Film Specialist
Category: Exempt
Pay Grade: E19
Job Code: 15032
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
JOB SUMMARY
Manages the daily operations of the film commission in the absence of the department director, assists with coordinating and facilitating film, video, and multimedia production throughout Pinellas County, liaises with appropriate jurisdictions for approval of film and photography permit applications, and tracks and maintains applicable metrics associated with all permitted productions. The person in this position has a responsibility to ensure that all filming activity complies with all applicable municipal, county and state regulations. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for maintaining the Reel-Scout location library and production guide, and other Film Commission indices and publications. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Film Commission department director with considerable latitude for independent judgement and initiative.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)
- Processes filming and photography permit applications which includes triaging applications to determine those that require special assistance, verifying insurance documentation, ensuring applications are complete and accurate, and communicating with the appropriate jurisdiction(s) to answer questions and obtain permit approval;
- Scouts new locations, private businesses, and other potential filming locations for inclusion in the digital location library;
- Captures, edits, and organizes still images and video for a digital location image library that showcases Pinellas County’s diverse filming locations;
- Plans, coordinates, promotes, and executes events and workshops;
- Assists with the development, creation, implementation, and management of various sales tools including video content for the website, social media posts, YouTube, the e-newsletter program, marketing and advertising collateral, and other sales tools;
- Creates itineraries and conducts location scouts and familiarization tours (FAMs) for visiting directors, producers, and others interested in bringing their projects to Pinellas County;
- Conducts set visits to build relationships, capture behind-the-scenes images, and ensure filming activity complies with permitted guidelines;
- Provides logistics, location support, and resources for the film, video, and multimedia production industry;
- Fosters and cultivates strategic relationships with local production and tourism partners, city and county governments, state agencies, educational institutions, film festivals and other stakeholders to facilitate production activity and ensure repeat and referred business in Pinellas County;
- Manages daily film commission operations during supervisor’s absence;
- Responds to new filming leads and questions about permitting, locations, crew, lodging, and more in a prompt and professional manner;
- Attends Film Florida and other industry meetings in the State of Florida, as directed; and
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Four (4) years of professional experience in film producing, film development, coordination, media operations, communications, or directly related field; or an Associate’s degree in film, marketing, business, communications, or related field and two (2) years of experience as described above; or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field as indicated above; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Special Qualifications (May be required depending on area of assignment):
- Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- Other knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials required for a specific position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the local film, video and multimedia production industry, the major components of the industry, and the competition;
- Knowledge of the Pinellas County production industry including available studios, crew, and other resources;
- Knowledge of web and mobile versions of Microsoft 365 apps, FilmApp permitting software, Reel-Scout software, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications;
- Knowledge of good interpersonal skills thus having the ability to deal effectively with people of various backgrounds;
- Skill in capturing still photos and video;
- Skill in coordinating and implementing events and tours;
- Skill in writing content for websites, social media posts and newsletters;
- Ability to apply computer applications and software;
- Ability to organize and prioritize projects, meet deadlines, and excel under pressure;
- Ability to travel and work evenings and holidays as required;
- Ability to make public presentations to various audiences, as directed;
- Ability to work with a diverse group of people and maintain the highest level of sales skills and integrity;
- Ability to be self-motivated;
- Ability to understand the organization and department goals and objectives;
- Ability to provide timely sales and expense reports to department head;
- Ability to sell the destination as a premiere location to both consumers and producers of film, television, commercials, digital video, and print advertising;
- Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
- Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
- Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
- Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
- Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
- Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
- Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
- Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.