Looking to Make it “Happen in Florida”

The chance to play a role in the development of a television series doesn’t come along often for most people, whether it’s on their bucket list or not.  

But that opportunity is presenting itself to anyone who participates in the free, upcoming showing of a test-reel for a comedy filmed exclusively in Collier County entitled “It Happens in Florida.” 

The “proof-of-concept video” - a short film designed to generate investor support and public interest in a series pilot – will be screened on July 26 at Cracklin' Jack's restaurant, located off Collier Boulevard, at 2560 39th St SW, in Golden Gate Estates.  

“It Happens in Florida” centers on the relationship between Raymond, a staid, polished professional, and Oscar, an eccentric hitchhiker from his past. Raymond is heading to his high school reunion when they unexpectedly encounter each other. Their reconnection results in surreal misadventures as they road-trip throughout Florida, rekindling their unlikely relationship, with Oscar’s erratic behavior humorously contrasting with Raymond’s button-down existence.  

As John Sokolich, the prospective series’ executive producer, has said previously, “Overall, it's a story about an odd couple and a growing friendship.” 

The screening’s purpose is to gauge the audience’s reactions to the proof-of-concept video, which will be used to secure funding to produce a pilot episode. The pilot will be part of a “pitch deck” - a presentation designed to sell an idea to potential investors, distributors, and networks, with the goal of securing funding and distribution on a major streaming platform. 

A successful fundraising campaign will make possible a 10-episode debut season, shot in Collier and featuring Marco Island beaches. Collier County is home to most of the “proof-of-concept videos” cast and crew. The alligator and snakes, as well as their handlers, are from Kowiachobee Animal Preserve in Golden Gate. 

The project is a true family affair for the production company dubbed Katastrophic Films. 

A former print journalist, John Sokolich is also the screenwriter and story editor. His wife, Tara Dunleavy-Sokolich, is a fellow executive producer, as well as the assistant director and line producer. The director’s chair is occupied by their daughter Kaitlyn, aka “Kat.” The 2019 Palmetto Ridge High School grad earned a film studies degree from Eckerd College. After receiving her degree, she spent several years in L.A. working as an assistant director for production companies and freelancing in the film industry before returning to the family’s Golden Gate home.  

“Floriduh Man” was the project’s original name, a nod to the humorous, nationally recognized cultural archetype of the Sunshine State’s male population’s uniquely off-the-wall, attention-grabbing, news-making exploits.  

The light-hearted meme provided inspiration for the Sokoliches, but rather than being a storyline focal point, Florida Man’s eccentricities play a supporting role to exploring more meaningful topics. The name change became necessary when the HBO comedy “It's Florida, Man” debuted in October.  

“There was a lot of debate,” said John Sokolich. “We went through a lot of different names and finally, we're like, you know, it just happens in Florida, so let's name it “It happens in Florida.” 

A certain contentious topic that dominates the news cycle and many psyches isn’t part of the mix.  

“It’s not political. There’s no political comedy. We're not leaning one way or another,” explained John Sokolich. We're trying to make Florida its own character, so the funny stuff that happens is real Florida. You know, some of us might take for granted what's happening in Florida: seeing the alligators and stuff. But outside of Florida, that's a whole new world. And so we're trying to make the state and the community itself a character in the show.” 

The public screening will start at 6:00 PM. The all-ages affair will include games, a Florida Man lookalike contest, gift basket raffles, scratch off tickets, t-shirt sales, giveaways, and live music by the Ochopee musician Gator Nate. 

And there’s more registering for a chance to be on screen.  

“One of the other cool things that we're doing is for the pilot episode,” said John Sokolich. “We need a lot of extras in it. We have two to three crowd scenes in the pilot, and so some of the people that win will get to be cast as an extra in the pilot episode.”