Broward County, FL – MovieMaker Magazine has named Greater Fort Lauderdale number two on its list of the Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2024!
Included on the list of best Smaller Cities and Towns to Live and Work, this is the second time that Fort Lauderdale has made it onto the top ten list. Previously, the city was ranked at number 4 in 2023.
“It’s such an honor that our area has been chosen to be on the list of MovieMaker Magazine’s best places to live and work. Having moved up two ranks to #2 on the list is because we have worked diligently to be economically attractive to filmmakers,” said Broward County Film Commissioner, Sandy Lighterman. “With our MENU of several different incentive programs that support smaller to large productions and our new Emerging Filmmakers grant, cost effective production solutions, beautiful weather, film-friendly municipalities, diverse locations, and our Film Commission helmed by former production professionals, Broward County is the most desirable place for moviemakers. We aim for a positive producing experience.”
“It has been our mission to establish Broward County as the most film friendly and sought-after area for the global film and television industry to bring their projects. There is even more growth on the horizon as these programs bring more notoriety and job opportunities to the region.” said Broward County Commissioner / Former Florida Senator Steve Geller, who championed the creation of a new Film Commission under the Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development in 2021.
“With the growth of this sector in Broward County, there has been a groundswell of interest and support from our small business community surrounding opportunities in the film industry. From hairdressers, to tailors, to craftsman, and more, the diversity of businesses required to make these productions a reality helps expand our network, with proper training of crew, talent, and support vendors.” said Director of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development, Sandy-Michael McDonald.
MovieMaker compiles its annual list based on surveys, production spending, tax incentives, additional research, and personal visits, whenever possible.
About Film Lauderdale / Broward County Film Commission
Film Lauderdale/Broward Film Commission attracts Film and TV productions to Broward County, creating economic growth, jobs, and new opportunities for small businesses. Additionally, the Film Commission nurtures local content creators and provides educational opportunities to those looking to enter the screen industry workforce. It is a full-service concierge Film Commission providing locations and logistics assistance, permitting for 26 municipalities, coordinating with State and Federal entities, and offering referral resources. It is part of the Office of Small Business and Economic Development. Visit FilmLauderdale.org or call 954-357-8788.
About the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development
The Office of Economic and Small Business Development is responsible for promoting economic development and supporting Broward County’s small businesses. Areas of focus include workforce development, business expansion and retention, small business growth, business development and outreach, international trade and export readiness, entrepreneurial development, and promoting Broward County as a film destination. Services are delivered by the agency and through partnerships with federal, state, local and private sector organizations. The office promotes equal access to Broward County’s procurement opportunities for small business enterprises in local and federal small business programs and helps position small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities and grow their businesses beyond Broward.
January 19, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Sandy Lighterman, Film Commissioner
Film Lauderdale – Broward County Film Commission
954-357-8788
slighterman@broward.org
