The Tribune

THE Bahamas generated $5 million in revenue from the 247 film and TV-related projects attracted to this nation last year, the Ministry of Tourism revealed yesterday.

Its Bahamas Film and Television Commission said these projects included The Bahamas Life with HGTV, a 13-episode show shot in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco.

Others were Cooper's Treasure, a treasure hunt TV series seen on Discovery Channel, which was filmed on Grand Bahama; a full season of Ex on the Beach, a reality show seen in the UK and Sweden; numerous documentaries on marine life and deep sea diving; and photo shoots with the likes of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition, Victoria's Secret, Marks & Spencer and H&M.

"Films have an economic value as they provide employment and new revenue for our country. The Bahamas Film and Television Commission, a department in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, takes the lead on this," said Travis Robinson, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

He added that while the Bahamas was happy to receive business from the international film industry, the Government was looking forward to local filmmakers showcasing their work.

The Bahamas Film and Television Commission has already hosted a Movie Masters series in partnership with the University of the Bahamas. The event brought together local and international filmmakers and directors to share knowledge about the industry, and provide lessons to budding Bahamian filmmakers.

"We are pleased that the local television and film industry has found its way here to help move in that direction. We are also grateful for our visiting producers, and our more prolific Bahamian producers who have agreed to assist others and knowledge through this forum," Mr Robinson said.

"We look forward to full and fruitful relationships with the University of the Bahamas in this regard. I hope our filmmakers will create more compelling content and distribute it to the world."

Commission officials are continuously looking to bring major feature films to the Bahamas. Among films previously shot in the Bahamas are Casino Royale, two Pirates of the Caribbean films, Scooby Doo, After the Sunset and Why Did I Get Married Too.