PB Film

FORMER INTERN SET TO BECOME NEXT FILM COMMISSIONER

The Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission’s Board of Directors selects Deputy Film Commissioner Michelle Hillery to lead the organization (FTC), starting October 1, 2022. Michelle is a 26-year veteran of the Film Commission, where she began her career as an Intern back in 1997. Film Commissioner Chuck Elderd, who has served in the role since 1989, often touts Michelle’s history with the FTC. He says Michelle is “profoundly talented in so many ways that qualify her to become the next Film Commissioner. I’m confident she will surpass everyone’s expectations.” As Deputy, Michelle has supported the work of the Film Commission by supervising the staff and operations of the film office. Michelle also oversees the FTC’s finances, budgets, contracts, and an annual audit conducted by an independent accounting firm. In addition, Michelle is the Executive Producer of the annual Student Showcase of Films red-carpet award show, Florida’s largest statewide film competition.

Michelle is also a Past President of Film Florida, serving two terms from 2014 to 2016. Before that, Michelle served four terms as the organization’s first Vice President. In addition, Michelle is a member of Film Florida’s Marketing, Legislative, Strategic Futures, and Film Commission Council Committees. She’s also an advisor on other boards, including Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Gardens’ Five Star Magnet Program.

Michelle has worked with features such as Bad Boys II (Will Smith, Martin Lawrence); Heartbreakers (Sigourney Weaver, Ray Liotta); In Her Shoes (Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine); Parker (Jennifer Lopez, Jason Statham); independent films such as Hitters Anonymous and Boynton Beach Bereavement Club; and music videos, including It’s 5 Five O’Clock Somewhere (Alan Jackson with Jimmy Buffett) and Celine Dion’s A New Day Has Come.

Under Michelle’s leadership, the FTC was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Florida Association for Career & Technical Educators. She has been recognized for her support and dedication in education by Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Gardens High School. She is also a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County class of 2001. Michelle is a graduate of Palm Beach State College, and resides in Lake Worth with her husband Sean and their two children. Learn more about Michelle and the rest of the FTC team by visiting pbfilm.com/staff-directory.