RenegadeRaddatzCalls for a FilmRevolution
Local filmmaker, Eric Raddatz, wants to start a revolution, and he wants it to start in Southwest Florida.
In addition to an outstanding pool of local talent, recent
Eric has been an active player in the SWFL arts community
for many years, producing several independent short films and appearing in other larger budget feature motion pictures. He is founder and CEO of the Naples International Film Production Association and founded the Naples International Film Festival in 2009, serving as its Executive Director. Currently he is producing The Driskell Defense with Alan Kenny-Rudolph in Lee and Collier counties. Yet he's still hungry for more. Not content with the acclaimed success of the Naples
International Film Festival, which brought award-winning films and filmmakers to Collier County from all over the world, Eric sees the SWFL’s potential to become a center of film industry activity. The Naples International Film Production Association (NIFPA) has united filmmakers and created a potent organization of profes- sionals dedicated to producing quality films. Already working in the industry and exercising their talents, they form an army of revolutionaries ready to make SWFL into one of the most desirable film communities in the country. Eric understands what this confluence of talent and circumstances means for the artistic community if it can be harnessed. "It really is just a matter of time now before we get bigger
projects in state," says Raddatz. "We have local filmmakers like John Scoular, Lance Julian, and Elam Stolzfus whose independent films have done well in film festivals around the country. Not to mention the quality actors, musicians and technicians who would like to be able to fulfill their greater potential and nurture their artistic side."
developments in Tallahassee have made the film industry an attractive addition to the local economy. In April 2010, the Florida House of Representatives passed The Entertainment Industry Economic Development Act, which creates tax incentives to those areas which are able to bring more productions to town. These incentives have the possibility of spurring entertainment job growth and contributing to the struggling SWFL economy. The communities of Collier and Lee Counties have already
showed a firm commitment to the arts. They are the home of internationally renowned painters, musicians, authors, entertainers, and filmmakers. Yet it's time to take it to the next level. It's time to make Naples and Fort Myers places where artists go to aspire, not just to retire. It's time to make the Paradise Coast the place to create films. "Combine the economic incentives with a keenly focused and
highly passionate group of industry professionals living here, completely equipped to handle the largest of projects in one of the most unappreciated internationally known tropical backdrops, and you have got something that will ignite. I guarantee it." Is this all a little idealistic? "No" is Eric's resounding answer.
"I guarantee that Rockefeller, Edison, and Carnegie were called dreamers. Renegades even. Probably even considered a little strange. But, really, looking back, who really cares what they were called? Nobody." Still, isn't that too much to expect from a town full of retirees
and part-time residents? Again, Eric disagrees and compares it to Hollywood's ascension. In 1911, Hollywood was second to New York in motion picture production, but in three short years the city captured the top spot, a place it continues to hold as the largest revenue-grossing film city in the world. In 2009, Hollywood's box-office brought in a record-setting $10.6 billion, fueled by the growing international market for American films. The second-fastest growing U.S. export is audio and visual recording media. This means that bringing more of the film industry to SWFL will create jobs that are in increased demand in the global market. "Now, at last, with cameras in hand, we will have the opportunity to fertilize and invigorate our economy," says Raddatz. "United, we can innovate greater methods to create jobs, to entertain, educate and inspire. Raise your voices with me now! Viva La Film Revolution!" ARE YOU READY?
For more info or to contact Eric
Raddatz visit
www.EricRaddatz.com, email
nifpas@gmail.com, or join the Naples International Film Production Association Facebook group.
PULSE MAGAZINE
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Michelle Tricca Photography©
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