Rio Seco Waterfall, Trinidad
Photo Courtesy: Stephen Broadbridge
Nestled at the base of the Caribbean chain of islands is the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Known worldwide for the invention of the steelpan, the music genres of Calypso and Soca, the Limbo Dance and the pioneering of Caribbean-styled Carnival, T&T can also boast of being one of the most attractive filming locations in the Caribbean, if not the world.
Here’s why your next production should be filmed here:
1. Hefty Cash-Back Incentive: Trinidad and Tobago offers one of the most competitive rebates in the region. Both local and international filmmakers can benefit from up to 35% cash back on qualifying services, and 20% for hiring qualifying T&T-based labour.
T&T film and AV producers, see below for details on qualifying for the rebate:
International filmmakers, learn more on how you can benefit from the rebate below:
Apply now to take advantage of Trinidad and Tobago’s rebate programme!
2. Location, Location, Location: What’s a rebate incentive without a great location to shoot? Trinidad and Tobago is so aesthetically diverse, that the country provides visual content producers with a variety of backdrops for their next big or small production. Because of its location in the Caribbean Sea, its proximity to the South American mainland, and diverse cultural make-up and history, the country offers you picturesque beaches, dense and lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, traditional Hindu temples, bustling cities, rural and urban locations, and historic architecture, and more! Click here to see FilmTT’s Location Gallery.
The rich culture of the islands will also lead you to explore and shoot our many fascinating festivals like Carnival, Divali, Hosay, Orisha observances, and the Tobago Heritage Festival.
What makes T&T even more unique as a Caribbean filming location is its ability to double as cities and countries miles away from it. T&T stands in for Brazil, India, other Caribbean islands, and even Vietnam which can save filmmakers money on travel and expensive production costs in other countries. Films such as Girlfriends Getaway, Dulha Mil Gaya and Home Again have already done this by portraying the country as the USA, India and Jamaica respectively.
A view of Trinidad’s North Coast
Photo Courtesy: Stephen Broadbridge
An 85-foot tall statue of the Hindu god, Lord Hanuman located in the village of Carapichaima, Trinidad. This is the largest Hanuman Murti outside India.
Photo Courtesy: Lorraine O’Connor
The Nariva Swamp
Photo Courtesy: Stephen Broadbridge
Locations in Trinidad and Tobago. See More
3. A Supportive Team: The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (FilmTT) will be your guide from before you even arrive in T&T to the close of your production. As your first point of contact, FilmTT will be your liaison with industry partners, the community, production houses and Government agencies during the production process.
FilmTT will make this process smooth for you by:
- Working with Government ministries and agencies to secure film permissions
- Working with Customs and a waiver importation fees for film, television and radio equipment and all other production items brought in as accompanied baggage into Trinidad and Tobago
- Connecting you to a list of locations managers here in T&T
- Providing a network of support from industry partners for preferred rates for airline travel, local transportation, accommodation, equipment and services
Click here to view the full list of requirements for filming in T&T.
4. Talent Abounds: Trinbagonians are a talented bunch of people. There are developing as well as and experienced individuals on the islands for every step of production, and you will easily find skilled industry professionals, from actors to production assistants to editors. This is reflected in the local film festivals trinidad and tobago film festival (ttff), Animae Caribe Animation and Digital Media Festival and Green Screen Environmental Film Festival from which you can observe that a film culture is clearly thriving. In fact, FilmTT has launched its updated Production Directory, which will be an extensive database of local industry professionals for your ease of contact.
Trinidad and Tobago has a lot to offer your production, as our film and audio visual industry grows. For decades, local and international producers have reaped the benefits of filming in Trinidad and Tobago. Fire Down Below (1957), Swiss Family Robinson (1960), Bim (1974), Season 11 of Real World/Road Rules Challenge (2005), PAN! Our Music Odyssey (2014), The Cutlass (2017), an episode of Naked and Afraid (2017) and most recently, the June 18th episode of CNN’s Parts Unknown starring Anthony Bourdain, are only a few of the productions that have been shot in the country.
Visit FilmTT’s official site to begin your journey to one of the hottest film locations today!