Trinidad and Tobago is a secret paradise, a key location that you must check out when you're out on location scouting. Located at the southwest tip of the Caribbean archipelago, the twin island nation will mesmerize you with its nature, colors, and diverse culture. F.A: WHAT IS THE HISTORY AND MISSION OF THE TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FILM COMPANY? TTFC: The Trinidad & Tobago Film Company Limited (TTFC) is a statutory agency established that facilitates the development of the local film industry. We are also responsible for the generation of revenue and employment within the sector, as well as the promotion of Trinidad and Tobago as a premier location for international productions. The objectives of the TTFC are to stimulate employment and investment in Trinidad and Tobago: a) by contributing to the continued expansion of a business environment in T & T that is advantageous to the growth of the film and television industry and to the growth of new employment, investment and production opportunities; b) by facilitating and supporting innovation, invention and excellence in the film and television industry by stimulating creative production, format innovation and new models of collaboration among sectors of the cultural media industry; c) by fostering and facilitating co-operation among entities within the film and television industry and between the public and private sectors to stimulate synergies in product development and the creation of products with original local content; d) by assisting in the promotion and marketing of Trinidad and Tobago film industry as a world-class leader; e) by administering local tax credit programs and such other programs and initiatives as may be required by legislation or by a Minister of the Government; and f) by acting as a catalyst for information, research and technological development in the cultural media industry nationally and internationally. F.A: HOW DOES YOUR GEOGRAPHY, DIVERSE CULTURE AND POPULATION AFFECT YOUR SERVICES AND ESTABLISHMENT? TTFC: The diversity of our culture and population presents a unique location to filmmakers especially, having an artistic and creative society, including a growing number of highly skilled professionals with film and video experience, all within a cosmopolitan society. Hence, ensuring that the highest level of service is provided at all times. Trinidad and Tobago is an easily accessible location within close proximity and located outside of the hurricane belt. It also has a diversified and unique landscape, fauna and flora with a cross-fertilization of cultures reflected in our music, food and national festivals such as, Divali-The Hindu Festival of Lights; Eid-ul-fitr and Hosea, to name a few. F.A: WHAT MAKES TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO A KEY LOCATION? TTFC: Located at the southwest tip of the Caribbean archipelago, the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago differs significantly from its regional counterparts. We pride ourselves on our First World outlook, which has spawned industries ranging from Energy production and manufacturing to Agro- and food processing and financial services. Our economic and political stability, well established infrastructure, cutting-edge communications and vibrant commercial sector make doing business with us easy and uncomplicated. Ethnically and culturally diverse, our people are a product of our history-reflected in their faces of Amerindian, European, Mediterranean, African, East Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern descent. If your film calls for ethnic specificity or for multi-ethnicity, it’s here… This diversity is mirrored throughout Trinidad and Tobago landscape. The two islands present unique contrasts with Trinidad’s exuberant, cosmopolitan style complemented by Tobago’s quiet charm and soulful simplicity. Pristine coastlines, rainforests, mountains, savannahs, quaint fishing villages, multi-cultural sites, and a variety of architectural styles create exquisite backdrops for stories set in the Caribbean or other landscapes. F.A: HOW DO YOU BUILD AND BRIDGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE NORTH AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN FILM INDUSTRIES? TTFC: Marketing is directed at the North American, European an Indian markets to attract international film producers to Trinidad and Tobago, building the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company brand and expanding the film industry. TTFC hosts familiarization tours to provide a first hand introduction to international industry professionals of the value of filming on location in Trinidad and Tobago. A Trinidad and Tobago presence is made available at international film conferences, Association of Film Commissioners International trade fairs and festivals including Cannes, to stimulate destination awareness and provide an international forum for forging professional networks. Moreover, TTFC has working on the ground a US based Agency to stimulate consumers, film and television industry regarding the accessibility to T&T. In addition to this, TTFC seeks to build awareness through fostering relationships with T&T Ambassadors located overseas. TTFC is a member of The Association of Film Commissioner International. Our website is presently available on: www.trinidadandtobagofilm.com F.A: CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE LASTEST PRODUCTIONS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO? TTFC: Some of our latest Productions include: a) “Dulha Mil Gaya” “Say Yes to a Relationship” (2007): The top Bollywood stars included Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen & Fardeen Khan. The movie was produced by Maverick Insight Productions, led by producer Viveck Vaswani & was written & directed by Mudassar Aziz. b) “Jab”, documentary on Paramin’s Blue Devils – (2006/2007): A 47 min. documentary, directed by Alex De Verteuil in 2006. This beautifully made film depicts the transformation of a tranquil paradise into a living hell as the Jab competes to win the prize for being the worst devil. c) The Ghost of Hing King Estate – Produced by Francis Escayg. (2007): The Ghost of Hing King Estate is a mystery drama based on actual events that explores the story of a series of mysterious deaths over a six-month period on an estate in Las Cuevas. Escayg is one of Trinidad's top musicians and producers with three decades of experience. d) Westwood Park created by Danielle Diffenthaller Westwood Park weaves the story of DuSoleil and Gunn-Munroe families, whose affluent lifestyles and picture perfect smiles become less than idyllic on closer inspection. Set in lush and luxurious locations, Westwood Park is driven by the universal topics of love, hate, power, lust, greed, corruption, romance, heartbreak and the strive for social justice and consciousness. F.A: WOULD YOU SAY THAT THERE’S A RAPIDLY GROWING AND YOUNG INDUSTRY THAT ATTRACTS BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN FILMMAKERS OUT THERE? TTFC: The Trinidad and Tobago film industry is a rapidly evolving machinery that is fuelled by the highly skilled labour force, driven by competent production houses, with the foundation of highly artistic and creative society within a diverse location. Moreover, through the attractive incentives as the 30% Cash Rebate, our industry is poised to provide local and foreign filmmakers an ideal location to film their next project. Locally, the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company has continued to develop platforms for industry development by the introduction of the following programs: • The Production Assistance and Script Development Program (PASD) offers seed funding to encourage the development of film productions and script-writing locally. • Training and Internship Programs • Feature Film Fund provides equity financing for feature film-makers. • The Trinidad &Tobago Film Festival • Outreach Programmes – designed to inform rural communities of the T&T FILM focus and to showcase local films. • Public Film Shows – TTFC takes local and regional films to the people of T&T since little local content available on TV or in cinemas. Institutional programmes include: a. B.A. Film Degree Programme started at the University of the West indies (UWI), St. Augustine b. University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT programme) in Fine Arts to come on stream; In Trinidad and Tobago, the TTFC works in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Office for the temporary importation of film and television equipment into the country without the need to post a bond, pay duties or value added tax, provided that such equipment is re-exported on completion of the film production. We also facilitate workshops e.g. Dov Simens 2-day Film School Workshop Scriptwriting Seminar – ‘How To Pitch’ F.A: WHAT IS TTFC’S ROLE IN OTHER FILM INDUSTRY EVENTS SUCH AS FESTIVALS AND MARKETS? To market the products and services of our film professionals. To build our local film industry and generate more economic revenue for Trinidad and Tobago. To sell Trinidad and Tobago as a location centre for filming. TTFC conduct Outreach Programmes, which includes various schools and local communities in Trinidad and Tobago. TTFC also provides sponsorship for the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festivals and Movietowne Secondary Schools Competition. Trinidad and Tobago Film Festivals includes: a) The Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) – shorts, documentaries and feature films (formerly known as the Kairi Film Festival). b) Animae Caribe Animation c) New Media Festival. For more information on Trinidad & Tobago Film Company, please visit www.filmannex.com/TTFC Interview by Eren Gulfidan - www.filmannex.com/Eren%20Gulfidan