Trinidad & Tobago Film Opportunities

Film Academy was invited to a film industry business and investment presentation at the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in Central London on Monday 25th June 2007.

Attendees included UK Film Council and Trinidadian actors Rudolph Walker (EastEnders), pictured above with film business consultant Duncan Isaac and former Casualty star Martina Laird, pictured below.

Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean nation taking the lead in developing a film industry. It has established the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC). The Twin island nation is offering a 30 per cent tax rebate to production companies worldwide to film in both islands.

The new film rebates are set at a rate higher than many other more established film territories and range from 12.5 per cent for productions costing up to £260,000, to 15 per cent for productions costing up to £520,000 and a further 30 per cent rebate for productions over £520,000. This can result in savings of up to £50,000.

Trinidad & Tobago Film Company CEO Carla Foderingham (pictured left) said, "It is our intention to create a vibrant film and TV industry that will see Trinidad and Tobago become the premier production centre of the Caribbean.

We are making a late entry as an active film-producing country and, as such, it's a really exciting time for us all. I would implore film-makers and location managers in the UK and Europe to consider us for future productions."

There are several in house production companies offering a range of services, including location and talent scouting, editing and post-production special effects. Indian film Dulha Mil Gaya is currently finishing its second schedule in Trinidad & Tobago.

The TTFC also administers the only dedicated film fund in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Other speakers included H.E. Glenda Morean Phillips S.C. High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. (pictured right)

The evening rounded off with a Carribean buffet and an alcoholic punch served by waiters, while a steel drummer played in the background.

Situated below the hurricane belt, Trinidad and Tobago offers a tropical climate all year. The dry season runs from January to June and the rainy season starts in July and ends in December.