News Summary
Florida State University (FSU) is progressing with plans for a new film school following its acquisition of the former Regal Governor’s Square theater. The school aims to have a dedicated space for film students, enhancing training opportunities and hosting events. With the theater’s renovation, FSU will move its Center for Cinematic Innovation to this location, marking a significant milestone for the program that has faced challenges in securing screening venues.
TALLAHASSEE – Florida State University (FSU) is moving forward with plans for a new film school following the recent acquisition of the former Regal Governor’s Square movie theater. The university has officially announced that it is seeking companies to begin demolition and initial construction work at the site, which will serve as a dedicated facility for its film program.
The purchase of the theater was finalized in January after it closed permanently in December, with the acquisition costing approximately $4 million, a reduction from its prior listing price of $4.6 million. The theater spans 43,242 square feet and features 12 auditoriums, making it an ideal venue for FSU’s film students, faculty members, and alumni to showcase their work.
FSU has contracted Tallahassee-based Mad Dog Construction to act as the general contractor for this project. The university has put out a request for bids for various subcontractor services, including demolition tasks, concrete work, and painting, as part of the preparations for the theater’s renovations.
Once completed, the facility is set to operate primarily as a theater, allowing students to screen their films. Furthermore, FSU plans to transfer its Center for Cinematic Innovation, known as Torchlight Studios, from its current location in Midway, Gadsden County, to the new site. This transition marks a significant step towards enhancing the university’s filmmaking capabilities and providing a dedicated space for student projects.
This acquisition signifies the first time FSU’s film school, which has been active since 1989, will have a space entirely devoted to its academic endeavors. Previously, the film school faced challenges in securing proper screening locations and often resorted to borrowing or renting venues. The Governor’s Square site will replace the FSU Student Life Cinema as the main venue for film screenings related to the film school.
Moreover, the project opens doors for a new entrepreneurial feature film program, which aims to foster innovation and creativity within the local film industry. The Dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts at FSU noted that this acquisition represents a transformative opportunity for the school, significantly enhancing its stature and operations.
Over the past six years, FSU has actively searched for a theater in Tallahassee suitable for its film program’s needs. The new facility will enable the university to host cinema-focused events and themed film festivals, enriching the cultural landscape of the region while providing students with valuable industry connections and hands-on educational experiences.
FSU’s leadership, including the university’s First Lady and President, have expressed strong support for the acquisition. The film school ranks among the top 20 in the nation, receiving recent rankings of 17 and 11 from different publications, thereby emphasizing its burgeoning reputation in the film education sector.
Looking ahead, the new theater will not only serve as a screening venue but also has the potential to offer innovative shooting and technology resources, implementing modern production techniques that can elevate the quality of student work. As plans progress, FSU aims to solidify its position as a leader in film education while contributing to the local creative economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Events to Enjoy This Weekend in Tallahassee
Local Schools Launch Football Season with Thrilling Matchups
Florida State University Adopts New 3-3-5 Defensive Scheme
Train Night Celebrates Railroad History in Tallahassee
Tallahassee’s Unique Art Exhibition Celebrates Black Joy
Leon County School Board Approves Budget and Policy Changes
FSUFilm Rises in Rankings with New Facility Acquisition
Tallahassee Film Festival Celebrates Local Talent
Tallahassee Set for a Weekend of Various Events
Cultural Weekend Events in Tallahassee
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Opens Bids for Film School Renovation Work
- WTXL: FSU Enhances Film Program with Theater Acquisition
- The Famuan: FSU Acquires Regal Theater
- Hollywood Reporter: Best Film Schools 2025
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Plans to Acquire Regal Governor’s Square Theater
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
- Google Search: Florida State University Film School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
