got production companies renting out warehouses and convention centers because theyre isnt enough studios, the reason i dont think Orlando would get it is because they already have studios and they perform badly, they just dont work there for some reason, Nickolodean had it busy for a while but MGM and Universal are pretty much empty now and only used for tours and vacant the rest of the time.
And with Tampa, well it has nothing going for it and it also doesnt have anything going against it so you never know.

Miami has the demand thats why I think it would win it out, you got production companies renting out warehouses and convention centers because theyre isnt enough studios, the reason i dont think Orlando would get it is because they already have studios and they perform badly, they just dont work there for some reason, Nickolodean had it busy for a while but MGM and Universal are pretty much empty now and only used for tours and vacant the rest of the time.
And with Tampa, well it has nothing going for it and it also doesnt have anything going against it so you never know.

Well, Nickelodeon moved all its operations and studios to California a few years ago. I think it may have some facilities in New York as well. But no more ties in Florida.

^See? I didn't know that... That's unfortunate.

Here's a crazy or maybe good idea for a Tampa movie or show. Centered around the UT. A brother and sister are enrolled at UT and their father is a former military commander now professor of polictical science at UT. Just think of all the plots and action adventure that could take place. It'd show young people having fun in Tampa hanging out in SoHo, Hyde Park, Channelside, the Beach, the Bay, etc. And the father maybe helping with some secret operations at MacDill AFB. No stupid violence, like the Punisher and not corny either. Is this crazy or what?

^See? I didn't know that... That's unfortunate.

Yeah, from my understanding, Nick began pulling out of Universal Orlando in the early 2000s (2001 or 2002) and gradually moved thier operations to Burbank, California. By May 2005, the facility had closed completely and the slime geyser and exterior signage were removed in the months after.

You can find more info here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickelodeon_Studios

http://daemen.edu/~ceagan/nickelodeonstudios/

What a gyp.

What a gyp.

Sorry, but I don't understand that abbreviation.

It means basically what a crock of crap.

It means basically what a crock of crap.

Oh....I dont hear such acronyms and abbreviations often. I'm not one of those people who use slang (and other such words) widely...I try to refrain from using them.

Here is the official definition and usage.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, gypped, gyp·ping, noun
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 1. to defraud or rob by some sharp practice; swindle; cheat.
–noun 2. a swindle or fraud.
3. Also, gyp·per /ˈdʒɪpər/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[jip-er] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation, gypster. a swindler or cheat.
4. Also called gypsy. an owner of racehorses who also acts as trainer and jockey.

Also, gip.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Origin: 1885–90, Americanism; back formation from Gypsy]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

If I'm not mistaken, I read Palm Beach county was a contender. We may be part of the South Florida metro area, but we're not as crowded here as Broward and Miami. With Scripps, Palm Beach is about to become a hub for bio-medical activity and research (therefore educational opps). Maybe the same potential can and will be met with the film industry. Also, the fact that Palm Beach County is an hours drive (on a good day) to Miami, it could be a selling point for the Dubai people.

Where I'm from in PA, it was common to refer to a ripoff. Later on, I of course realize that gypsies the world over are offended by the remark. If any happen to be reading this, my bad... Old habits die hard.

If Tampa even did win it, where would such a place be put? Hillsborough is out, what, put it in Brandon? HA! Pinellas? Not a chance. Polk, you gotta be kidding me. The only place I could see is Pasco. There is much open space, with more if they have the thought of expanding, and if located between Suncoast and I-75, then greatly located. I remember that New Port Richey tried to become Hollywood of the East, I know "WHAT?", but if it is willing to take on Tampa with such a proposal, is there any other place better than where I have proposed?

I agree, I think that is one of the biggest problems to Tampa being chosen. I remain locked in my prediction that Miami will win out.

I think it depends upon whether they want to add onto something already existing, like Miami's film industry, or if they want to try and create their own little market somewhere...

I think it depends upon whether they want to add onto something already existing, like Miami's film industry, or if they want to try and create their own little market somewhere...

True...

If Tampa even did win it, where would such a place be put? Hillsborough is out, what, put it in Brandon? HA! Pinellas? Not a chance. Polk, you gotta be kidding me. The only place I could see is Pasco. There is much open space, with more if they have the thought of expanding, and if located between Suncoast and I-75, then greatly located. I remember that New Port Richey tried to become Hollywood of the East, I know "WHAT?", but if it is willing to take on Tampa with such a proposal, is there any other place better than where I have proposed?

You can put it out in East Hills. Or in Riverview. There are spans of acrage that are open and for sale.

There are still quite a few large tracts of land available all over Hillsborough county. If you've ever taken a look at a studio in California they are not THAT big. All that aside, I see this thing as a big joke.

All that aside, I see this thing as a big joke.

In a way, yes it is a big joke. Of course no one was laughing about the whole seaports thing by Dubai. If I'm not mistaken, didn't D.P. World give up operations at the Port of Tampa?

Anything happen from this? The article said they would start this year. Maybe it was just a joke. :(

Wonder what came of this. Did it just die out?

Of course it did.

I swear this was just in the Skyway Lounge a moment ago. :dunno: