Jacksonville’s Film Industry in the 1900s + Showcasing “Dead in the Water,” a Local Full Feature Film that’s Coming Soon in Spring 2022!

Several weeks ago, we did a poll in our Instagram stories asking if you were interested in Jacksonville’s local film industry. Guess what?

84% of you said YES!

These results are fantastic because Jacksonville is no stranger to the film industry, and we hope it will only get bigger.

If I was to tell you that before Hollywood California became “Hollywood,” Jacksonville was home to over 30 film studios, was cranking out films for black and white audiences, and was dubbed the “Winter Film Capital of the World.” would you believe me?

It makes a bit sense because back in the 1900’s most films were produced in New York, and when the cold winters hit, folks in the film industry sought out a warmer climate. The warmer weather was easier on their filming equipment, but they also wanted a location with plenty of sunshine to avoid having to use expensive artificial lighting.

Eager not to be left out of the film industry boom in Jax, noted local architect **Henry J. Klutho** built a studio warehouse of his own in 1916.

Jacksonville was only a short 26-hour ride down south, and the subtropical climate gave producers the exotic landscape they sought after. It was a win-win situation.

In 1908 the first silent film studio opened, and shortly after that, bigger studios like Vin Comedy and Thanhouser Film Corp also decided to set up shop in Jacksonville. Jacksonville’s downtown streets were bustling with film crews and actors, and film studios dotted the landscape.

**General note:** This image was collected by filmmaker William “Billy” Bletcher (1894-1979) while working for the Vim Comedy Company between 1915 and 1917. The small film studio was based in Jacksonville and New York. The company produced hundreds of two-reel comedies (over 156 comedies in 1916 alone). Before going out of business in 1917, it employed such stars as Oliver Hardy, Ethel Burton, Walter Stull, Arvid Gillstrom, and Kate Price.

However, around 1917 the film industry in Jacksonville was starting to crumble. It wasn’t just one big reason, but several substantial ones that prevented Jacksonville from its reputation of being a homeland for movie production.

Residents complaining about the movies running the town, the Mayor of the time who supported the film industry lost the vote, world war I, influenza breakout, and companies’ mismanagement created the perfect storm. Jacksonville had a lot of bad luck.

In this rousing photo from about 1916, Gaumont Studios films a scene in Jacksonville. The footage appears to be for a prison flick, with the inmates burning their work camp.
Source: www.jaxhistory.org

Fast forward today, Jacksonville is home to a small handful of very talented screenwriters, producers, and actors. Although many Jacksonville residents in the film industry have to travel out of state for work, a handful can pull-off projects locally.

Alex Willemin, left – Erik DeCicco, right

Erik DeCicco, left – Alex Willemin, right

One example is the upcoming full feature film called: “Dead in the Water.” This soon-to-be local film will be the works of Alex Willemin. Who happens to be Professor at JU in film and theater. The movie will be filmed all over Jacksonville, FL, and some of the staff and crew are film students from JU.

Dead in the Water is the (mostly) true story of failed French settlements in the US. While set in 1562, the themes of betrayal, self-reflection, and absolution are just as relatable today. If that doesn’t sound fun, a reanimated corpse and psychedelic mushroom trip should be good for a laugh.

Knowing that 84% of the Explore Jacksonville community is interested in local film projects and most of the resources and talent are rooted in the local community sends a message that Jacksonville hasn’t entirely lost her film industry feathers. Which makes us at Explore Jacksonville very happy.

To further support your local film industry, consider making a small donation to the “Dead in the Water” fund to help pay and feed the cast and crew. They would greatly appreciate even a mere $3 donation because several small donations can quickly add up to $$$ of dollars in contributions.

Facts about the film:

Film Studio: Alix Filmworx
Genre: History, Satire
Directors: Alex Willemin
Length: 80 – 90 mins (estimated)
Film Location: Jacksonville, FL
Actor: Tyler Graham, Erik DeCicco + more to come

The fundraiser page linked HERE!

Thanks for reading this post. We appreciate your continued support of Explore Jacksonville and the film industry in Jacksonville, Florida.

Stay happy and never stop exploring!

Esther Rimert

Esther Rimert