JACKSONVILLE, Florida, Monday, September 4, 2024 — The City of Jacksonville would like to congratulate the Fostering Filmmakers Grant recipients, Michael Carter, Jaron Wallace and Alexa Wint. Each will receive $10,000 towards their independent feature film.
This grant program evolved from an idea put forth by Mayor Deegan’s Arts, Culture & Entertainment Transition Committee, which led to budget legislation championed by City Council Member Rahman Johnson and passed by the Council. The program is managed by the City’s Film & Television Office, which is a Division of its Department of Economic Development.
“Congratulations to these talented Jacksonville filmmakers,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “I wish them great success with their upcoming films and thank them for featuring Jacksonville in their work. The Fostering Filmmakers Grant is not only supporting these creative people and their projects, it’s elevating the reach and reputation of Jacksonville’s growing film industry.”
Council Member Rahman Johnson added, “I applaud the efforts of these gifted filmmakers in receiving the Fostering Filmmakers Grant. As a working member of SAG/AFTRA in Television and Film productions for more than 20 years, I am excited to support this effort that will attract business to Jacksonville and keep the production community in Jacksonville working for years to come.”
Below is brief information on each grant recipient:
Michael Carter is a director, writer, actor and producer. He was in the United States Army and throughout his military career of 22 years, he was able to perform, coordinate and plan the logistics for the United States Army Soldier show, a $3.5-million-dollar production. After retiring, he was introduced to his first film, here in Jacksonville, as a supporting actor in a Tall Paul Production. His first production was called, ‘What Goes Around Comes Around’, shot by CASII Films and won 8 film festival awards and 12 official selections. He started getting behind the camera to write, produce and direct short films: ‘Earl and Willie’, ‘What’s to Be Expected’ and a web series called ‘The Lives We Live’. His film, ‘How I Got Twenty’, and a movie he shot for ID4 Nation, ‘Rights of A Father’, recently premiered in Jacksonville. He currently is assistant director for the upcoming feature film, ‘Future Soul.’
Jaron Wallace is a Jacksonville, Florida native and FSCJ alum, where he double majored in digital media and theatrical arts. As a versatile freelance filmmaker specializing as a cinematographer, director, actor, and editor, Jaron has built a career working on countless short films, music videos, commercials, and feature films. In 2023, together with his 48 Hour Film Project team, Jaron achieved global recognition for their film, ‘Threshold’, by winning Best Film at Filmapalooza in Los Angeles. This accolade earned them an invitation to attend and screen their work at the prestigious Festival de Cannes in France.
Alexa Wint has directed and produced television commercials, music videos, brand videos, recruitment videos, narrative short films and documentaries. Her narrative work has garnered her awards such as best film, best writer, best editor, and best cinematography. Alexa's documentary short ‘Giving Hope’ helped to raise over $15,000 in donations for the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge. A born competitor, Alexa has participated in the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, winning Best Film in 2021 & 2023. Alexa has also participated in the LOL JAX Film Festival and the Creative Veins Naughty or Nice Film Challenge, during which she won Best Film in 2023.
For additional information, visit: www.filmjax.com.
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving nearly one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Randy White. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov.
###