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Unlocking Jacksonville's Creative Potential: The Mayor's Advisory Commission on Television, Motion Picture & Commercial Production

2024-11-15

In a strategic move to bolster Jacksonville's thriving creative landscape, Mayor Donna Deagan has recently appointed seven new members to the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Television, Motion Picture & Commercial Production. This commission, which now boasts a total of 16 members, serves as a vital link between the city's burgeoning film and television industry and the Office of Economic Development's Jacksonville Film & Television Office.

Empowering Jacksonville's Creative Visionaries

Cultivating a Diverse Talent Pool

The newly appointed members of the commission bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and specialties. From acclaimed screenwriters and award-winning filmmakers to seasoned production professionals and community leaders, this dynamic team is poised to propel Jacksonville's creative landscape to new heights.Sharon Y. Cobb, an accomplished author, screenwriter, and member of the Writer's Guild of America West, has honed her craft through her work on numerous film projects, including the upcoming nationwide theatrical release of "The Man in the White Van" in 2024. Anja Crosby, a seasoned production professional with a background in broadcast journalism, has lent her expertise to productions such as HBO's "Recount" and Nickelodeon's "My Family Got Guts."Kemal Gasper, the Vice President of Community Engagement for VyStar Credit Union, brings a unique blend of business acumen and community engagement to the commission, having earned his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration degrees. Carla M. Jones, an independent journalist and media strategist with over two decades of experience in the industry, has worked for renowned media outlets like ABC News, ESPN, and NPR, and was recognized with the City of Jacksonville's 2016 Rising Star Award.

Empowering Visionary Filmmakers and Storytellers

The commission's roster also includes esteemed filmmakers and storytellers, such as Dr. Shaun Powell, a director, writer, and producer with a Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling. Dr. Powell has made her mark in the industry, premiering her directorial debut film, "The Honey Dripper Lady," and currently teaching film and theatre at The Performer's Academy.Franklin Ritch, an award-winning independent filmmaker, director, and writer, has garnered recognition for his work, including the Gold Audience Award for Best International Feature for his film "The Artifice Girl" in 2022. Ritch's impressive filmography also includes numerous acclaimed short films, and he was named one of the "25 New Faces of Independent Film" by Filmmaker Magazine.

Leveraging Political Expertise and Community Connections

Rounding out the commission is Honorable Randy White, the President of the Jacksonville City Council and the Chair of the Duval Tourist Development Council. As a Jacksonville native with a distinguished career in public service, including 32 years with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, White's deep-rooted community connections and political expertise will be invaluable in guiding the commission's efforts.

Unlocking Jacksonville's Creative Potential

The diverse expertise and perspectives represented on the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Television, Motion Picture & Commercial Production are poised to unlock Jacksonville's creative potential, fostering a thriving ecosystem for filmmakers, storytellers, and production professionals. By leveraging the city's resources and collaborating with the Jacksonville Film & Television Office, this commission is set to drive the growth and recognition of Jacksonville's burgeoning creative industries.As the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, Jacksonville is primed to become a hub for innovative and captivating content creation. With the guidance and vision of this esteemed commission, the city's creative talents will have the opportunity to shine on the national and global stage, showcasing the unique stories and perspectives that Jacksonville has to offer.

In a rapidly changing landscape, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) finds itself navigating a shifting venue landscape as it prepares for the future. With the announcement of the December 7th, 2024 edition of AEW Collision being relocated from The Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, speculation has grown that the company may continue to utilize smaller venues in 2025. This article delves into the insights shared by industry experts, shedding light on the potential reasons behind these strategic decisions and the implications for the future of AEW's programming.

Adapting to the Evolving Venue Landscape

Smaller Venues, Bigger Opportunities?

As AEW continues to refine its approach, the potential shift towards smaller venues has raised questions among fans and industry observers. According to Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com, this strategic move could make sense for the company. "Even if they are revamping and going to smaller places, which would make sense, you'd want to get the venues out more than five weeks out," Meltzer noted, suggesting that AEW may be exploring the benefits of more intimate settings for their events.The decision to relocate the December 7th, 2024 edition of AEW Collision from The Nationwide Arena to the Greater Columbus Convention Center could be a testament to this shift. By opting for a smaller venue, AEW may be able to create a more immersive and engaging experience for their fans, fostering a stronger connection between the performers and the audience.

Streamlining the Schedule

Another factor that may be driving AEW's venue decisions is the desire to streamline their event schedule. As Meltzer pointed out, "The main talent likes it because if they are on the road on Wednesday, it's far easier to stay for a second day of taping rather than either stay on the road two days and come back Friday night or Saturday, or go home on Thursday and come back Friday night or Saturday morning."By opting for smaller venues that can accommodate multiple tapings, AEW may be able to reduce the burden on their talent, allowing them to spend less time on the road and more time focused on their performances. This strategic approach could not only benefit the wrestlers but also contribute to the overall quality and consistency of AEW's programming.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

The shifting venue landscape for AEW also needs to be considered within the broader context of the wrestling industry. As reported by Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men Podcast, Ring of Honor's Final Battle PPV is scheduled to take place on December 20th at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, with AEW Collision expected to follow at the same venue the next night.This scheduling overlap highlights the competitive nature of the industry and the need for AEW to strategically position its events to maximize viewership and fan engagement. By potentially opting for smaller venues, AEW may be able to create a more intimate and exclusive experience for their fans, differentiating themselves from the larger-scale events of their competitors.

Embracing the Future

As AEW continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape, the potential shift towards smaller venues could be a strategic move to enhance the overall fan experience, streamline operations, and navigate the competitive landscape more effectively. By leveraging the benefits of more intimate settings, AEW may be able to foster a deeper connection with their audience and deliver a more immersive and engaging product.While the specifics of AEW's future venue plans remain to be seen, the insights shared by industry experts suggest that the company is actively exploring ways to optimize its event strategy and positioning. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, AEW's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leading force in the industry.

Cox Media Group (CMG) has announced the appointment of Darren Moore as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer for CMG Television. In this pivotal role, Moore will be responsible for spearheading the strategy, oversight, performance, execution, and alignment of core, political, and digital TV revenue operations across the company.

Unlocking New Avenues for Growth and Innovation in the Evolving Media Landscape

Proven Track Record of Success

Darren Moore's career at CMG spans over 28 years, starting as an intern at WPXI Pittsburgh. His journey has been marked by a series of impressive achievements, including leading CMG's WHIO-TV to become the nation's best-performing CBS affiliate. Under his guidance, CMG's Dayton Radio platforms have also gained significant market share while maintaining their position as the top stations in the region. Throughout his tenure, Moore has demonstrated a keen ability to strengthen community engagement and forge valuable partnerships with local businesses.

Driving Transformation and Adapting to Industry Shifts

As the media industry continues to evolve, Moore recognizes the imperative for CMG to adapt and innovate. In his new role, he will be tasked with spearheading the company's efforts to rethink its business model, further strengthen its market-leading position, and effectively monetize its high-quality content. Crucially, Moore will also focus on helping CMG's advertisers expand their reach and achieve their marketing objectives.

Leveraging Expertise and Passion for the Industry

Dan York, CMG's President and CEO, praised Moore's deep industry knowledge, client-centric approach, and innovative mindset, stating that he is the "clear choice" to lead the sales efforts for CMG Television. Moore's early memories of visiting the station with his father, a former CMG employee, have fueled his passion for the industry, and he is poised to leverage this experience to drive the company's continued success.

Fostering a Culture of Growth and Collaboration

In his new role, Moore will be responsible for empowering and guiding CMG's sales teams to thrive in the evolving media landscape. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless focus on client success, he aims to position CMG Television as a trusted partner for advertisers and content creators alike.

Commitment to Community and Personal Life

A Pittsburgh native, Darren Moore graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and currently resides in Dayton, Ohio, with his wife, Missy. His dedication to the industry and his community-focused approach have been instrumental in his success, and he is poised to bring this same level of commitment to his new role at CMG Television.