|
|
||||
|
The Official Site of the CHAGUARAMAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies |
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
MYSTIC MASSEUR 2001
|
|
||
|
From its lush green forests, cobalt blue sea and scenic landscape -just off the beaten path from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Port-of-Spain, the Chaguaramas Peninsula is fast becoming the location for film making. In the past two years three films have been shot there – Mystic Masseur, Herman’s Tales, Backlash and Contract Killers. The fact that filmmakers are coming to realize the value of Chaguaramas as a backdrop for quality movies is due in no small part to the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC). Established in 2006, the TTFC’s mandate is to expand the film industry in Trinidad and Tobago by, among other things, promoting the country as a premier film location to local and international filmmakers. As such, the TTFC has been working tirelessly marketing Chaguaramas as an ideal filmscape. Carla Foderingham, CEO of TTFC commented on the company’s commitment to the development of the film industry locally: “Trinidad and Tobago is probably the best kept secret in the Caribbean,” she stated. “There are so many advantages to filming here, but we need to continue to spread awareness of this country’s benefits to filmmakers. Places like Chaguaramas, for example, with its wide-ranging scenery, well developed infrastructure and close proximity to the city will certainly appeal to filmmakers, and we will continue to promote the region in our brochures, our video filmscape guide and on our website. With all that this area has going for it, we have no doubt that many more filmmakers will want to use Chaguaramas for location shoots in the future.” Many aspects of the Chaguaramas Peninsula make it ideal for filmmaking. The area possesses a diversity of landscapes within a small geographic area: an expansive coastline with numerous bays and beaches, mountains and forests, waterfalls and rivers – not to mention a variety of flora and fauna. In addition, well developed infrastructure fully supports the production process – access roads leading into and out of the area and nearby ports and jetties for access via the sea. There is even a heliport. The peninsula also boasts numerous high-end restaurants and entertainment facilities, a golf course and numerous sites and attractions of historical significance. The smaller islands offshore, each one unique in beauty and character, lend even greater diversity. General Manager of the CDA, Ms Judith Mark remarked “ Chaguaramas is simply stunningly beautiful, we keep it pristine and accessible. We offer tremendous value for money for film makers, we invite them to come explore the area with us and let’s give you the best price for your location productions”. An important focus of TTFC has been to foster the development of more indigenous content and ensuring that that content is distributed around the world. The TTFC therefore offers special incentives by way of production assistance and incentives to nationals and residents of Trinidad and Tobago who make movies here. All three films shot on location in Chaguaramas were produced by local talent. G. Anthony Joseph, for example is a prolific Trinidadian actor, writer, director and producer now living in Los Angeles. He is probably most famously remembered for his production of the local TV movie, Men of Gray, but he continues to achieve success as President of Tritan-Northstar Entertainment. Having shot both Backlash and Contract Killers on location in Trinidad he complimented the TTFC’s the hard work and determination for ensuring the films were successful and indicated that he was looking forward future projects with them. Herman’s Tales was produced and directed by local talent, Kirk Budhooram who also starred in the film series. He too has benefitted from the opportunities offered by the TTFC, and his work was featured at the 2007 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival which the TTFC organizes annually. |
||||
|
Here are profiles of the films that have been filmed in Chaguaramas: |
||||
 |
 |
|||
|
Mystic’ Masseur (2001) The main set used within the film - a shop – is still standing in the area near opposite the old church on the road to Macqueripe. This Merchant Ivory Production was based on the novel The Mystic Masseur by V. S. Naipaul. The film is about a frustrated writer of Indian descent who rises from an impoverished background to become a successful politician on the back of his dubious talent as a ‘mystic’ masseur – a masseur who can cure illnesses.
|
Herman’s Tales (2006) Herman’s Tales is a six-episode comedic series. It is a Caribbean comedy featuring both puppets and humans. The show mixes crime, gang violence, a superhero, kidnapping and romance and focuses on themes such as inefficiency of the police service and gaining respect in the army. One of those episodes, Herman’s Tales: Banana Robber (2006) premiered at the first Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival 2006 and was later screened on the local TV channel CMNG and at both Carifesta 2006 Film Festival and UNESCO Film Festival 2006. The fourth episode, Herman’s Tales: Kidnapped was premiered at Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival 2007, where it won a People’s Choice Award for the Best |
|||
|
|
|
|
||
|
Backlash (2006) In this explosive, action packed thriller, beautiful- but deadly - CIA operative Skye Gold is sent to Trinidad to hide out after breaking up a large illegal arms smuggling operation. Soon after she arrives on the island, Skye discovers that her superiors at the CIA are not the only ones who know her whereabouts. It’s a deadly race against time as Skye must stay one step ahead of two hired assassins and rogue agents while running through the island’s hypnotic streets during Carnival. Danielle Burgio, Kevin Levrone, Lauren Kim, Bas Rutten star. |
Contract Killers(2006) The film features young Swedish actress Frida Farrell in the role of Jane. The movie takes viewers on a roller-coaster ride as Jane is on the run from the company she once worked for as she has evidence of them being involved in fraud. The company, knowing their secret is out, tries to frame Jane who ends up on the popular and prosperous Caribbean island called Trinidad. They later hire a highly-trained contract killer from the island, to eliminate her. Contract Killers is written, directed and edited by debut director Justin Rhodes and produced by G. Anthony Joseph.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
| home Chaguaramas | Investments CDA | |||
|
making CHAGUARAMAS ... the place to be |
||||
|
Contact Us Terms & Conditions Leasing Policy News Site Map Privacy Policy |
||||
|
Copyright © Chaguaramas Development Authority |
||||
