Another series being shot in the mamanucas currently in pre-production stage
Maraia vula
suva
Government yesterday handed more than $3.6 million as tax rebate to Imagination Television (Fiji) Limited.
The rebate was for the movie Beauty and the Geek which was shot in the Coral Coast from April 27 to June 8 the past year.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Industry and Trade, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said it was part of the very wonderful package the Fijian Government offers to movie producers.
“We give a 47 per cent rebate on all productions in Fiji, it is not just simply a question on the production span but obviously create an industry within Fiji,” he said.
“But with the coming of production houses in Fiji, obviously enhances our reputation and builds a lot of local capacity as part and parcel.
“One of the reasons we got into this rebate was to not just the multiplier effect but also for tourism as it complements it.
“Through our marketing span, we are targeting new markets in Asia, China and India so its good publicity for Fiji.
“There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes as you look at the new regulations put in place it creates a lot of transparency.”
Film Fiji acting chairperson, Shaenaz Voss, said the television company absolutely added value to the tourism industry because they are able to depict what Fiji has and can offer.
Company creative director Darryl McEwen said: “The locations are fantastic and I love working with the local people and will come back at any time.
“I guess this is the completion of all that work because we’ve got the rebate and satisfied all the needs of the Fijian Government.”
More to come
Another television series is currently set to be filmed at Mana Island.
Mr McEwen said: “We are shooting another series out in the Mamanuca’s we are in pre-production at the moment and due to shoot in May similar type of series to this.
“The success of this series has immediately brought others to the country to shoot more TV show and we expect that to continue.
“Production hasn’t gotten underway and nine overseas people running 65 local people in the construction period in building the construction set.”
He highlighted over the period of the television series production from beginning till the end thousands of people would be employed.
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