Voices Of Ybor City Captured On Film By HCC Students

TAMPA, FL — To tell the story of Ybor City's unique history as well as the longtime businesses that have helped shape the area, the Ybor City Development Corporation has partnered with the digital TV, radio, film and media production department at Hillsborough Community College to produce a series of short-form videos.

HCC students are visiting key businesses and locations throughout the district for the multi-part series. Each video will be shot and produced by the students highlighting their individual artistic styles of storytelling.

Finding ways for students passionate about the industry to get real-world experience despite the coronavirus pandemic is essential to the continued growth of the film industry in Tampa, according to Film Tampa Bay’s Executive Director Tyler Martinolich.

“With reduced opportunities related to COVID-19, now more than ever it is important to help students connect their in-class learning with practical experience," he said. "HCC is a valuable community partner, and this is an excellent opportunity for their students to not only gain experience but also help grow the economy and business opportunities in their community. This shows true leadership and community-minded thinking by HCC and the YCDC."

Using onsite interviews and background information provided by YCDC, the students’ videos will highlight the intertwined connection between economic growth and local history that is at the core of Ybor City’s strengths. Videos will feature business owners, architects, Ybor residents, historians and government officials who represent the voices of the district. Once filmed, the students will then edit and finalize the production of each video, creating an eclectic series.

“Any opportunity that gives our students real-world experience and training is valuable,” said Nerissa Lamison, chairwoman of the HCC digital TV, radio, film and media production department. “This opportunity is particularly unique because our students know the area so well. The businesses they are working with are ones they regularly visit or walk by on their way to class, so it’s exciting for them to highlight a community they know and love.”

For the Ybor City CRA, the partnership is an ideal way to continue developing a diverse workforce in Ybor City.

“This partnership with HCC allows us to provide exposure to the restoration of historic Ybor while it also offers workforce improvement opportunities to our local students in an innovative way. It truly is a win-win for Ybor City,” said Courtney Orr, manager of the Ybor Community Redevelopment Areas and Ybor City Development Corporation.

The first trio of videos is scheduled to wrap in early summer. Once complete, the videos will be shared through the YCDC website, social media and other media outlets. Each semester a new group of HCC students will have the opportunity to put their own spin on Ybor City.