Is Florida the next Hollywood?
by Hans Hernke

"Is Florida the next Hollywood?" This question I have been hearing for years ever since I got started in the film industry, and it still remains to this day. Are more big budget films and TV shows going to start making Florida's film industry future promising? I hope one day it will be. It bothers me to see the fewer opportunities down here. I had the chance to visit the Universal Backlot in Hollywood, California. What I saw would make a Floridian cry. I was in total awe of the production I was seeing done there, they were actually filming a scene for the upcoming "The Hulk" that day. But look at Universal Orlando's backlot, its just dead most of the time! Why? I want everyone who has their dream and goal to succeed in the film industry. Three of the biggest factors I've notice to making a successful career is self promotion, working for free, and auditioning.

Self promotion might make people who aren't in the film industry jealous, but consider yourself a business. You as an actor/actress are trying to sell yourself to a wide network of people to get hired. Promote yourself and what your currently doing to make yourself known. Networking with other industry professionals totally ties in with all of this. Working for free is another major factor. Offer a helping hand on the set, even if you are the actor. Help someone out, or give positive input when it is needed. There are many times where I have been asked to help with setting up shots, lighting, and sound. You can learn so much more by doing this. Its the best of both worlds! I encourage all of you who are actors and actresses to offer a helping hand on the set, and to educate yourself more on what life is like behind the camera. A film set can be best described as a team, working together to succeed. Do you see how this industry fits together? Another factor is auditioning. Audition as much as you possibly can, even if your in SAG, I encourage you to do nonunion auditions for practice. And to those who aren't in SAG, keep nailing those auditions and eventually, a SAG audition will come your way. I was nonunion for a while, I auditioned many nonunion auditions, some I got the parts for and some I did not. But my SAG audition came my way and I landed it. Practice does make perfect! The words I speak are not just from my thoughts, but from what I have been taught through other actors, agents, casting directors, coaches and even my photographer! I hope to see Florida's film industry provide more opportunities for actors and actresses who have a dream to make it one day. I encourage people in high schools who want to seriously do this as a career to start as early as you can. Pursue drama and theater, get headshots and an agent, taking acting classes and get out there and promote yourself! Most of all, stay focused in school and maintain good grades.

In closing, we must all pull together, encourage one another, and help each other out to make a difference in Florida's film industry! Best of luck to everyone and God bless!