BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 22, 2021 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Filming is set to commence soon in St. Kitts and Nevis on the international comedy film, “One Year Off”.
The film will be the first of a two-movie production deal between UK production and sales firm MSR Media and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA). A number of local actors/models will be featured in the movie, with several locals already being hired for the pre-production process. According to the Department of Information on Nevis, MSR Media is casting local persons with previous acting or modeling experience for three speaking roles in the movie. The production company is also casting for supporting actors or non-speaking roles as well.
A media briefing was hosted by MSR Media at Christophe Harbour Marina on Sunday, March 21, where Government officials including Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris and other Cabinet ministers were introduced to the members of the production team, led by producer Mr. Phillippe Martinez.
Delivering brief remarks at the event, Prime Minister Harris said he is pleased to be witnessing the birth of the film industry in the twin island Federation – one that will provide real jobs, incomes, and real opportunities, especially for our young people involved in hospitality and the creative industries.
“It is opportunities like this from MSR Productions that will help our young people reach their full potential. Mr. Martinez, I recall you recently praised the local Nevisians as having ‘total efficiency and enthusiasm’ in making your production happen. I believe this is further proof, if we ever needed, of just how motivated we are as a people and how willing we are to make a real success of every opportunity,” Prime Minister Harris commented.
“This production is providing jobs for local people. It is also showing the world how ready St. Kitts and Nevis is for more productions and of course more business. It speaks well to our versatility and creativity as a people, and importantly it speaks well to our safety as a nation,” Dr. Harris continued.
The St. Kitts and Nevis prime minister said he expects the filming of these movie productions will inject excitement amongst the nation’s youth and inspire them to pursue careers in the film industry without even having to leave the country.
Prime Minister Harris added, “It will inject interest and curiosity in the global community, putting St. Kitts and Nevis on the map as a filming destination. I assure you Mr. Martinez that my Government is here to work with you as the Task Force has been doing over the last several weeks, as you work with us to build a world class film and creative industry right here in our beautiful Federation.”
It is estimated that four months of filming will inject roughly US$1 million into the St. Kitts and Nevis’ economy.
Moreover, the popular American reality television show, ‘Below Deck’, is also filming here in St. Kitts.