Film Florida has announced a partnership with Stage 32, an online education platform for film and television professionals, to deliver a certification program aimed at strengthening the state’s below-the-line workforce. The initiative will be available to Film Florida members, non-members, film commissions, and industry professionals across the state.
The training program launches in October 2025 with Film Tampa Bay. It is designed to support new local cash rebates and grants intended to attract more productions to Florida. Participants will have access to both online courses and in-person workshops led by experienced industry professionals 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.
The curriculum covers key production roles including line producing, location management, post-production supervision, production accounting, assistant director positions, production assistant work, production coordination, and script supervising.
This initiative aligns with Film Florida’s focus on workforce development and promoting the state as a year-round destination for film and television production. Local incentives are available in several counties—Broward (Fort Lauderdale), Palm Beach, Pinellas (St. Pete/Clearwater), Hillsborough (Tampa)—and the city of Jacksonville. These incentives are complemented by a statewide sales tax exemption for the entertainment industry. Across these areas combined there are more than $30 million in incentives available with some locations offering up to $2 million per project.
As part of the Tampa Bay program, Production Assistants will receive master certification in on-set protocols and collaboration. Graduates will be entered into Stage 32’s Certification Portal for job opportunities within Florida and beyond. Top graduates are guaranteed work on professional productions for IMDb credit.
“Film Florida is thrilled to partner with Stage 32 to bring world-class training to our members and elevate Florida’s film industry,” said John Lux, Executive Director of Film Florida. “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.”
“Stage 32 is honored to collaborate with Film Florida to strengthen Florida’s production ecosystem,” said Amanda Toney, Managing Director of Stage 32. “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.”
“Film Tampa Bay is proud to partner with Stage 32 to cultivate local talent and elevate our region as a premier filming destination,” said Tyler Martinolich, film commissioner for Film Tampa Bay. “This program not only equips aspiring professionals with essential skills but also strengthens our creative economy.”
The first group of graduates from the Tampa Bay program began working on productions by April 2026. As part of Stage 32’s global network—which includes over one million creatives—Film Tampa Bay becomes its 51st participating commission alongside others in the United States such as Pennsylvania and Texas as well as international partners like Costa Rica and Poland.
More information about discounts for participants can be found at www.stage32.com.
About Stage 32
Stage 32 was launched in 2011 as an online platform connecting over 1.3 million creatives worldwide through education and networking opportunities related to entertainment industry careers. Its library contains more than 3,500 hours of craft- and business-focused content on demand.
About Film Florida
Film Florida serves as the chief marketing organization advocating for TV, film,and digital media industries throughout the state while representing all segments from labor groups through educational institutions.
