The Fijian Government will continue to support industries that can influence Fiji’s socio economic growth.
Attorney-General Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said many people did not realise the importance of production companies that shoot advertisements and films in Fiji as they thought of only taxes as a form of revenue for the country.
He said these productions through its multiplier effect leads to revenue and employment of Fijians who gain new skills through this exposure that they can use in Fiji or abroad.
While handing over a tax rebate cheque of close to $0.5 million to welcomefiji, a production company that produced an advertisement for Aero Plan, a frequent flyers programme tied up with Air Canada, he welcomed similar future ventures and assured them of Government support.
“This is one of the untapped areas in terms of production where previously the mindset has only been on movies.”
“This one is probably the biggest one in terms of rebates for advertising and we thank you for bringing this to Fiji and you have essentially become our Ambassadors,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
He said companies interested in producing advertisements in Fiji can be assured that the country has a rebate system in place that works and is transparent.
Production company welcomefiji’s executive producer Mr Nic Leggett said the advertisement which was shot for over three days at InterContinental Resort in Natadola, brought in 25 people from Canada who flew Fiji Airways and stayed at the resort.
The advertisement has been on air in Canada and the United States for over a year.
FilmFiji chief executive officer, Mr Dallas Foon said they were excited with the venture as it provided a great exposure for Fiji since such big brands will run their advertisements around many countries.
“These big brands release their advertisements all over the world showcasing Fiji so we are always happy to facilitate and assist in productions that want to come and shoot major TV commercials here in Fiji,” Mr Foon said.
DEPTFO