Head of Physical Production
Tony Armer is an experienced Film Executive and the Head of Physical Production for Talon Entertainment Finance. He plays a key role in bringing projects to Talon’s premier facility, South Side Studios Dallas, helping establish it as a top destination for high-level productions in Texas.
What is Talon? Talon Entertainment Finance is a dynamic independent company that supports a diverse slate of films—from Paul Schrader’s acclaimed Oh, Canada (starring Richard Gere and Uma Thurman) to genre-driven titles like Bookworm (with Elijah Wood) and the upcoming Kenneth Branagh-led Atonement. With a full-service model that combines equity, debt, and now their flagship South Side Studios Dallas facility, Talon is uniquely positioned to shepherd projects through every stage of production.
Sunscreen Film Festival
Tony Armer co-founded the Sunscreen Film Festival in 2005 alongside Derek Miner. The festival celebrated it’s 20th year in 2025. Over the past two decades, the festival has grown to an internationally recognized powerhouse drawing filmmakers and attendees from across the globe.
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Ranked on Film Freeway as one of the Top 100 Film Festivals worldwide out of over 14,000. Sunscreen showcases great independent films, has a strong emphasis on education, and draws celebrities and entertainment professionals to sunny St. Petersburg, FL, each spring.
Film USA – National Impact
INDUSTRY FIRST
First national association of its kind
Film USA is a national, non-profit trade organization co-founded by Tony Armer and Katie Patton Pryor, bringing together nearly 100 state and regional film commissions under one unified umbrella to promote and expand the U.S. film and television industry. The organization works to increase global competitiveness, improve access for industry professionals, and grow U.S. content exports.
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In addition to fostering business relationships and elevating the worldwide presence of American film and TV, Film USA plays a key role in job creation and economic development through strategic marketing and streamlined communication. On a national level, Film USA is actively working with major industry stakeholders and numerous government and private entities to advance U.S. production interests.
FILM USA
UNITED STATES FILM COMMISSION
Film Commissioner Experience
Leading film commissions to new heights and transforming regions into thriving production hubs
Dallas Film Commissioner (2023–2024)
Following his achievements in Florida, Tony brought his expertise to Dallas where he was film commissioner from January 2023 to August 2024. He quickly made an impact by:
- Securing major soundstage investment within his first three months.
- Implementing innovative workforce development initiatives.
- Creating strategic marketing campaigns that elevated Dallas’s industry profile.
- Revitalizing the city as a competitive film production hub.
St. Pete Clearwater Film Commissioner (2014–2023)
From 2014 to 2023, Tony Armer led the St. Petersburg Clearwater region through a historic period of growth and success:
- Transformed the area into a thriving hub for independent filmmaking.
- Hosted 18 feature film productions in 2022 alone.
- Achieved success without the benefit of a state film incentive program.
- Earned national recognition from MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “Top 25 Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker” for three consecutive years (2021-2023).
Tony Armer's leadership as a film executive transformed our region into a filmmaking destination, creating jobs and economic impact even without state incentives. His innovative approach and strategic vision set a new standard for film commissions nationwide.
TERMINAL KILL
Terminal Kill – A Gritty, Cold War Spy Thriller from Award-Winning Filmmaker Tony Armer.
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What if a shadow organization recruited the dying to do their dirty work?
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Terminal Kill is a pulse-pounding graphic novel based on Tony Armer’s award-finalist screenplay, a suspenseful, emotionally charged spy story about sacrifice, conspiracy, and survival.
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Kendra Volkov has months to live. Her son is 10. Her mother has Alzheimer’s. She’s offered a solution by the mysterious Mr. Griffin, assassinate a ruthless Russian human trafficker, and in return, her family will be cared for. Forever.
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But not everything is as it seems. She’s not a trained killer. Just a mother with nothing left to lose.
Writer/Director
Tony Armer
Letters
Joel Saavedra
Pencils, Inks & Colors
Luke Stone
In Memory of
Dale Pople
Colors
Patrick Gama & Mikaella Fusco de Campos
Executive Producer
Heather Armer
ABOUT TERMINAL KILL
Writer/Director
Tony Armer
Letters
Joel Saavedra
Pencils, Inks & Colors
Luke Stone
In Memory of
Dale Pople
Colors
Patrick Gama & Mikaella Fusco de Campos
Executive Producer
Heather Armer
Executive Producer
Heather Armer
Filmmaker & Creator
Award-Winning Director, Writer, Producer
Tony Armer is an accomplished film executive, creative producer, writer, and director whose work spans feature films, television, and documentary storytelling. In addition, he has helped develop and produce multiple films that secured theatrical release and North American distribution through Lionsgate. Furthermore, he serves as Executive Producer of Life’s Rewards, the Amazon Prime series backed by Visit Florida and Brand USA.
A terminally ill single mom is recruited by a mysterious agent to assassinate the ruthless leader of a human trafficking ring for the promise of a better future for her son.
Additional Filmmaking Experience
As a writer, Tony’s original screenplay Terminal Kill was named a Top 5% finalist in Screencraft’s Action Screenplay Competition and is currently being developed into a feature film that he will be directing. Additionally, his work in documentary filmmaking includes the award-winning Running with Demons and Portrait of a Superhero, both of which have earned international recognition.
Tony brings a unique combination of creative vision and executive oversight to every project, with a proven ability to guide stories from concept to distribution on a global scale.
Director
Award-winning direction across multiple formats
Writer
Acclaimed screenplays and documentary narratives
Producer
Theatrical releases and streaming content
Education & Teaching
Combining academic excellence with industry experience to mentor the next generation of filmmakers
Academic Excellence & Industry Experience
Tony Armer has played a significant role in film education throughout his career, combining academic credentials with real-world experience to mentor and teach aspiring filmmakers. In addition he holds an MFA in Film and TV and has taught film and media courses at the college level.
Workshops & Educational Programs
As a film commissioner and co-founder of the Sunscreen Film Festival, Tony has created and led dozens of educational programs, hosting workshops, classes, and panel discussions at major events worldwide.
Dallas Film Podcast
Tony created the Dallas Film Podcast, where he hosted 60 episodes and interviewed top-tier guests, including Oscar winner Roger Deakins and his wife James Deakins of Team Deakins, along with many other high-level industry professionals.
Featured Episodes
Team Deakins: The Art of Cinematography
With Oscar winner Roger Deakins & James Deakins
Voice of Dragon Ball Z
With industry experts and successful producers
Oren Soffer - Cinematographer/The Creator
Insights from studio executives and independent filmmakers
Industry Relationships & Market Presence
Building global connections and partnerships across the film and television industry
Tony Armer maintains deep connections across the global film and television industry through active participation in major film markets and high-level industry events. Additionally, he regularly attends premier international festivals and markets including the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM), Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest (SXSW), and the American Film Market (AFM).
Through these events, Tony builds and strengthens relationships with studios, distributors, streamers, financiers, production companies, sales agents, and government agencies. Whether hosting panels, leading industry discussions, or engaging in one-on-one meetings, he uses every opportunity to promote collaborative partnerships and create new avenues for production, financing, and distribution. Not only that, his extensive global network is a key asset in connecting projects with the right people and platforms to succeed.
Key Industry Relationships
Through these events, Tony builds and strengthens relationships with key industry
players to create new opportunities.
Major Film Markets & Festivals
Tony regularly attends premier international festivals and markets, building
relationships and creating opportunities.
Creating Opportunities Through Connections
Whether hosting panels, leading industry discussions, or engaging in one-on-one meetings, Tony uses every opportunity to promote collaborative partnerships and create new avenues for production, financing, and distribution.
His extensive global network is a key asset in connecting projects with the right people and platforms to succeed in today’s competitive entertainment landscape.
Networking Activities
Industry Panels & Discussions
Leading conversations on industry trends and opportunities
One-on-One Meetings
Building personal relationships with key industry players
Networking Events
Participating in exclusive industry gatherings and receptions
In today's global film industry, relationships are everything. I'm committed to building bridges between talented creators and the resources they need to bring their visions to life. Whether it's connecting filmmakers with distributors or helping productions find the perfect location, these industry relationships drive success for everyone involved.
Press & Media
A Recognized Industry Voice
Featured in hundreds of media outlets across print, television, radio, podcasts, and online platforms
The film industry is evolving rapidly, with new distribution models and production technologies creating unprecedented opportunities for filmmakers and regions alike. The key is to stay adaptable while maintaining a focus on compelling storytelling.
Tony Armer is a recognized voice in the film and entertainment industry, having been featured in hundreds of media outlets over the course of his career. He has conducted extensive interviews across print, television, radio, podcasts, and online platforms—speaking on topics ranging from film production and economic development to industry trends and festival leadership.
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From local news segments and national radio interviews to international trade publications and red carpet coverage, Tony’s insights have reached a global audience. His ability to speak fluently across both creative and business aspects of the industry has made him a go-to expert for journalists, broadcasters, and content creators seeking credible commentary and perspective.
Television
National & local broadcasts
Radio
Interviews & discussions
Magazines & newspapers
Podcasts
In-depth conversations
