KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaica government has established a one billion dollar (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) Jamaica Screen Fund to finance the development and production of film and television (TV) shows in the country.
Finance and Public Service Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke, speaking at the start of the budget debate on Tuesday, said the Andrew Holness government would continue to support the growth of the local film, television, and animation industry.
He told legislators that the Fund would be established in partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce and that the one billion dollars, an initial amount, will be provided over two years, with J$500 million in 2023/24.
Clarke said that the Fund would enable creatives to devote time and sweat equity to developing their projects to the point where they can receive financing. He said this includes, for example, writing a feature script or a TV series pilot script, producing a short film as proof of concept, or producing a teaser video as proof of concept for animation.
Clarke said the Jamaica Screen Fund would also support the production of films locally by providing a defined percentage of the production costs up to a maximum contribution for local shows, with other rates and thresholds for foreign films being shot in Jamaica once specific criteria are met.
He said that the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce would be responsible for governance arrangements, which will be multi-stakeholder, with the Minister, Aubyn Hill, publishing the rules of the Jamaica Screen Fund, along with guidance on how to access grants and financing, inclusive of what is expected of writers, creatives, and production companies, which receive support.
Clarke explained that the resources for the Fund would remain with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to be drawn down in tranches once the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce approves eligible projects that have completed and fulfilled the application requirements.
In noting the film industry’s potential, the Minister said creative content production could significantly contribute to Jamaica’s economy and gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
He said that film and television employ skilled production crew, technicians, support and logistics staff behind the camera, and a talented cast in front.
“Hundreds of persons can be employed in a single production for months. In addition, the production of film and television generates indirect and spin-off economic impact through the provision of goods and services required and spending in the local economy,” Clarke told the Parliament.
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