Written by on Apr 13, 2012. Posted in Incentive News

Plans for Barbados Film Commission and incentives up for discussion

Plans are underway to develop a dedicated film commission in Barbados, along with location filming incentives. Ideas are due to be discussed today (13th April 2012) at the CaribbeanTales Symposium that will take place at the Island Inn Resort in Barbados.

The CaribbeanTales Film Festival Steering Committee and the Barbados Film and Video Association (BFVA) are running an event called Caribbean Film Commissions: Best Practices and Business Opportunities. Part of the discussion will focus on what Barbados has to gain from introducing filming tax incentives.

It is vital for our local business persons to learn how they can position their businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that tax incentives and a Barbados Film Commission will offer.

Ben Arrindell, CaribbeanTales Symposium Co-Chair

Ben Arrindell is former Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association and will co-Chair the symposium: “I am pleased that some members of our business community have already indicated their interest in attending the Symposium since it is vital for our local business persons to learn how they can position their businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that tax incentives and a Barbados Film Commission will offer.”

Alison Saunders is a communications consultant, filmmaker and Chair of the Advocacy Committee of the BFVA. She will co-Chair alongside Arrindell: “Apart from audiovisual services, beneficiaries of increased film production include hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, food manufacturers, accountants and legal practitioners.”

The Symposium will also hear from film commissioners from places like Trindad & Tobago, which offers a 30% cash rebate, and Dominican Republic, which offers a 25% tax credit.