Film Tampa Bay launches assessment of digital media industry

November 20, 2015

Film Tampa Bay, the Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission, has launched an in-depth assessment of the local digital media industry to maximize its economic impact on the region. The six-month study will define “digital media,” identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the entities within the industry, and provide recommendations for the strategic growth of the target sector in Hillsborough County.
 
“We believe we have opportunities in digital media that extend far beyond the entertainment aspects,” said Dale Gordon, executive director of Film Tampa Bay. “This project will help us understand the assets, resources, companies and organizations that are already here, and how they align with core industries like life science and defense. We can then use that information to develop a smart plan for future growth.”
 
To manage the effort, Film Tampa Bay hired The Nexxt Group LLC, a strategic innovation consultancy headquartered in Winter Park, FL. Judson French, one of Florida’s foremost experts in digital media, will lead the project in cooperation with Film Tampa Bay and the research team at the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation.
 
As a key part of the process, French and his team will conduct in-person interviews with key stakeholders in the digital media sector to understand their perspectives on the needs, priorities, focus and future direction of this high-growth, high-wage industry. The interviews will take place throughout November and December, and will include a variety of thought leaders, influencers and subject matter experts from business, academia, government, innovation and economic development.
 
Film Tampa Bay is currently seeking the input from additional businesses within the digital media industry. For more information, or to volunteer for participation in the study, please contact Dale Gordon at dgordon@tampabayedc.com.