UCF students actively participating in their film projects amidst the beautiful backdrop of Orlando.
Students from the University of Central Florida’s screenwriting program have achieved recognition as finalists in the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films competition, highlighting Orlando’s flourishing film industry. The city is supported by numerous aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals, fostering a vibrant film community. Resources from the Orlando Film Commission have facilitated a growing number of local productions. Additionally, UCF students continue to showcase their talent through various competitions, further solidifying the university’s role in the film landscape, alongside dedicated institutions like Full Sail University.
Orlando – Students from the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) screenwriting program have gained recognition as finalists in the prestigious 2025 Coca-Cola™ Refreshing Films competition. Their achievements highlight the growing prominence of Orlando’s film industry, which is increasingly supported by both aspiring students and industry professionals.
Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio, director of communications for the Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP), has praised the independent spirit and robust community support fueling Orlando’s film scene. This vibrant atmosphere is further bolstered by resources from the Orlando Film Commission (OFC), which acts as a central hub for film production. In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the OFC facilitated local productions by issuing 174 permits, allowing for 317 permitted production days on public property. It is important to note that many projects also occur on private properties, often without formal permits.
Orlando’s diverse film landscape includes indie films, commercials, reality shows, documentaries, music videos, student films, and corporate content, reflecting the city’s growing role in the digital content production spectrum. Lorraine Sovern, a recent UCF Master of Fine Arts graduate, has gained recognition as the 2024 Woman of the Year by Orlando Magazine, thanks to her contributions as a film festival curator. Her film “Shotgun Baby” had its premiere at the George Lindsey Film Festival, underscoring the importance of film festivals for aspiring filmmakers.
With a proven history of success, UCF students consistently earn accolades in various competitions, demonstrating the effectiveness of their educational programs. The university’s faculty, including award-winning documentarian Betsy Kalin, fosters an environment that encourages creative risk-taking among students. UCF produces approximately 200 films annually across its Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts programs, further solidifying its integral role in Orlando’s film community.
Also contributing to Orlando’s film education landscape is Full Sail University, which was honored as the 2022-2023 School of the Year. The institution has made significant contributions to the Florida Film Festival and boasts notable alumni. At the 2025 Academy Awards, 47 graduates from Full Sail were recognized, showcasing the caliber of training provided to students.
As the film industry in Orlando continues to flourish, stakeholders are working toward reinstating production incentives that will attract filmmakers to the region. Learning from the success of states like Georgia, which offers substantial financial rewards for film productions, local leaders aim to secure $22 million over five years through the Orange County Film Incentive Working Group. The goal is to encourage production companies to film locally, create jobs, and offer opportunities for recent graduates.
A proposal for the incentive program is set to be presented to county commissioners in early 2025, focusing on drawing film productions back to Orlando. The initiative is designed to ensure that local hiring and spending predominately benefit the community. As part of the proposal, the Orlando Film Commission could be moved under Orange County’s Office of Economic Development, enhancing its ability to facilitate the growth of the local film industry.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to promote collaborative efforts between schools and the film industry, creating pathways for educational opportunities like internships for film students. This symbiotic relationship between education and industry is expected to further enhance the overall landscape of Orlando’s film community.
Overall, the recognition of UCF students in the Coca-Cola™ Refreshing Films competition epitomizes the spirit of creativity and collaboration that is shaping Orlando as a vibrant hub for the film industry.
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