Virginia Is For Film Lovers

March 26   -   8:00 AM 
The Historic Byrd Theater

The Virginia Film Office is part of the Virginia Tourism Corporation and has a mission of increasing revenue to the state through the production of filmed products including television shows, feature films, videos, documentaries, and commercials. A study by Mangum Economics found that Virginia’s combined film, television and new media industry brought a total economic impact of over $647M to the Commonwealth in 2020.

Rita D. McClenny serves as president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). Before joining VTC in 2012, she served as the Director of the Virginia Film Office. Rita serves on the boards of directors for the U.S. Travel Association, the National Council of State Tourism Directors, the Aerospace Advisory Council, and numerous other organizations.

Andy Edmunds is the current Director of the Virginia Film Office. He is a Virginia native, a graduate of VCU, and an accomplished musician and songwriter. Andy has worked with the most notable filmmakers of our time including Terrence Malick, Ridley Scott, Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg.

OUR HOST

2908 W. Cary Street

“Richmond’s Movie Palace” was built in 1928 and named after the city’s founder, William Byrd II. Some film industry executives thought that the public would always prefer silent films, so the theatre was outfitted with a large Wurlitzer organ. The Wurlitzer still works and is regularly used for special events including Encorepreneur’s upcoming meeting.

The most notable interior feature is the large chandelier hanging over the auditorium that uses 500 colored lights to illuminate over 5,000 Czechoslovakian crystals. But a closer look will also reveal canvas oil painting of Greek Mythological figures, Italian and Turkish marble, and velvet drapes.

In 1978, the Byrd was designated a Virginia Historical Landmark, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places just one year later. Since 2007, the theatre has been owned by the Byrd Theatre Foundation, whose purpose is preserving it. Nearly all of the theatre is in its original state; only the screen, sound system, and concessions have been replaced or installed since the Byrd’s opening. Directions