A Film Incentive Act is to be introduced in the next session of Parliament, according to Bahamas Governor General Arthur Hanna.
The Act is designed to stimulate the expansion of this sector and the great opportunities for Bahamians in the film industry.
The Act, along with others, is designed to support the robust tourism economy, the Governor-General said, noting that the Bahamas achieved a second record setting year in total tourist arrivals in 2005, receiving more than five million visitors.
Demand for the islands of the Bahamas remains high, he said. Significant improvement in the following areas will reap rewards for the islands of the Bahamas.
The Government plans to forge ahead with plans for the Downtown redevelopment, including the straw market, expand and improve Nassau International Airport, and a new or expanded cruise port facility.
There will also be renewed focus on training in the tourism sector and awareness programs for the general public.
The Government also plans to introduce amendments to the Timeshare Act, which have been debated for more than two years.
Chairman of the Bahamas Films Commission, Craig Woods, announced several plans in January to boost the film industry, and to position the islands of the Bahamas as a premier filming location in 2006.
Mr Woods said the Commission planned to re-launch itself globally, further developing its website, bahamasfilm.com.
The Commission would also like to develop a film production guide this year, and coordinate an ongoing project with the Film Florida, with whom the Bahamas is the only country in the region to have membership.
Mr Woods said representatives from the Commission planned to attend several of the major film festivals around the world, to continue to market the Bahamas as a prefect filming destination.
Next week, movie producers working on the film, James Bond: Casino Royale, plan to start shooting in New Providence.
Last year, the Bahamas enjoyed having four major films shot here, as well as 50 fashion shoots, 28 documentaries, 47 television productions, six music videos, and 51 still photography and catalog shoots.
By: A Felicity Ingraham
The Tribune
