Bill Grefe to speak in Orlando on Monday

Florida’s Motion Picture Experience Through the Eyes of a Legend

Altamonte Springs, Florida – Florida Motion Picture & Television Association (FMPTA), Metro Orlando Chapter is proud to present Mr. William Grefe, FMPTA’s Co-Founder, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and Metro Orlando Chapter Life Member as well as Film Florida Legend, as its honored guest and speaker on Monday, August 15th at 7:02 pm at the Hilton Orlando, Almamonte Springs. A reception for Mr. Grefe precedes the presentation at 6pm.

William Grefe’s career began as a television writer, and when the opportunity presented itself, he turned to writing feature films. During the production of his first motion picture script, THE CHECKERED FLAG, the movie’s director became ill and Grefe was drafted into assuming the director’s chores. He brought the film in ahead of schedule and it ended up grossing ten times its negative costs. Riding the wave of that first big success, Grefe continued to write, produce and direct many theatrical, money-making motion pictures including STANLEY, MAKO and CEASE FIRE.

Grefe’s film and television career has run the gamut from Producer/Director of over 25 feature films, to chief operating officer of three film companies. He has directed countless TV commercials for major corporations such as General Motors, Whirlpool and Bacardi. He is a filmmaker who has the reputation of controlling the budget, yet delivering quality film. He is an all around filmmaker who has worked as a producer, director, writer, executive producer, line producer, studio executive, and distributor whose feature films and television shows are being shown theatrically, on TV, cable, video tape, and DVD worldwide. He is not only an internationally known filmmaker, but is a respected business man and executive who has excellent experience in film distribution. He has advised and negotiated distribution contracts for dozens of companies and individuals.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have Bill, as our founder, reach out to me, expressing his pleasure of the FMPTA’s current activities and that he has agreed to share his experiences with us,” explained Metro Orlando Chapter President and State President, Thomas P. Mitchell, Sr. “We are honored to be in the presence of an FMPTA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and a Film Florida Legend and look forward to experiencing Florida’s motion picture history and opportunities through his eyes.”

Reception and presentation are open to the public.

FMPTA serves the motion picture, television, audio recording, theater, and digital media industries in the State of Florida. Members include producers, directors, casting agents, cameramen, actors, stuntmen, technicians, make-up artists, set designers, equipment rental companies, recording studios and trade/craft services.

Contact – Linda Nesmith, FMPTA, Metro Orlando at (386) 873-2453