Soon everyone will be talking about the silent film museum.

In 1916, Jacksonville was “The Winter Film Capital of the World” and home to more than 100 movie studios. That year, white filmmaker Richard Norman built a five-building studio complex to create silent movies for black audiences. He established an independent black cinema that portrayed positive images of African Americans. Norman Studios is the only remaining silent-era film studio in Jacksonville; during the silent-era heyday, the town was filled with studios and companies that included Lubin, Metro Pictures, Edison Studios, Gaumont, Vim and King Bee.

Between 1920 and 1928, Norman produced short films and six full-length features aimed at black audiences, including The Green Eyed Monster (which he produced first as a white drama), The Bull-Dogger, starring Bill Pickett, and The Flying Ace, the only Norman film in existence. The property, owned by the city, consists of the main production building where Norman’s films were developed and screened, a generator shed, a small cottage where actors changed costumes and a prop storage shed. In 2002, a renovation project began to restore the studio to its original condition for use as a silent film museum, and fund-raising is still in progress.

The grand opening is planned for 2008 with a screening of The Flying Ace. For more information, visit www.normanstudios.org

Florida's gorgeous beaches, tropical weather and captivating scenery make it one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. Thanks to our unique attractions and friendly climate, the Sunshine State is quickly becoming one of the most desirable locations for big-time film and television production. “CSI: Miami,” Miami Vice and Transporter 2 are only a few of the many successful projects produced in Florida over the past five years.

But Florida's extraordinary landscape and weather aren't the only factors attracting movie producers and studios to the Sunshine State. The Florida Film Commission has been instrumental in establishing a solid relationship between the entertainment industry community and Florida. The commission brings industry professionals to this unique production location by providing the best in industry-related services. They also help facilitate movie and video projects by acting as a liaison between government officials and industry representatives and providing financial incentives. Ultimately, their contributions help promote Florida tourism and business while making it a top location candidate.

Want to know more about the Florida Film Commission and get a sneak peek into upcoming projects? It's all at www.FilminFlorida.com, the official website of the Florida Governor's Office of Film and Entertainment. There you'll find up-to-date policies and procedures on production and tax exemption, online production guides, applications for project eligibility and listings of stages and studios. Want to become a part of the industry? The Florida Film Commission also provides a complete list of guilds, unions and associations, as well as talent and model agencies.