Charlestown, Nevis, June 1, 2021….MSR Media Producer, Philippe Martinez announced that he will shoot the new romantic comedy feature film Two Weeks in Paradise as the first film to start production under a ground-breaking extension of the multi-film production deal with the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) in the Caribbean. Written by Kate Wood (Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop) Martinez will also direct Two Weeks in Paradise. The film will begin principal photography in June on Nevis, the tropical island that is part of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
Following an agreement struck earlier this year for a two-picture deal with the NIA, MSR Media has now extended that deal for multiple films to be shot over a period of three years. Negotiated with the Nevisian Premier, The Hon. Mark Brantley and his team, the new transformative arrangement effectively guarantees the formal launch of the film industry in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Filming operations for the new agreement will center on the idyllic island of Nevis that continues to be a welcome safe haven from Covid-19.
The production house was formally welcomed by the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, The Hon. Timothy Harris.
Two films shot so far; One Year Off and Assailant and this has been a boon to the local economy, creating 80 full-time jobs. 40 crew members have been hired locally and MSR Media is providing continued production training and education to the local community to create an experienced film crew while boosting the island’s production infrastructure.
In that regard, MSR Media launched an Acting Academy on the island, with seven local actors having already appeared in MSR Media’s feature film Assailant while a number of actors from the Academy are expected to be cast in Two Weeks in Paradise.
Premier Brantley commented “This new multi-year multi-film deal is truly good news for Nevis. My Government’s vision for a film industry, born out of a need to diversify our economy from its heavy dependence on tourism, is bearing spectacular fruit due to this partnership with MSR Media.
The benefits to the local economy in terms of jobs, critical skills transfer and global recognition of Nevis are obvious. My Government is committed to this relationship with MSR and to developing this film industry for the benefit of the people of our beloved country.”
Martinez added, “We are absolutely thrilled to extend this partnership with the Nevis Island Administration and support the economic growth of this beautiful, authentic and vibrant island and the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
It is particularly exciting to be on the ground floor of the emerging film industry and provide resources to build strong local crews and acting talent. We have been thoroughly impressed with the progress and skills we have seen so far, and we only see opportunities for the local community to grow as we shoot more titles. The welcoming support from Mark Brantley and Timothy Harris is truly inspiring. Coupled with this stunning and tropical island setting, it all can’t be beat!”
Two Weeks in Paradise tells the tale of Maggie, a film star whose world collapses when her film director husband is outed by the paparazzi when it is discovered he has had a baby with his new leading lady. Seeking solace and healing Maggie escapes to her ex-pat cousin’s beautiful hotel in Nevis. After two weeks in paradise, she finds herself and new love. Then the outside world comes crashing back in.
The film is produced by MSR Media’s Martinez and Highfield Grange Studios’ Alan Latham. Lee Beasley and Karinne Behr from MSR Media, Alastair Burlingham of Sherborne Media and Charlie Dombek serve as Executive Producers. Production financing is being provided by Sherborne Media. MSR Media International is handling worldwide rights for the film.
Two Weeks in Paradise is the third film to be shot on the Island of Nevis. MSR Media recently completed production for the new suspense thriller Assailant starring Poppy Delevingne, Chad Michael Collins, Casper Van Dien and Jeff Fahey and wrapped principal photography for their new comedy feature film One Year Off earlier this year.
Under the production deal, the Nevisian government is offering access to multiple locations across the island and hotel support for visiting cast members.
In 2020, MSR Media successfully completed production of two movies shot during COVID restrictions in the UK – the family comedy Father Christmas is Back, starring Liz Hurley, Kelsey Grammer, and John Cleese, and the family adventure Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop, starring Nathalie Cox and Kelsey Grammer. Also, in 2020 Gravitas Ventures released MSR Media’s My Dad’s Christmas Date starring Jeremy Piven.