A FILM Commission would go a long way in advancing the interests of the industry in Barbados.
That’s according to Acting Prime Minister Richard Sealy.
Sealy, who is the substantive Minister of Tourism, was speaking at the Caribbean Tales 2012 symposium called Caribbean Film Commissions: Business Opportunities And Best Practices, yesterday at the Island Inn.
Speaking on the topic Vision For Establishing A Film Commission And The Audio-Visual Industry, Sealy said he understood the need for a clear vision in creating the body.
Sealy said the audio-visual industry was a vibrant and dynamic sector from which Barbados could benefit and he encouraged the industry to exploit the benefits of the European Partnership Agreement (EPA).
“The same way the European Film Festival has found a ready audience in Barbados, as has the Caribbean Travelling Film Showcase, I envisage an opportunity for films produced by the likes of Marcia Weekes, Alison Saunders, Russel Watson, Tom Cross and Penelope Hynam-Roach to be shown in the European market.”
The minister told film producers to use the upcoming Barbados Network and the eighth African Diaspora Heritage Trade conferences here in August and September respectively to push the local film industry.
Sealy also said the youth should be involved in dialogue on the cultural industries, “linking their vision to ours and giving them true ownership of the audio-visual industry”.
In supporting a point by Alison Saunders, co-chair of the symposium who had earlier spoken about the commission, the minister said it should also develop local industry practitioners.
He said it was “a fact that the visitors are saying no longer are they going to come to our shores for sun, sea and sand; they want to come to experience what it is to be Barbadian and West Indian”.
A push
On the commission, Saunders said:?“We want to engage the business community particularly on incentives that would make it more attractive for businesspeople to invest in the audio-visual sector. We want to begin a dialogue with relevant Government departments for the incentives and other factors that influence the visual production.”
“More important, it is the view of the Barbados Film and Video Association (BFVA) that our Film Commission should be stimulating our local industry, developing and enhancing our own talent and allowing that creativity to the fore, not just attracting people to come here and leave.
“But we want to develop our own stories, productions and our skills, and partner with other producers.” (JS)
