Millions earned from film productions in Jamaica

 

Jamaica has earned in excess of US$12 million from film productions in 2022.

 

That's the word from Renee Robinson, Film Commissioner at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

 

Speaking with Radio Jamaica, Ms. Robinson said since the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, the number of registered film productions have returned to pre-pandemic figures. 

 

In 2022, she said, the industry contributed more than US$12 million to Jamaica's GDP as a result of 74 productions and the hiring of about 1,500 people. 

 

In recent years, high profile projects such as the latest James Bond movie No time to Die, along with US reality shows, Love and Hip Hop Family Reunion and Real Housewives of Atlanta have filmed scenes on the island.

 

In the year the James Bond film was shot in Jamaica, the country earned US$18 million from the film industry. 

 

Ms. Robinson noted that these productions are able to generate these kinds of funds because a raft of local people are able to benefit, including production, technical and camera crew, as well as people in construction, drivers, caterers, costume designers, as well as places of accommodation.   

 

Delano Seiveright, Senior Advisor in the Ministry of Tourism, said Jamaica also benefits from the promotion of the island through these film productions. 

 

"The mere fact that Jamaica is being showcased on national television across the United States of America and online globally, the value of that in advertising dollars is tens of millions of US dollars, which we don't have. So that is a great value to Jamaica because it's essentially free promotion for your country," he pointed out.