Business Barbados - 2023 Edition

realize true economic and social potential. Aggressive marketing strategies are required to attract foreign producers/ investors and to upgrade the general position of the locale as a shoot location. It will become necessary to establish film festivals, as well as to actively participate in other regional and international film markets, and to network with key industry players and financiers. Focus should be on production, marketing and consumerism, as well as the adoption of a sustainable apprenticeship training model. Focus should also encompass low-cost shared facilities, utilization of the expertise of local practitioners and strengthened capacity in the area of IP. Funding should be established to continuously master emerging digital technology to facilitate international recognition and marketability of digital products. Private sector support is necessary in areas such as venture capital funding, angel funding, business partnerships. We must continue to explore opportunities to innovate in the distribution arena, working with new partnerships and developing more direct digitally-enabled relationships with our audiences. Kirk Dawson, Managing Director of 13 Degrees North Productions is optimistic about the future: “I would love to see at least three large-scale productions happening on the island every year. These productions would employ at least two hundred Barbadians year-round in every capacity, thereby generating income for all sectors in the economy. Barbados has international global appeal and is viewed as one of the best film locations. We should also have a school for film development and training, with access to direct internships on major productions and production houses across the world.” Barbados has much to offer the global film industry: physical beauty, picturesque land and seascapes, architectural variety, a thriving and hospitable population, developed infrastructure, technological advancement … and a promising future! Phil Archer, Barbadian Production Supervisor for the Netflix series ‘Outer Banks’ 113 BUSINESS BARBADOS 2022