But, as panelists at the Bahamas Film Festival pointed out, there is a lot more it can do. It is because of these attributes that the country is experiencing such an “outstanding year” in the film industry, Bahamas Film Commissioner Craig Woods said Friday at the official opening of the first Bahamas Film Festival at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.
The festival, which concludes on Sunday, will feature short films, documentaries, music videos and commercials from Bahamian writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and actors at Galleria Cinemas’ John F. Kennedy Drive location.
From the $50 million After The Sunset production late last year to the $2 million film Captain, My Captain starring Morgan Freeman and Forest Whitaker later this year, The Bahamas is now attracting more filming projects than it did with 1980s films, such as Jaws. The country is also attracting small-budget films such as Three, directed by Diane Kirman, which is presently being filmed on Eleuthera. This film, which has a budget of $5 million, is expected to pump a million dollars into the island’s economy.
“We’ve met with production companies. We’re going after photo and celebrity shoots,” said Mr Woods. Among those celebrity shoots are two calendar photo shoots with the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills cheerleaders. In addition, a production company is interested in scouting the island of Bimini in May or June to film the movie, On A Starfish.
With the films, photo shoots and commercial opportunities come job opportunities for Bahamians as cinematographers, light technicians, casting directors, stage hands, actors and other behind the scenes work.
Artie Malesci, stunt coordinator for CSI-Miami, a top-rated show in the U.S., and director and producer Morgan O’Sullivan praised The Bahamas as one of the top spots for films and photo shoots, particularly for its scenery and “movie-friendly” weather.
“Location equals more money for the Bahamian economy,” said Mr O’Sullivan, and added, “through political will and government incentives, more production companies will flock to The Bahamas.”
Mr O’Sullivan compared The Bahamas to Hawaii, as they both have the ability to couple beauty and weather to attract television producers and location managers.
“There is no reason why a television series can’t be here,” he said.
Mr Malesci, who has worked in The Bahamas with underwater movie scenes, praised this country for its reefs, marine and island life. He further implored Bahamian filmmakers and the Bahamas Film Commission to continue to target major production companies.
The first day of the Festival concluded with a premiere screening of My Old Man, which was written, directed and produced by Bahamian Celi Moss, who also stars in the film. The screening was at Galleria Cinemas.
Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
