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Film Commissions, Schools, and Festivals
In this article we pro?le key stakeholders in the audiovisual sector such as ?lm commissions, ?lm schools and ?lm festivals in the Caribbean region. library of different locations in the Bahamas. A production guide is also developed of local talent, production services and accommodation on each island. Caterers, actors, boat captains, Film Commissions models, marine videogra phers/ photographers, personal There are minor differences in the assistants, music publishing, characteristics and services of the underwater stunt actors are a few regional ?lm commissions. of the talents listed. Emergency Generally, the commissions medical services, trucking and facilitate the process of scouting cranes, ?oral and environmental talent and locations, attaining ?lm designers are also some of the licenses, work permits and duty services available. Bahamians are free entry of equipment for ?lm While most commissions operate invited to “Join the Guide” by production companies. Assisting from one location, mainly their submitting a description of their ?lm crews with ?nding local home base, the Bahamas Film and services; this provision aids in the services is a focal point in the Television Commission has six development of the local industry function of the commissions. The locations. The commission has by providing employment. The commissions maintain a list of two of?ces in the Bahamas, one in ?lm commission has facilitated local production companies, the U.K and three in the U.S that approximately 160 television talent such as actors and models, are located in the West, South and commercials, feature ?lms, custom brokers, accommodation East Coast. Their website television series and specials, and a photo library of prime provides information that covers many of which are ?lm crews locations. Details on the climate, all aspects of ?lming in the from abroad. Most recent shoots the people, culture, language and Bahamas. Producers can apply for are Ugly Betty and an ELLE ?lm locations are also provided a permit, or ?lming license online fashion photo shoot in Nassau. by the commissions. In most while having access to a photo
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cases, the commissions would act on behalf of the production company and liaise directly with the various government departments and agencies. Production companies, across the board, are however, required to submit an application which details the project; the budget, the number of staff requiring work permits, a list of all the equipment that would be imported along with the serial number and a time frame for completion of the ?lm.
The services provided by the Bahamas Film and Television Commission are not exclusive to the sector; commissions within the region operate in a like manner by facilitating ?lm crews through the necessary steps to ?lm their project. On average, ?lm crews can expect to begin ?lming at least 11 days after submitting their application to the ?lm commissions; the chart below highlights the days needed in each territory. The Bahamas has a keen focus on welcoming foreign ?lm crews and likewise, the other commissions are determined to develop an infrastructure that provides services for on-location ?lming. The commissions in Belize, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have implemented policies to build the capacity of the local ?lm industry and related sectors.
Volume 1 September - November 2010