PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The dual island nation of Trinidad & Tobago and its Los Angeles and Miami based film commission marketing firm, Diamond Film Locations, recently hosted film and television location scouts from Los Angeles and New York for a six day scouting visit.
The objective of the trip was to provide these industry powerhouses with a comprehensive look at the diversity of Trinidad and Tobago’s location options, educate them on the competitive cash rebate program offered for productions and expenditures on island and introduce them to the country’s talented industry professionals.
“Our islands are a reflection of our diversity, evident in the people, food and architecture. The entertainment industry is constantly looking for new, unique and specialty locations, we have all of that and more,” stated Carla Foderingham, chief executive officer for the TTFC. “We felt it important to show them first hand what we can offer.”
Attendees included LA based film and television scouts Nancy Haecker, whose credits include projects such as the popular television show House, M.D. and films such as 8 Mile, Any Given Sunday, The Postman, Phone Booth and The Last Sunset; Michelle Latham, whose scouted for television and films such as The X-Files, Mission Impossible III, National Treasure, Star Trek, and CSI Miami; and New York based film and commercial scout, John Hutchinson, with credits ranging from the X-Men feature film to commercials for Bacardi.
Also, Producer Monique Caulfield and Director Dan Baron were scouting for their upcoming feature film, Basmati Blues, which is set in India although now Trinidad is being strongly considered as the location.
Jody Diamond, Rosie Sandler and Jennifer Fragoso from the TTFC’s US based film commission marketing company, Diamond Film Locations, were also on island to assist with the facilitation of the trip. “The scouts had an eye opening visit. They were both surprised and impressed with how different and unique the architecture and terrain is from the rest of the region.
Additionally, they are very supportive of the initiatives put forth by the TTFC and want to do all they can to help, including telling other industry executives about their visit,” said Jody Diamond, president of Diamond Film Locations. “The cash rebate program, TTFC’s attendance at November’s American Film Market and now this trip have the industry talking about T&T being a viable option in the film, commercial and television market. Additionally, these types of individuals can bring projects to the destination that will have a positive impact on the local businesses, the people and the economy.”
The Trinidad & Tobago Film Company (TTFC) is a statutory agency established to facilitate the development of the local film industry, as well as the promotion of Trinidad and Tobago as a premiere location for international productions.
Diamond Film Locations is a full service representation company specializing in promoting domestic and overseas location options and film commissions to the feature film, commercial and television industry.
