Film Florida has announced a partnership with Stage 32, an online education platform for film and television professionals, to offer Stage 32’s Certification Program across the state. The initiative is intended to provide training for below-the-line workers—those involved in roles such as line producing, location management, post-production supervision, production accounting, assistant directing, production assisting, production coordinating, and script supervising.
The program began in October 2025 with Film Tampa Bay and is designed to support local incentives like cash rebates and grants aimed at attracting more productions to Florida. Instructors include industry professionals such as Brad Carpenter (a two-time Emmy-nominated post-production producer), Leslie Coverse (post-production supervisor), Shalonda Ware (senior production finance manager at Paramount Studios), Korey Pollard (DGA assistant director), and Miranda Carnessal (location manager).
Florida offers several incentives for filmmakers. Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Hillsborough Counties, and Jacksonville have their own programs that supplement the state’s entertainment industry sales tax exemption. Across these regions there are over $30 million available in incentives with some locations providing up to $2 million per project.
The Tampa Bay program will master certify production assistants in areas such as on-set protocols and paperwork. Graduates will be entered into Stage 32’s Certification Portal for potential job opportunities within Florida and beyond. Top-performing participants are guaranteed work on professional productions for IMDb credit.
John Lux, Executive Director of Film Florida said: “Film Florida is thrilled to partner with Stage 32 to bring world-class training to our members and elevate Florida’s film industry. By providing access to Stage 32’s certification program, we’re empowering our film commissions and organizations to build a robust, skilled workforce, starting with this exciting program in Tampa Bay.”
Amanda Toney, Managing Director of Stage 32 added: “Stage 32 is honored to collaborate with Film Florida to strengthen Florida’s production ecosystem. After successfully training talent for over 50 film commissions worldwide, including an impactful program with St. Pete/Clearwater, we’re excited to launch this initiative in Tampa Bay and expand opportunities for below-the-line professionals across the state with Film Florida.”
Tyler Martinolich from Film Tampa Bay commented: “Film Tampa Bay is proud to partner with Stage 32 to cultivate local talent and elevate our region as a premier filming destination. This program not only equips aspiring professionals with essential skills but also strengthens our creative economy.”
Film Tampa Bay becomes the 51st commission globally—and joins others in states like Pennsylvania and Texas as well as international partners—working within the Stage 32 network of more than one million creatives.
Stage 32 was launched in 2011 and connects over 1.3 million people worldwide through its education library of more than 3,500 hours of content related to film and television crafts and business topics. The company partners globally—including Netflix and the Cannes Film Festival—to provide training opportunities.
Film Florida acts as the chief marketing organization for TV, film, and digital media industries within the state. It aims to unify stakeholders from various sectors of the screen industry while advocating for economic development tied directly to entertainment production.
For additional details about discounts offered through this partnership or information about each organization’s mission visit www.stage32.com or FilmFlorida.org.
