| Caribbean: From the Beaches to the Big Screen |
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| Written by Carl Hansen | |||||
| Tuesday, 06 May 2008 | |||||
Page 2 of 3 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Striking landscapes that reflect multiple cultures, a highly attractive incentive structure, skilled local crew, and a favorable exchange rate (which helps facilitate lower production costs) are all reasons to shoot in the country. “Trinidad and Tobago differs significantly from its regional counterparts,” reads the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company’s (T&T) website. “The two islands present unique contrasts with Trinidad’s exuberant, cosmopolitan style complemented by Tobago’s quiet charm and soulful simplicity. Pristine coastlines, rainforests, mountains, savannahs, quaint fishing villages, multi-cultural sites, and a variety of architectural styles create exquisite backdrops for stories set in the Caribbean or other landscapes.” Trinidad and Tobago’s film sector began emerging in the late 50s to early 60s, and by the late 70s there were a handful of local productions, both feature film and television. Along with an outstanding geographic location, the country has substantial resources for the production of feature films, with a well developed theatrical community (playwrights [and] experienced production crews).” Tricia Stephens, marketing manager of T&T, compiled information on various productions that have shot there recently. They include: Children of Soca, directed by Claude Santiago for AND Productions; Ainori, directed by Yoshiyuki Uetake for Bookmark Inc.; Empire’s Children, directed by Elizabeth Dopson for Wall to Wall Media out of London; and Dulha Mil Gaya, directed by Masroor Mudassir Aziz for Maverick and Insight Productions of Mumbai, India. According to Stephens, T&T offers “panoramic mountain vistas, secluded beach hideaways, rustic countryside villages, contemporary towers of mirrored glass, all reflections of life in T&T, and contrasting views of two islands: one exuberant and richly cosmopolitan and the other picture of soulful simplicity. This diversity is mirrored throughout Trinidad and Tobago’s landscape. We are a land where Hindu mandirs, Muslim mosques and British Colonial great houses are as commonplace as the ultra-modern commercial towers of Trinidad’s capital city and the multi-dollar homes of our suburban communities. Here, six-lane highways give way to picturesque mountain roads and country lanes.” The Film Company now has a competitive rebate incentive “with a view towards attracting international producers to Trinidad & Tobago,” explains the website. “This incentive, the Production Expenditure Rebate Program, provides cash rebates up to 30 percent for expenditures accrued while filming in our twin island paradise.”
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