Hill hails ‘positive response’ to call for projects

The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, has announced an overwhelmingly positive response to a call for projects for the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative (JSDI), with 406 applications received by the April 28 deadline.

The JSDI, launched in January 2024, is a $1 billion initiative by the Government of Jamaica, which seeks to support and strengthen the local screen-based industries. This initiative provides a pool of funds accessible for the completion of eligible screen-based projects across various stages of development. Its focus is providing opportunities for new, emerging, and established professionals in the film and television industry to create more, high-quality, Jamaican content capable of competing in the global market.

“The overwhelming response of applications submitted is a testament to the potential size and strength of Jamaica’s film, television and animation industries,” stated Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce.

“By tapping into our abundant creative talent and appealling to international audiences, we are positioning ourselves as a formidable player in the global market. The Ministry of Industry remains committed to supporting these sectors, fostering growth, and ensuring that our creative industries continue to thrive and contribute to the Jamaican economy. I look forward to the evaluation and approval processes, as well as the production process that will create film products ready for export,” noted Minister Hill.

The call for applications had members of the industry regularising themselves to qualify, by registering with the National Registry of Entertainment and Creative Industries Practitioners (E-Registry), managed by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports. In the E-Registry 65 companies applied for registration by the closing date,including 34 film production companies.

Some 402 individuals also sought registration, 59 of which were for film production. This represented an 828-per-cent increase in company applications and an approximately 450-per-cent increase in individual applications compared to the 2023/24 fiscal year, a release from the ministry outlined.

INTERNAL VALIDATION PROCESS

Shullette Cox, president of JAMPRO, was encouraged by the high volume of applications and noted that she “looks forward to facilitating the creation of high-quality and commercially viable local content that will showcase Brand Jamaica, stimulate economic growth, and open avenues for Jamaican stories to be told to international audiences while allowing local creatives to realise their individual aspirations.”

The applications are now undergoing an internal validation process to establish eligibility against the mandatory criteria and ensure that all required documentation has been submitted. Once validated, the applications will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts based on several factors including demonstrated track record, ability to progress, project development and execution, financial feasibility, market interests and the overall benefit to the Jamaican economy.

Jackie Jackson, film commissioner, also noted that “the positive response to the JSDI’s first tranche echoes the spirit of collaboration, marking a significant milestone in our collective Jamaican film industry journey”.

The JSDI will continue to accept applications for film festivals and market attendance, marketing and distribution and production rebates, on a rolling basis for the remainder of the fiscal year. Due to the volume of applications currently being reviewed, these applications will only be considered after the validation process of the existing project applications is complete.

Successful applicants for the first group of funding will be notified directly by the Film Commission.

For more information visit: https://dobusinessjamaica.com/jamaica-screen-development-initiative/.

The Film Commission, under JAMPRO, is responsible for promoting Jamaica at international festivals, trade shows and content markets as a premier location for filming and to positioning business linkages for Jamaican industry participants.

The commission is tasked with circulating regional and international export and investment opportunities to local industry stakeholders, pursuing investor progression for eligible international projects that will result in the employment of Jamaicans in the film industry, and lobbying for incentives and policies to strengthen the business environment and increase investment opportunities in the industry.