Redevelopment agency approves $1M for MEC film complex

The City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency Board has approved a $1 million allocation for planning, designing, permitting and initial retrofitting of the Miami Entertainment Complex, GlobeSt.com reported. The project will see an 82,000-square-foot building transformed into a state-of-the-art mixed-use film production facility.

“Downtown Miami is in a unique position to nurture a strong and vibrant film industry,” said Marc Sarnoff, City of Miami commissioner. “We have all seen the powerful effect that the city’s exposure in film and TV shows has on tourism and the local economy. Beyond that, there are also many local aspiring filmmakers, budding writers, directors, producers and actors who would thrive in a facility that offered a place to create, collaborate and hone their craft.”

The facility will feature two sound stages, a motion capture studio, editing suites, screening rooms, production offices and rooms for other production functions. Experts estimate that it will take $7 million to $10 million to complete the project, which will take about 18 to 24 months. [GlobeSt]