A Major New Caribbean Film Hub
By Dana Niland, CJ Contributor
Is Antigua the New Caribbean Hollywood?
Golden Island Filmworks, an independent feature film finance and production company, has closed on a $125 million equity financing agreement with the government of Antigua and Barbuda. This agreement will commit to an initial slate of five feature films and launch Antigua’s long-term commitment to film production.
The Newly Created Venture
The newly created venture is run by producer Rudy Langlais, who was born in the West Indies, along with his partners, Caribbean social entrepreneur Valmiki Kempadoo, producer Don Allan, and film executive Neil Sacker. Kempadoo is best known in the region as the man behind St Kitts and Nevis’ Kittitian Hill project.
A Revolutionary Film Financing Model
The arrangement employs a revolutionary film financing model that uses funds generated by the Antigua Citizenship Investment Program, and invests them into the $125 million film slate. The first five feature films are budgeted between $20 and $85 million, against a cumulative budget of $250 million.
The Projects
The projects to be produced through this arrangement range from “Rebels,” a journey through the life of Bob Marley featuring never before revealed stories and music, to “Nick Carter: Killmaster,” based on the long-running espionage franchise. Portions of all five films will be shot on the island, thereby injecting tens of millions of dollars into the local economy while also fostering employment growth.
The Impact
“Of all the projects that I have had the privilege of bringing to Antigua, this project has the potential to create the biggest impact on both the economy and the social transformation of Antigua,” said Ambassador at Large Dr. Joseph John, who was instrumental in structuring the venture. “It brings a whole new industry into Antigua that will affect tourism and culture.”
Conclusion
The partnership between Golden Island Filmworks and the government of Antigua and Barbuda is poised to transform the island into a major new Caribbean film hub. With its revolutionary film financing model and commitment to producing high-quality films, Antigua is poised to become a major player in the global film industry.
FAQs
* What is the budget for the first five feature films?
+ The budget for the first five feature films is between $20 and $85 million, against a cumulative budget of $250 million.
* How will the films be financed?
+ The films will be financed through a revolutionary film financing model that uses funds generated by the Antigua Citizenship Investment Program.
* What is the potential impact on the local economy?
+ The production of the films is expected to inject tens of millions of dollars into the local economy while also fostering employment growth.
* Who is behind the venture?
+ The venture is run by producer Rudy Langlais, who was born in the West Indies, along with his partners, Caribbean social entrepreneur Valmiki Kempadoo, producer Don Allan, and film executive Neil Sacker.