Local producer Donald E. Barton will be presented with the 2009 Jacksonville Film Industry Award at tonight's film industry reception where members of the Mayor's Advisory Board on Motion Pictures, Television and Commercial Production, City Council and the Jacksonville Film & Television Office will gather to celebrate this year's highlights in local filmmaking and production.
Barton was selected for this award for his significant contributions to Jacksonville's film industry. He has been very active in the film industry through his work at local film companies such as Russell Film Company, Consolidated Media, DB & Associates and Barton Films, Inc. Barton is co-founder of the Florida Motion Picture Producers Association, a charter member of the International Quorum Motion Picture Producers and is past chairman of the Governor's Council on Motion Picture and Television Production.
Four new members join the Mayor's Advisory Board. They are Heather Duncan, regional director of Corporate Community External Affairs at AT;T; Fred Franklin, attorney with Rogers Towers; Dr. Nadia Ramoutar, director of film at the Art Institute of Jacksonville and Tony Haines, president of Digital Video Arts.
“The film and television industry is a key contributor to our local economy and continues to aid the city's reputation for this very competitive business,” said Mayor John Peyton. “I congratulate Mr. Barton for his efforts and also commend all of the dedicated workforce and talented individuals who work hard to ensure the prosperity of this industry in Jacksonville.”
About the Film & Television Office
The Jacksonville Film & Television Office, a division of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC), works with local film, digital media and related businesses to enhance job creation and economic development throughout the region. An essential part is attracting new film and video production to the area including motion pictures, television movies, commercials, music videos, corporate industrials and still photography.