Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

Those involved in the creative and business aspects of the film industry are now able to take advantage of new production tools developed by Film TT. Film TT General Manager Nneka Luke said these tools increase the film friendliness of T&T for all producers.

The tools are an updated Production Directory, a new Production Guide and a new Locations database. Luke said they are all housed on FilmTT’s new web-based film commission software, called MovieSite, an industry-standard service used by film commissions all over the world. She said “FilmTT’s website has also been updated to reflect not only our new brand direction, but to also be an easy entry point to finding the tools. MovieSite is a web-based platform which vastly improves FilmTT’s ability to track productions, build and manage databases of contacts and stakeholders for improved communication, and improves accuracy of data gathering and reporting on the number, type and economic value of local and incoming productions. We are continuing to work with the supplier to expand the powerful functionality of MovieSite to serve the T&T film industry by automating the processing of the Production Expenditure Rebate Programme, and developing a simple film permit system, and these projects will launch later this year.”

Luke said the Production Directory is an online searchable database that both local and international producers can use to find professional production services and non-creative suppliers for their next production. “FilmTT vets each entry through an approval process, ensuring that the professionals listed on the site are fully equipped to provide the listed services at high standards. The UWI Film Programme, UTT, SBCS and COSTAAT have been invited to have their final-year students sign up for the chance to work on production sets, and to gain experience in learning the industry from the ground up. Production and service professionals with credits and experience working in the local film and AV industry are invited to sign up for inclusion on the Production Directory. FilmTT will have ongoing marketing and promotion encouraging professionals to sign up. Potential interns will be vetted as well. Under General Services there are categories for publicists, lawyers, accountants because it’s not just the creative sector that’s involved in film, it’s also the non- creative sector that can service suppliers and provide those services to creatives, and they are becoming certainly more important as we go forward.”

Luke said the Locations Database is an easily searchable online database of locations and festivals across Trinidad and Tobago, accessible by both local and international producers. “This is the first of its kind for T&T, and we are the first country in the Caribbean region to launch such a tool. In addition to our stunning and diverse locations in both T&T, FilmTT has chosen to highlight the country’s festivals and observances, as a unique selling point that differentiates us from the rest of the region. From Carnival to Divali to African religious festivals, this aspect of our culture can be of great interest to producers to shoot film, television or advertising.”

A Production Guide has also been launched on Film TT’s website. Luke said

“The Production Guide is a new 30-page publication that features details on shooting in T&T. It will be distributed to potential clients via email as a PDF, can be accessed as an e-book on FilmTT’s website, and as printed copies at missions and promotional events. The Guide covers information such as the benefits of shooting in T&T, visas and permits, holidays to note in T&T, FilmTT’s services, and the details of the Production Expenditure Rebate Programme.”

Film TT Chairman Dionne McNicol Stephenson said, “Between October to December 2018, FilmTT facilitated eight productions shot on location in T&T, contributing approximately $2.5 million dollars into the economy. The Production Directory, Locations Database and MovieSite Digital Platforms put us ahead of the game regionally in terms of our offerings in attracting international productions. Our competitive edge is also increased by our skilled labour force, low cost of doing general business and our Production Expenditure Rebate. As with the development of any industry, the work to be done is vast and varied. There’s a lot to be done and a lot to be gained, and we are here for it.”

For more information about FilmTT and the production tools, visit http://www.filmtt.co.tt/prodtools.