Often overlooked in its contribution to film history, Florida has played a key role in creating the modern entertainment industry. This presentation discusses how Florida became a “third coast” to the American film and television industries over the past one hundred years. Starting with the first film pioneers in Jacksonville during the 1900s and 1910s to South Florida’s television boom during the 2000s and 2010s, Florida has inspired countless exciting stories captured by the camera.

This talk as promised would give an overview of what I consider the ten best films and television shows made in Florida that are about Florida. I’ll include short excerpts of the films and share neat behind-the-scenes stories about them.

This talk would focus on Florida’s silent film industry and how in the 1910s it out produced California nearly 3 to 1. This would be a deep dive in the film companies that shaped Florida’s silent film industry and the politicians who supported or fought to expel the “movie-people” to the West Coast.

I accompany this talk with a screening of The Flying Ace (1926), which is a 60-minute adventure film directed by Richard Norman and filmed in Arlington, Jacksonville. Along with the screening I provide a background of Richard Norman Studios and a brief history of the race film industry. Since the movie is public domain, there are no issues with rights or redistribution.

This talk covers Florida’s springs and their unique role in shaping the American motion picture industry. Featuring iconic films such as Creature from the Black Lagoon and tv shows including Sea Hunt, Florida’s springs have had an outstanding role in creating unique and inventive stories.