“We made it so easy for them”- Sandy Lighterman Reveals the Major Reason Florida Does It Best for Will Smith’s ‘Bad Boys’, ‘Road House’, and More

Florida is way more than just beaches. It has historically been one of the most sought-after locations for shooting in Hollywood. In fact, there was a time when every truck and beer commercial was shot in the Sunshine State. However, recent political tensions with Hollywood’s perceived ‘wokeness’ and socialist leanings have made scripted movie and TV shoots a rare sight in Florida these days. Nonetheless, thanks to some recent projects like Will Smith’s latest Bad Boys and Netflix’s Road House, the potential of the American state in moviemaking has come to the front yet again. 

Recently, Sandy Lighterman, President of Film Florida, broke it all down for all the filmmakers. 

Why filmmakers should turn to Florida after Will Smith’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die?

The Sony Pictures sequel Bad Boys: Ride or Die cruised through a string of Florida locations. In an interview with Variety, Sandy Lighterman revealed that all the beach scenes and the stunt scene on Ocean Drive for the upcoming movie were filmed in Florida. Stating the reason for this, the film commissioner for Broward County said, “That was because we made it so easy for them”. There are numerous factors contributing to Florida’s appeal for filming.

Firstly, Florida’s year-round shooting potential is a major draw card for filmmakers. From hills to springs and everything in between, the state has diverse locations, that too with easy accessibility and permit costs that will not break the bank. And with top film schools like Full Sail and UCF, finding skilled crew members becomes a breeze for filmmakers. While filming in Florida has definitely helped Bad Boys: Ride or Die save some cash, the film is yet to overcome its challenges. 

One major hurdle for the upcoming movie is the question of whether it will become Will Smith’s highest-grossing film.

Why Bad Boys: Ride or Die is unlikely to outshine Will Smith’s previous projects?

The previous Bad Boys movie was a box office success in 2020 and enjoyed regular release before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry. With the upcoming Bad Boys: Ride or Die sequel scheduled for a June 7 release, hopes are high for a successful summer run as well. However, the movie needs to surpass at least $1 billion in earnings to claim the title of Smith’s biggest movie ever, a title currently held by the 2019 live-action Disney remake Aladdin.

Nevertheless, the 55-year-old actor appears to prioritize a return to mainstream popularity through safe bets rather than chasing record-breaking success. Even if the upcoming Bad Boys falls short of surpassing his earlier films, it still has the potential to turn a profit and revitalize his career after all the career damage he endured with the 2022 Oscars. And while Florida has several advantages for filmmakers, the debate over tax incentives- arguably the most crucial factor, is still unresolved.

What do you think about Bad Boys: Ride or Die being shot in Florida? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!