Florida Governor Crist Tours Orlando Digital Media Industry Facilities To Promote State Economic Development
Jul 13, 2009
Florida Governor Charlie Crist toured select digital media industry facilities in Orlando today, July 13, 2009, as part of his ongoing effort to promote economic development throughout the state. During his tours of Electronic Arts Tiburon, the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and the Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media, Governor Crist highlighted the importance of innovation and digital media industry growth.
A press release from the Office of Governor Crist on his digital media industry tour is printed below.
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Governor Crist Applauds Success of Florida’s Digital Media Industry
Visits Electronic Arts Tiburon, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media
ORLANDO – Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Florida’s renowned digital media industry in Orlando in his ongoing effort to focus on economic development. The Governor highlighted the importance of innovation and industry growth during his tours of Electronic Arts Tiburon, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy and the Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media.
“Orlando’s digital media community demonstrates the power of innovation in Florida’s economy,” said Governor Crist. “Florida continues to stand out as a national leader in terms of our greatest resource – our People.”
Governor Crist first toured the Electronic Arts Tiburon facility, viewed a video game programming demonstration and, while meeting with company employees, discussed the importance of digital media to Florida’s overall workforce. Alongside Governor Crist for his tour of Electronic Arts Tiburon was Electronic Arts Governmental Relations Director Craig Hagen.
“Today’s visit to EA Tiburon by Governor Crist highlights his commitment to the future of the digital media industry in Florida,” said Craig Hagen. “With the incentives he has supported, our industry will continue to create high-skilled, higher paying jobs for Floridians in a competitive international environment.”
Since 2005, the Florida Film, Television & Digital Media Incentive Program has incentivized the production of six interactive video games and six interactive digital programs. Created by five interactive digital media companies in Florida, these games and programs resulted in 671 jobs and more than $35 million paid in wages to employees. Florida-produced EA Sports video games Madden NFL 2009 and 2010, NCAA 2009 and 2010, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2009 and 2010 have worldwide distribution and are highly popular around the world. The current Florida Film, Television & Digital Media Incentive Program was established by the Don Davis Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act of 2007 and is administered by the Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment.
Later today, Governor Crist will visit the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy at the University of Central Florida and the Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media where he will continue to stress the importance of maintaining a talented workforce through quality higher education and increased economic opportunity. Governor Crist will lead a roundtable discussion between business leaders, students and teachers on topics ranging from digital media industry expansion strategies to increasing Florida’s overall global competitiveness in the world market.
Orlando’s film, digital media and entertainment production industry accounts for $845.5 million in total sales, according to the Metro Orlando Film and Entertainment Commission. Growth in the region has primarily been focused on the production of regional, national and international commercials, as well as digital media content. More than 383 businesses in the area are engaged in the production industry and employ an estimated 3,400 direct employees. In terms of square miles and number of cities, the Metro Orlando Film & Entertainment Commission represents one of the largest regions for permitting in the nation.
About Electronic Arts Tiburon
Electronic Arts Tiburon is the second-largest among Electronic Arts’ World Wide Studio facilities and produces some of the top game titles in the world. Steven Chiang co-founded Tiburon Entertainment in 1994. Tiburon is a key EA Studio for the development and production of interactive entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation®2 and Playstation®3 computer entertainment systems, PlayStation Network, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS, WiiTM, iPhone, Mac and PC. EA Tiburon has been responsible for the Madden NFLTM Football franchise since 1996 and develops games for EA Sports and EA brands. Tiger Woods PGA TourTM franchise is part of EA Tiburon’s portfolio and has been credited with being one of the most innovative iterations of the franchise. Most recently, EA Sports MMA was added to the studio’s lineup.
About Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy
Electronic Arts, the Economic Development Commission and other industrial partners helped the University of Central Florida secure funding from the State of Florida in April 2004 to develop and implement an immersive, real-world video game program – the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA). In October 2004, the City of Orlando formed a partnership with the university to provide a home for FIEA and the School of Film and Digital Media in downtown Orlando. In August 2005, the school opened its doors to a select group of future game developers and creators.
The University of Central Florida is home to the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, a graduate video game design school, offering an accredited master’s degree in interactive entertainment. Areas of study include game design, development, art, programming and production.
About Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media
The Employ Florida Banner Center for Digital Media, headquartered within Seminole Community College’s new Heathrow Center for Economic Development, is an industry-driven, statewide resource for digital media workforce education and training. In coordination with its many partners, Digital Media Banner Center develops, manages and promotes diverse educational resources in response to the rapidly evolving needs of this targeted industry.
About the Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment
Overseen by the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development, the Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment builds, supports and markets the high-wage, high-growth motion picture and entertainment industry sectors in Florida. With offices in Tallahassee and Los Angeles, Florida is able to implement innovative strategies to attract world-class productions to the state that provide economic benefits to residents and businesses. For additional information on the Florida Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, please visit www.FilmInFlorida.com.
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