Laid-back and breathtakingly beautiful, the Cayman Islands is aiming to attract filmmakers with a generous 30 per cent rebate on productions in this British territory
Cayman Islands, a British overseas territory, is located in the western Caribbean Sea. Known for its coral reefs, scuba diving and shipwrecks, the splashier side of this island is the actual crowd-puller. The Little Cayman’s Bloody Bay Wall is considered the Caribbean’s most sensational wall dive and creates for memorable dips.
The history of this splendid destination dates back to the 16th century, when Christopher Columbus discovered it on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. The Cayman Islands are made up of three islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. These islands are popular among holiday-makers as they are relaxing, calm and laid-back. So, whether driving around, strolling downtown in George Town, the capital, or taking a swim, there’s enough to keep oneself entertained in this beautiful locale.
Climate
The Cayman Islands have a tropical marine climate, with a wet season of warm, rainy summers (May to October) and a dry season of relatively cool winters (November to April).
And if the breathtaking scenery is not enough to attract producers, the incentives offered by the Cayman Islands Film Commission (CIFC – an agency dedicated to the development of the film industry in the Cayman Islands) may help. Many films have already been shot in the Cayman Islands. And with a sophisticated production infrastructure of a trained talent and crew, it minimises the crew that has to be flown in from elsewhere.
General Requirements
• A letter of intent with company information and an application for Media Production Licence along with a script and/or storyboard if applicable
• An estimated time period for production in the Cayman Islands
• An estimated overall budget, with some indication of the amount to be spent while filming here
• All incoming productions must provide evidence of public liability insurance for the duration of their production in the Cayman Islands
• There should be an indication of a Completion Bond being in place from a reputable bond company
• Permits will not be granted if the script content is detrimental to the image of the country and the people of the Cayman Islands
Incentives
The Cayman Islands offers a number of benefits to international productions seeking to utilise the destination. These include the complete support of a film commission that will work to ensure that your production runs smoothly, production-friendly entry requirements and easy access to necessary work permits.
The CIFC offers a 30 per cent rebate on qualifying film, video, commercial and television productions that record on-Island.
The commission also works closely with local vendors and government agencies to offer special rates for a variety of necessary support services. These include, but are not limited to, reduction in government fees on importation of machinery and equipment as well as work permits.
