Film Florida and Stage 32 have announced a new partnership to provide training for below-the-line film professionals across the state. The initiative will offer Stage 32’s Certification Program to both members and non-members of Film Florida, including local film commissions and industry workers. The program aims to strengthen the skills of Florida’s workforce in film and television production.
The training will begin with Film Tampa Bay in October 2025, supporting recent local cash rebates and grants designed to attract more productions to the area. Participants will learn through online courses and in-person workshops led by experienced industry figures such as Emmy-nominated Post-Production Producer Brad Carpenter, Post-Production Supervisor Leslie Coverse, Senior Production Finance Manager Shalonda Ware from Paramount Studios, DGA Assistant Director Korey Pollard, and Location Manager Miranda Carnessal. Topics covered include line producing, location management, post-production supervision, production accounting, assistant directing, production assistance, coordination, and script supervising.
This effort supports Film Florida’s ongoing focus on workforce development and promoting the state as a year-round destination for filming. Florida offers an experienced crew base and favorable weather conditions for production. Several counties—including Broward (Fort Lauderdale), Palm Beach, Pinellas (St. Pete/Clearwater), Hillsborough (Tampa), and Jacksonville—provide local incentives alongside the state’s entertainment industry sales tax exemption. Combined incentives total over $30 million statewide with project caps up to $2 million in some areas.
As part of the Tampa Bay program, Production Assistants can achieve Master Certification in on-set protocols and collaboration. Graduates are added to Stage 32’s Certification Portal for job opportunities throughout 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 said: “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 stated: “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 added: “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 first group began their training in October 2025; graduates are expected to start working on productions by April 2026. With this partnership, Film Tampa Bay becomes the 51st commission globally within Stage 32’s network—a group that includes U.S.-based commissions like Pennsylvania and Texas as well as international partners such as Costa Rica and Poland.
Stage 32 was launched in 2011 as an online platform connecting more than one million creatives worldwide through education programs that include partnerships with Netflix and other major organizations.
Film Florida acts as the main marketing body for TV, film, and digital media industries within the state.
