Pinellas film commissioner resigns for same job in Dallas

ST. PETERSBURG — Tony Armer, who has led the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Commission since 2014, is resigning his position to become the film commissioner in Dallas.

“I see a lot of potential to make the film, TV and creative industries in Dallas as big as the personality” of the city, he said in a prepared statement. “I’m looking forward to engaging with the community and making Dallas a go-to destination.”

On Jan. 1, Armer will begin his new role as commissioner of the Dallas Film & Creative Industries Office, which operates as part of the tourism bureau Visit Dallas. He will remain with the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Commission until then.

Armer told the Tampa Bay Times that he will assist with the search for his replacement and the transition.

In 2006, Armer founded the Sunscreen Film Festival along with friend Derek Miner to bring independent cinema to Pinellas screens. The festival remains an annual event.

Eight years later, he took the job as film commissioner to bring productions to Pinellas.

Since then, Pinellas has become a hub of independent film, made-for-television movies and reality shows.

“Being the film commissioner for Pinellas County since 2014 has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Armer said. Pinellas “has been my home since 1995 and I absolutely love this area. I couldn’t ask for more than to represent our community to the world. I’m so proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish over the last eight plus years.”