Trinidad and Tobago will be featured in the upcoming premiere of season 32 of the Amazing Race television series scheduled to be aired on CBS on October 13, 2020. During a press conference held on Tuesday 22 September, 2020, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry announced that the reality series was shot on locations in both Trinidad and Tobago, in November 2018. She also indicated that 310 locals were hired and TT$ 1,915,000. 00 was spent filming on location.
Minister Gopee-Scoon acknowledged that this accomplishment was in large part attributable to the ongoing efforts of FilmTT ( a state agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry), to market Trinidad and Tobago as an ideal location for international film production. She indicated that the Amazing Race was among thirty-five (35) film productions of varying genres, sizes and budgets shot in Trinidad and Tobago in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, spending approximately TT$18,900,000 and employing 629 locals. She also announced that five (5) major production companies have commenced discussions with Film TT and have signaled their interest to film in Trinidad and Tobago in 2021, with an overall estimated projected spend of over TT$78,000,000.00. Minister Gopee-Scoon underscored the Government’s commitment to developing the film industry, she said “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has and continues to play an active role in developing our indigenous film industry and promoting Trinidad and Tobago as a choice location for filming.”
Assemblyman Shomari Hector, Assistant Secretary in the Division of Tourism, Culture and Transportation, Tobago House of Assembly stated that various sectors of the island of Tobago benefitted immensely from the production. Noting the rich history of Tobago and its culture, Assemblyman Hector indicated that the Division will continue to work to enhance its cultural offerings, sites and attractions in preparation for future production opportunities.
Dionne Mc Nicol Stephenson, Chairman of FilmTT indicated that “the production engaged services ranging from food and beverage, to hotels, to transport, to dry cleaning, to medical which is typical of film production. It has the potential to add to the economy in almost every sector, revenue that would not have otherwise existed. It is for this reason that we continue to work towards sustained levels of film production, of both local and international, even in this COVID-19 reality.”
Ms. Lorraine O’Connor, Local Line Producer/Facilitator for Amazing Race expressed her commitment to presenting Trinidad and Tobago in the best light possible, showcasing our people, our cultural traditions, our steelband and our carnival, the beauty of our natural environment, the quality of our professionals and the talent of our creatives.
