The Tribune

Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) officials promoted the island’s film production potential when in Los Angeles for the recent Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS).

“Since we were in the heart of Hollywood it was only reasonable to take advantage of the location, and use the opportunity to meet face-to-face with several executives in the film industry,” said GBPA president, Ian Rolle.

Grand Bahama’s film industry potemtial has increasingly become an area of interest for the Government and private sector entities, following the filming of major blockbusters such as the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ sequels on the island.

Mr Rolle said that as part of the GBPA’s new marketing initiative, emphasis is being placed not only on the island’s tourism attributes but its potential for business activity as well.

“The Bahamas has long been a favourite filming location for movies, videos, commercials etc,” he added.

“It is our aim to capitalise on this familiarity and showcase unique opportunities for filming that Grand Bahama offers, such as duty exemptions, diverse landscapes and the open water film tank at Gold Rock Creek, which is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world.”

Joining the Bahamian delegation at the ALIS booth was Bahamian athlete and Hollywood actor, Rick Fox. Fox, who stars in the latest Ministry of Tourism TV ad that debuted during the Super Bowl, was more than eager to make formal introductions of the Bahamas to Hollywood producers.

During their time in Los Angeles, members of the Bahamas mission visited the set of the American sitcom, ‘Mr Box Office’, created and produced by Byron Allen’s production company, Entertainment Studios, starring Rick Fox and other notables such as Bill Bellamy, Vivica A. Fox and Essence Atkins. Mr Rolle presented Mr Allen with the GBPA’s new investor kit, featuring cutting-edge print, audio and video materials.

Briefings were also held with Je’Caryous Johnson, chief executive of Je’Caryous Johnson Entertainment. He is one of the most sought-after writers/directors/producers in the industry. Known for adapting best-selling novels into plays, some of his works include - Men, Money & Gold Diggers; Whatever She Wants; and I’m a Good Man...You’re a Good Woman...Why Can’t We Find Each Other.

The GBPA said Mr Johnson is already planning a shooting scouting visit to the island.

“Grand Bahama definitely will be a wonderful place for film and TV production, and I will certainly do all that I can to advance this thought into fruition,” he said.

“We are being very proactive in our approach,” said Ginger Moxey, GBPA vice- president, of the Port’s drive to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).

“It was wonderful meeting a roster of Hollywood producers in LA, and we look forward to developing mutually rewarding relationships as we seek to make Grand Bahama the destination of choice for amazing film productions.”