Bob Allen, a former Disney executive known for his work in entertainment production, has been named the 2025 Film Florida Tourism Ambassador. The award is given by Film Florida to individuals in the entertainment industry who serve as ambassadors for the state.
Allen received the honor during the 2025 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Championsgate, Florida. The award was presented by John Lux, Executive Director of Film Florida.
“In the 1980s and 90s, Florida was the #3 film and television production destination in America. Central Florida had a lot to do with that, and Bob Allen was instrumental in that success,” said Sandy Lighterman, President of Film Florida. “For more than 15 years, Bob was truly the convergence of tourism and film and television production in Central Florida as he was responsible for the production and post production facilities at the Disney-MGM Studios that worked on thousands of projects. Bob was responsible for thousands of jobs in Central Florida. Whether it was attraction workers on those backlot tours showing off production studios, or whether it was someone like me who worked on the projects on the sound stages and post production studios.”
Allen began his career after graduating from the University of Colorado in 1976. He joined Disneyland’s live entertainment division before developing media programs for Tokyo Disneyland and working as an Imagineer on attractions for EPCOT. When EPCOT opened in 1982, he moved to Orlando. With Disney’s announcement of its MGM Studios project in 1985, Allen became a key figure overseeing its production operations. In later roles, including Vice President of Disney Production Services Inc., he managed all facilities at Disney-MGM Studios as well as Disney IDEAS.
“Florida has always benefited from the convergence of screened entertainment production and tourism,” Allen said. “They are mutual market amplifiers, and both industries are enhanced by the deeply beneficial partnership with statewide tourism and economic development organizations Film Florida has established. I am fortunate to have been part of it and grateful for the recognition of my peers.”
Since 2015, Film Florida has partnered with VISIT FLORIDA to recognize individuals each year who have contributed to both tourism and film or television production. Previous recipients include Burt Reynolds, Sharon Gless, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Vanilla Ice, and Burt Wolf.
Film Florida serves as a marketing organization for TV, film, and digital media industries within the state. Its mission includes supporting all aspects of screen industry activity—from commissions to education—and promoting economic development through entertainment-related tourism.
