As in photography and real estate the most important words to remember are location, location, location. Christopher Columbus was the first to describe Jamaica. “the fairest isle I ever did see”Jamaica is synonymous with love, romance and breathtaking scenery. The island has been a popular location for print and film photography in recent years. Productions such as documentaries, fashion shoots and music videos have all been coming to Jamaica.
It was three decades ago that the Jamaican government realized the importance of supporting its burgeoning cinema industry. Simple math made it easy. The economic success of small countries can be significantly impacted by film productions. Film productions provide employment for skilled workers, as well as training and experience opportunities for those less-skilled. They also generate significant revenue for many other ancillary companies. These include lodging and catering services for large casts and crew, and transport for equipment and personnel. Their work also generates direct income. This revenue is used to promote Jamaica as an attractive vacation destination. Jampro, Jamaica Promotions Organization (Jamaica Film Commission) was founded in 1980s as an all-encompassing resource to help film producers. It simplifies the production process and increases Jamaica’s attraction as a tourist destination.
It is simple. For commercial films scripts need to be submitted Mrs. Dell Crooks (the Film Commissioner) for approval. Jamaica is very protective of their brand. Film Commission approves the recommendations and approvals of local liaisons. This is followed by assistance from the Film Commission in clearing all red tape related to work permits and licenses. Jampro’s role directly in supporting this effort and the success of this cooperation is a testament to Jampro’s contribution. “location Jamaica”The large number of international productions that use Jamaica as their primary location is a testament to Hollywood Studios and other international production houses.
Jamaica has a wide range of terrain, from lush rainforests to white-sand beaches and waterfalls to mountain peaks to lush forests to mountains. This makes it possible to shoot scenes that are geographically different in one location, which saves time and money. Jamaican areas have been used for Africa and Southeast Asia as well the U.S., England, and of course the larger Caribbean. Over the years, Jamaica was the main location of many Hollywood films, including Dr. No. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and The Harder They Come. If you’re looking for locations used on past film shoots or taxi drivers, they will gladly point them out. Major fashion magazines and houses use Jamaica to produce their summer and cruise catalogs, editorial spreads, and magazine covers, including Brooks Brothers and Teen Vogue. Some recent commercials shot in Jamaica include Slimfast, Carnival Cruise Lines and Clairol.
The competition in the Caribbean for Hollywood productions has increased over the years. Many Caribbean islands are willing to offer cash incentives in exchange for hosting big-budget projects. Jampro recently announced they were shifting their efforts to attract more commercials and tv business in addition the feature film industry. The strategy is already proving to be successful with some small productions.
Maxine Walters, a U.S.-based line producer promotes Jamaica. Contact: maxinew@cwjamaica.com. The Jamaica Film Commission website is located at http://www.filmjamaica.com. Contact: (876) 978-7755 or email dcrooks@cwjamaica.com Location, Location, Location
**For more information visit http://www.jam-boree.com, Jamaica’s visitor website, the complete source for travel and tourism information featuring hand-picked deals on vacation packages, hotels, villas, flights and car rentals**