Three major film productions for the Cayman Islands

(CMR) The Cayman Islands has entered into a multi-production deal with Productivity Media and Darius Films to produce three major films.

The films will be produced under agreement with the Cayman Islands Film Commission and the Ministry of International Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs (MITIAMA), and Dart Enterprises.

According to Screen Daily,  the first film Blue Iguana was scheduled to start shooting on Monday, March 8.

Mimi Steinbauer’s Radiant Films International handles worldwide sales on the story of a family reunion in the Cayman Islands where siblings plan to kill their brother for his inheritance, Screen Daily reported.

Jeremy LaLonde directs the film written by Matthew Dressel and which features stars Joel David Moore, Bob Saget, Jason Jones, Carly Chaikin, and Mary Lynn Rajskub. Screen Daily reports that cast and crew were on location.

William G. Santor, CEO of Productivity Media, and Nicholas Tabarrok, president of Darius Films, are producing the film with Leah Jaunzems and Jason Jallet. John Hills and Andrew Chang-Sang serve as executive producers.

 “We are delighted to announce this first-ever multi-picture collaboration with the government of the Cayman Islands. Their vision to develop and foster a robust film industry is very exciting, while offering a safe and secure place for production in these unprecedented times,” Santor said in the Screen Daily report.

According to the report, the government has facilitated access to multiple locations across the islands, hotel support for visiting cast and crew, and expedited work permits and essential administration to allow production to start on time. Dart Enterprises is also providing vital hospitality and logistical support.

Eric Bush, chief officer in the MITIAMA, said these productions would enable the Cayman Islands to become a true contender in the highly competitive arena of global film production.

“This multi-film project will contribute immensely to Cayman’s growing film industry. The producers’ choice of the Cayman Islands for these films showcase its world-class sophistication, which combines global talent, modern infrastructure, amazing natural assets, and true uniqueness of the British Overseas Territory,” Bush said.

Jackie Doak, president of business development at Dart Enterprises, told Screen Daily: “The Cayman Islands is renowned as a safe, sophisticated, and sought after place to live, visit and work, and is even more so now given the successful containment of Covid. The film industry is the latest sector to appreciate the benefits of doing business in a place with a high standard of living, modern infrastructure, a tax-neutral status, and a welcoming community.”