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Filmmaker pitches 'A Mother's Christmas' to Deltona; commissioners raise city funding concerns
Summary
Adam Rivera presented a proposal to film "A Mother's Christmas" in Deltona and outlined distribution and investor terms; several commissioners said they would not support city funding, and the commission did not move the item forward for placement on an upcoming agenda.
Filmmaker Adam Rivera presented a pitch Monday for shooting the motion picture "A Mother's Christmas" in Deltona, describing cast members, a four-week production schedule in late November and December 2025, and investor return terms; commissioners expressed strong reservations about city financial support and did not advance the project to a formal agenda vote.
Rivera, who identified himself as a Deltona resident and an industry professional with 36 years of experience, described the story and a proposed production plan. He said the film would be an "experimental production" including nonunion and SAG-AFTRA talent, listed prospective distribution partners and described investor recoupment: "investors are typically paid back 120% of the initial investment before any profit sharing occurs," he said, and outlined a production budget allocation and marketing plan.
Commissioner Santiago told Rivera he was not in favor of the city investing in the film, saying the city has more pressing infrastructure needs: "This city has, a lot more that we need to do for our residents, and I don't think the movie is 1 of them. We have flooding issues. We need sidewalks. We need, a lot of infrastructure improvement in the city. And therefore, I will I cannot and will not support a movie in Deltona." Vice Mayor Harriet said his "preference would not be to continue it any farther." The mayor asked whether the commission wanted to place the item on a future agenda; with no consensus and expressed opposition from multiple commissioners, the commission took no action to place the project on an upcoming agenda.
Rivera said the production would prioritize hiring local residents, offer internships and expect a positive economic impact for Deltona businesses. He also presented an equity and revenue waterfall structure and a distribution letter from Camelot Studio Group. Rivera said the production27s four-week shoot would start in late November and run through December 2025 and that investors would receive on-set visits and credit in the film27s credits.
The commission did not vote on the proposal or approve any city funding; the item was presented and then left without placement on a future meeting agenda.
