Project Vision
Clermont has quietly served as a backdrop for over 50 films, television productions, documentaries, and independent projects dating back to the 1920s. Clermont on Screen transforms one of the town’s most hidden assets into a year-round cultural and economic initiative while celebrating film history and driving downtown engagement.
Through a blend of digital storytelling, interactive tours, culinary delights, and community events, Clermont on Screen takes Clermont’s film history and turns it into a dynamic placemaking initiative that offers something meaningful for every generation and interest. From history enthusiasts and creatives to families and visitors, the initiative connects people to Clermont – and to one another – through a unique series of shared experiences that touch all points of the Main Street mission.
Clermont Film History
In 1922, Clermont wooed the Juanita Film Company from Tampa. With her rolling hills, abundance of lakes, "city" streets, and rural farms, Clermont offered a plethora of ready backdrops for filmmakers. Juanita joined Clermont Comedies with the ambitious plan of releasing two films a month. The board included Doyle Carlton, a man who would be Florida's Governor before the decade ended. Juanita constructed a studio at 254 West Osceola Street, and soon famous actors like Bobby Burns and Beth Haskew were working alongside local residents who joined in as extras. The presence of Juanita Films might even be the key to the mystery behind the naming of Juniata Street. Historians surmise it might have been a misspelling of Juanita!
The people of Clermont largely embraced Juanita, and many became stockholders in the company. That made it all the more challenging when the company dissolved after two years with little explanation.
Despite the absence of a studio, the filming didn't stop! A 20+ minute video showcasing life in Clermont was recorded and sent around the country to encourage people to move to Clermont.
In the last 100 years, Clermont has been home to large and small budget projects - from documentaries to music videos to feature films! The buildings and population may have changed, but the beauty of Clermont still shines.
After discovering our long film history, Clermont Main Street decided to highlight and amplify it. Local filmmakers were seeking an historic downtown for their next film, and Clermont Main Street convinced them this was where they wanted to be!
The cast and crew arrived in February 2026 for five nights of filming and returned a few weeks later for some additional shots. Onlookers enjoyed watching how movies are made, South Lake State College students obtained real-world experience on a set, and the film cast and crew loved all Clermont had to offer.
In 1922, Juanita Films brought 1500 people to Clermont to watch a screening of their film. In 2026, Clermont Main Street intends to break that record as we screen The Nearly Forgotten Incident's opening and documentary. Stay on the lookout for updates!
A Look at Where it All Started.
Take a journey back in time with this rare footage of downtown Clermont, Florida, in the 1920s.
Source: Doris Bloodsworth on Youtube
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