The City of Ocala is seeking approval of a two-year, $190,000 contract with a local video and film production company to produce and manage concerts throughout the year.
The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for providing events, concerts, and other performing arts services featuring national, regional, and local artists. According to the city, staff members lack the expertise and equipment to provide concert production and sound services in-house.
In 2017, an Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 Study for Ocala/Marion County showed a return of $3 for each $1 that was spent on cultural arts activities, according to city records. A large part of this return came from events, concerts, and performing arts programs.
On July 21, 2022, the City of Ocala issued a request for proposals from companies that provide concert series production and management services. A total of five proposals were received, and each proposal was evaluated by the city’s selection committee on September 20, 2022.
After reviewing the proposals, the selection committee chose the top three companies: Dillon Video and Film Productions, Inc. (Ocala), Oniram Productions, Inc. (Ocala), and PK Productions, Inc. (Plantation). On October 19, 2022, these companies provided presentations to the committee members, and Dillon Video and Film Productions, Inc. was ultimately selected.
On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, the contract between the City of Ocala and Dillon Video and Film Productions, Inc. will be presented to the Ocala City Council. City staff feels that the agreement would provide the resources needed to continue the high-quality concerts, performing arts, and events that Ocala residents have come to enjoy.
Under the contract, an annual cost of $95,000 would include audio production services ($68,000), backline expenses ($17,000), and contingency funds ($10,000). The backline expenses, which are usually around $500 per band, include rental equipment such as musical instruments and amps that are required by the artists.
In total, the two-year agreement would not exceed $190,000, and it would include two (2) optional two-year renewals. Each concert production would be negotiated and pre-approved on a task word order basis, according to city records.
Along with production services, Dillon Video and Film Productions, Inc. would assist in negotiating contracts with national and regional acts to obtain the best artist price, secure all sound and lighting equipment for each concert, assist in sponsorship development, and act as a resource for other events that are sponsored by the city.
City staff recommends approval of the contract with Dillon Video and Film Productions, Inc. The city council members will decide whether to accept or deny that recommendation during their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 15.
The Ocala City Council meets at 4 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month at Ocala City Hall, which is located at 110 SE Watula Avenue.