The Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida has become the picturesque backdrop for a new Christmas romance movie titled ‘Christmas in Clearwater.’ The film, produced by Country Mile Entertainment, began filming last week and is set to highlight not only the beauty of Clearwater but also the unique spirit and mission of the local aquarium.
Spotlight on Clearwater
Joe Handy, CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “This project shines a spotlight not only on the beauty of Clearwater and our aquarium, but also the incredible story, connections and spirit that make this community so special.” The collaboration with Country Mile Entertainment aims to showcase the community’s values and the aquarium’s dedication to animal care.
Holiday Romance with a Local Touch
The storyline follows a career-driven woman who returns to her hometown during the holidays to close a business deal at the aquarium, only to rekindle a romance with a high school sweetheart who is now the chief veterinarian there. The plot thickens as they work together to save the aquarium from corporate threats, weaving in the real-life mission of the aquarium into the narrative.
John Harris, Founder and CEO of Country Mile Entertainment, explained that the film’s script evolved with input from the aquarium’s animal care team, ensuring the animals’ roles were authentic and integral to the story. Director Lindsay Hartley noted, “We were adding more to the story than I thought. They actually are in the water with them. So, it is a romance movie, but it is also about the magnificent animals that you guys have here and the care that you are showing.”
Local Talent and Community Spirit
Several crew members hail from the Clearwater area, which influenced the decision to film at the aquarium. Actor Ignacyo Matynia praised the well-trained animals, emphasizing the trust and care they receive from their handlers. Katrina Norman, another star of the movie, expressed her admiration for the experience, drawing parallels to her own life and the theme of returning home.
While the production team is still determining which streaming platform will host the film, they are hopeful for a release by this Christmas, allowing audiences to enjoy a heartwarming story that celebrates community and conservation.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
