SUBJECT:
Title
MOTION: Marion Insider’s Guide
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DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the Tourist Development Department contracted with MAVEN photo + film and Digital Fury, LLC to capture video and photography assets highlighting the tourism offerings in Ocala/Marion County. Additionally, the FY 2024 - FY 2026 Long Range Tourism Plan was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on October 17, 2023. Since the adoption of that plan, several initiatives have commenced and many will be addressed through though FY 2025 budget.
This agenda item is related to a marketing and sales goal, specifically to promote hidden gems and niche markets through earned, owned and paid media. Several key initiatives were identified to accomplish this goal, namely increasing distribution of creative content on all digital channels.
The Marion Insider’s Guide will serve as a new platform to reach visitors, and potential visitors, to bring to life experiences in Ocala/Marion County that may not be easily experienced via written word or imagery. This project will be a video-based program that will exist in both short form (Facebook and Instagram) and long form (YouTube). These videos will also complement blog content on ocalamarion.com and promote the OcalaMarion Travel Guide App.
The contracts with both MAVEN photo + film and Digital Fury, LLC will be amended to include the following services necessary for filming four (4) episodes. Digital Fury, LLC will handle main production shoots (A-roll including on-cams and interviews) and the supporting B-roll footage that will be delivered to the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (OMCVCB) and produced by Marion County Public Relations to create the long form episodes. MAVEN photo + film will focus on capturing vertical footage of on-screen talent, vertical b-roll, and drone footage (horizontal and vertical) of each location, which will be used to produce teaser reels for social media, leading up to the release of each episode. The OMCVCB will have full ownership of all of the files. Upon approval at today’s meeting, the Procurement Services Department will prepare the contract amendments for the April 16, 2024 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Neutral; additional expenditure of $54,800 as approved in the FY 2023-24 budget. Funding from CP155552-548101.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners to approve spending up to $54,800 for the Marion Insider’s Guide project.
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